Compass Airlines (Delta Connection) (Minneapolis/St. Paul) is closing its Detroit pilot and flight attendant crew base on June 1 according to the Detroit News.
Read the full report: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Compass Airlines’ Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N622CZ (msn 17000219) taxies at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hub.
Delta Connection-Compass aircraft slide show:ย 
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) is adding four additional Embraer ERJ 175 American Eagle routes from Los Angeles International Airport. Los Angeles – Austin will be started on May 7 along with Los Angeles – San Antonio. Additionally on June 4, the Los Angeles – Edmonton and Los Angeles – Vancouver routes will also be added per Airline Route.
In other news, American Airlines and US Airways hope to receive a single operating certificate (SOC) in early April from the FAA completing the merger process. US Airways meanwhile has started using the “American” call sign, retiring the former “Cactus” (America West) call sign. The end of US Airways is near.
Copyright Photo: Chris Sands/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines’ “Brickyard 4231” arrives from Jacksonville at Miami International Airport (MIA).
American Airlines aircraft slide show:ย
American Eagle-Republic Airlines aircraft slide show:ย
KLM Cityhopper (Amsterdam) is adding more Embraer E-Jets including 15 Embraer E175+s, a new type for the carrier. Embraer just issued this statement:
Embraer announced today a firm order for 15 E175s and two E190s from KLM Cityhopper, KLM’s regional subsidiary. The contract for the 17 E-Jets also includes an option for 17 additional E-Jets for KLM Cityhopper or Air France regional subsidiary HOP!
Both the E190s and the E175s will be configured in single-class layouts. They will join the 28 E190s already flying with KLM Cityhopper to replace the remaining 19 Fokker F70s that the carrier is phasing out.
The delivery of the first E190 is scheduled to occur by year-end. The first E175 will join KLM Cityhopper’s fleet in the first quarter of 2016. The Air France/KLM group started the process of replacing the Fokker 100 for E-Jets in Regional/Air France and KLM Cityhopper in 2008, in order to enhance the existing network and to permit the development of new routes. When the last aircraft from this order is delivered, Air France/KLM group will have 71 E-Jets, the largest E-Jet fleet in Europe.
The E175s feature a new wingtip that, among other technical enhancements, improves aerodynamic performance. Fuel consumption on a typical flight is 6.4% lower than the original E175. The reduction makes the operating economics of today’s E175s comparable to large-capacity turboprops and presents new opportunities for the E175.
KLM Cityhopper operates around 300 flights a day for KLM. These flights all serve cities within Europe, 54 of which are essentially business destinations. Each day, around 18,000 passengers choose to fly with KLM Cityhopper.
KLM issued this statement:
Arrival of the new Embraers will be coupled with phasing out nineteen Fokker 70s from service. The timing will be synchronised with the delivery of the Embraers. In 2018, the KLM Cityhopper fleet will consist of thirty E190 and fifteen E175+ aircraft. This represents an enormous efficiency gain since the entire fleet will then consist of Embraer aircraft. KLM Cityhopperโs cockpit crews operate both Embraer types.
Additionally, KLM Cityhopper and Hop! have together signed an option for seventeen new Embraers. Increased seat capacity The seat capacity of the KLM Cityhopper fleet will increase with the acquisition of the new Embraers. The E190 is equipped with 100 seats and the E175+ boasts 88 seats. The Fokker 70 offers 80 seats; the middle seat cannot be booked in Business Class.
The fifteen E175+ will be equipped with ultramodern slim seats. The two E190s will be equipped with the same comfortable seats as those in the existing Embraer 190 fleet.
Better fuel efficiency The new Embraer fleet boasts far better fuel efficiency in comparison with the Fokker 70 fleet. The latest E175+ is the most efficient and economical aircraft in the Embraer series. And the aircraft will of course also be delivered in the new KLM livery.
Copyright Photo: The larger Embraer ERJ 190-100STD PH-EZL (msn 19000334) taxies at London’s Heathrow Airport.
KLM Cityhopper aircraft slide show:ย
FDA-Fuji Dream Airlinesย (Makinohara, Shizuoka) has taken delivery of its ninth Embraer E-Jet. The pictured ERJ 170-200STD (ERJ 175) JA09FJ (msn 17000464) was handed over in Brazil on March 19 and is painted gold (above). JA09FJ has now been welcomed to Japan (below).
Each aircraft features an unique color making for a very colorful fleet (below).
Read the full report from ZipanguFlyer: CLICK HERE
Photos: FDA (above) and Embraer (below).
