Copyright Photo: Frontier Airlines.

Republic Airlines (2nd) (Indianapolis) has painted its first Embraer ERJ 190 for sister airline Frontier Airlines (2nd) (Denver). Previously Republic operated 12 Embraer ERJ 170s in Frontier Airlines colors. Ex-US Airways Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N174HQ (msn 19000211) was unveiled in a special ceremony yesterday (April 29) in Milwaukee and honors the State of Wisconsin (the former home of Midwest Airlines) with an image of an unnamed Wisconsin Badger on the tail.

During the unveiling, Frontier Airlines announced it is inviting residents of the Badger State to help the airline to name the badger.

According to the airline, “The choice of the badger to adorn the tail of our newest Embraer ERJ 190 honors the Wisconsin roots of Midwest Airlines,” said Jim Reichart, vice president of sales, distribution and loyalty programs. “We hope the residents of Wisconsin will submit their most memorable and creative monikers for their newest badger.”

Frontier has created an online form, at FrontierMidwest.com/namethebadger, so Wisconsin residents can submit the name they would like for their state animal and our most recent recruit into the Frontier animal family. Entries will be accepted through May 24, after which the names will be pared down to three finalists. Wisconsin residents will then be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite from May 28 through July 4. The badger’s name will be announced July 5.

The 99-seat ERJ 190, which features a two-by-two, all-leather seating configuration, will go into service tomorrow (May 1).