FDA aircraft slide show:ย
Embraer and Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Airlines 2nd) (Indianapolis), operator of the largest E-Jet fleet in the world, signed an order for five new E175 jets. The contract, with an estimated value of $222 million, based on Embraer’s list price, will be included in the 2015 first-quarter backlog. The aircraft, configured in dual class with 76 seats, are expected to be delivered in mid- 2016.
This order of five E-Jets is in addition to the previous two orders for E175s placed by Republic in January 2013, for 47 firm aircraft, and in September 2014, for 50 firm aircraft. Apart from this new order, Republic maintains 32 options for the E175s.
Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (marketed now as the E175) N401YX (msn 17000363) lands at Miami International Airport (MIA).
American Eagle-Republic Airlines Slide Show:ย
United Airlines (Chicago) will introduce new premium-cabin dining service on United Express flights beginning next week, featuring freshly prepared entrees served on chinaware and expanded meal-service times for United First and United Business customers on regional flights.
The airline continues:
These dining improvements are part of United’s previously announced multi-million-dollar investment in in-flight food service.
The new meal service will be introduced in phases by aircraft type, with the new menus available on United Express North America flights operated with Embraer E170 (above) and E175 aircraft beginning March 1, and on Bombardier CRJ700 and Q400 aircraft beginning in April.
More Choices, More Often
New breakfast, lunch and dinner menus designed by United’s team of chefs will be offered on flights of more than two hours and twenty minutes.
Breakfast flights may include a fresh fruit plate served with cereal, creamy Greek yogurt and breakfast bread.
Lunch and dinner will feature two freshly-prepared entree choices that may include an artisanal pretzel roll filled with tangy barbecue chicken and coleslaw paired with a tri-color quinoa side salad; or ginger and garlic marinated beef with pickled vegetables and crisp edamame, served with Asian sesame dressing and a side of fresh fruit. Flight attendants will serve signature triple chocolate chunk cookies as dessert on lunch and dinner flights.
Other highlights include:
On flights of less than one hour, gourmet biscotti will be served on early morning flights and a premium fruit and nut snack mix will be served on later flights.
On flights between one hour and two hours and twenty minutes, flight attendants will offer light refreshments that include a selection of premium snacks and fresh fruit.
The airline is also adding light refreshments to flights departing between 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and after 8 p.m.
Photo Above: United Airlines. The barbeque chicken and coleslaw sandwich.
United Express Inflight Entertainment
The airline is continuing improvements to the United Express inflight experience by outfitting more than 200 E175, E170 and CRJ700 regional jets with Gogo’s ATG-4 advanced air-to-ground Wi-Fi product. By mid-2015, United expects to complete installation on these aircraft.
Additionally, the company will begin providing Personal Device Entertainment on these regional jets this year, offering customers hundreds of complimentary movies and television shows to view on their Apple iOS and Android devices using United’s mobile app, as well as on laptop computers.
Eco-Skies Recycling Program Expanded to United Express Flights
In mid-January, United Express carriers began recycling on board E175 aircraft, furthering United’s Eco-Skies commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly. These E175 flights originate from Houston, Chicago and San Francisco.
These flights follow the same recycling program currently in place on United’s mainline fleet, using United Eco-Skies recycling bags for recycling paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and the carrier’s new hot beverage cups. The hot beverage cups – introduced in 2014 and boarded on all E175 flights – are recyclable and made in the United States from 50 percent recycled materials.
Top Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com.ย Shuttle America’s Embraer ERJ 170-100SE N639RW (msn 17000057) taxies at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) hub.
United Express-Shuttle America aircraft slide show:ย
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (Republic Airlines and Shuttle America) (Indianapolis) has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2014. The companyย reported net income of $64.3 million for 2014, a significant increase from its ย net income of $26.7 million in 2013.
As planned, Chautauqua Airlines ended operations on December 31, 2014 and was rolled into Shuttle America as previously reported.
The company issued this report:
Republicโs pre-tax income excluding special items, for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $32.1 million, an 8.4 percent increase over the fourth quarter or 2013. Republicโs adjusted income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $19.8 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, and its adjusted pre-tax margin was 9.3 percent.
For the full year of 2014, Republicโs pre-tax income, excluding special items, was $120.2 million, a $17.7 million increase over 2013. Republicโs adjusted income from continuing operations for 2014 was $73.4 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, with an adjusted pre-tax margin of 8.7 percent.
On a GAAP basis, including special items, Republicโs fourth quarter 2014 pre-tax loss was $1.4 million, pre-tax margin was -0.4 percent and income from continuing operations was $11.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share. On a GAAP basis, including special items, Republicโs 2014 pre-tax income was $85.2 million, pre-tax margin was 6.2 percent and income from continuing operations was $64.3 million, or $1.24 per diluted share.
On January 1, 2015, Republic completed its consolidation of all Chautauqua Airlines operations onto the Shuttle America operating certificate. All operating aircraft and related employees are now transferred to Shuttle Americaโs operation. Republic hopes to sell the remaining Chautauqua Airlines entity and related assets during the first half of 2015.
During the fourth quarter of 2014, Republic extended the service terms of aircraft under its fixed-fee capacity purchase agreements with US Airways, Inc. and Delta Air Lines, Inc. Republic also agreed to operate an additional nine E170 aircraft for Delta Air Lines, Inc.
โWe took some significant steps in 2014 in our effort to simplify and streamline our business,โ said Republic Airways Holdings Chairman, President and CEO Bryan Bedford. โWhile this simplification strategy results in near-term transition expenses, such as the fleet impairment charge we took this quarter, the actions that weโve taken in 2014 and that we intend to take in 2015 are key to the future success of our airline.โ
The impairment and other charges in 2014 were due to impairment and other charges on owned E140 aircraft which were abandoned of $19.9 million; owned E190 aircraft which are in the process of being sold of $14.4 million; owned Q400 aircraft which are scheduled to come out of service in the third quarter of 2016 of $13.3 million, and a loss on sale of E190 aircraft of $5.8 million. The 2013 impairment charges of $21.2 million related to owned E190 aircraft and the write-off of maintenance deposits on leased E190 aircraft.
Fleet Highlights
During 2014, our operational fleet decreased from 258 to 244. The company took delivery of 22 E175 aircraft, permanently parked 15 E140 aircraft, temporarily parked 13 E145 aircraft, sold two E190 aircraft and leased three E145 aircraft and three E190 aircraft.
During 2014, we took delivery of 22 E175 aircraft and removed 28 small regional jets.
In December 2014, we completed the sale of two E190 aircraft and executed an agreement to sell three other E190 aircraft. The sale of these five aircraft will leave us with two owned E190 aircraft and three leased E190 aircraft that are expected to be removed from fixed-fee charter service in August of 2015. We expect to return the three leased aircraft to the lessor in 2015 and the remaining two aircraft are under a firm sales agreement.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
The Companyโs total cash balance decreased $55.1 million to $245.6 million as of Dec. 31, 2014, compared to Dec. 31, 2013. Restricted cash decreased $2.3 million, to $21.7 million, from Dec. 31, 2013, due to the escrow requirements under our fixed-fee charter agreements. The Companyโs unrestricted cash balance decreased $52.8 million, to $223.9 million, from Dec. 31, 2013, due primarily to equity investments in new aircraft and the redemption of the $22.3 million and $26.5 million convertible notes on April 7, 2014, and Oct. 28, 2014, respectively. The Company also purchased 212,881 shares of its common stock on the open market, during the third quarter of 2014 for total consideration of $2.1 million. A consolidated balance sheet and summary cash flow statement have been included in the tables section of this release.
The Companyโs debt increased to $2.34 billion as of Dec. 31, 2014, compared to $2.17 billion at Dec. 31, 2013, primarily related to the financing of 22, new E175 aircraft purchased for our American Airlines fixed-fee agreement. As of Dec. 31, 2014, approximately 98 percent of our debt is at a fixed interest rate. The Company has significant long-term lease obligations for aircraft that are classified as operating leases and are not reflected as liabilities on the Companyโs consolidated balance sheet. At a 6 percent discount factor, the present value of these lease obligations was approximately $0.48 billion and $0.59 billion as of Dec. 31, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2013, respectively.
Corporate Information
Republic Airways Holdings Inc., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an airline holding company that owns Republic Airlines, Shuttle America and Chautauqua Airlines, collectively โthe airlines.โ As of Dec. 31, 2014, the airlines operated a combined fleet of about 245 aircraft and offered scheduled passenger service on more than 1,300 flights daily to approximately 100 cities in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean through fixed-fee flights operated under our major airline partner brands, including American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. The Company currently employs about 6,500 aviation professionals.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. During 2014 Republic took delivery of 22 Embraer E175 aircraft. Republic Airlines’ Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N415YX (msn 17000378) arrives in Washington (Reagan National).
American Eagle-Republic Airlines:ย
American Airlines Group (Dallas/Fort Worth) yesterday (February 11) took delivery of the first Embraer ERJ 175 (ERJ 170-200LR) (N200NN, msn 17000456) to be operated by newcomer Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul). Compass will operate the first 20 aircraft.ย The remaining 40 ERJ 175s will be operated by American Airlines Group subsidiary Envoy Air (Dallas/Fort Worth).
Embraer issued this statement:
At a ceremony held on February 11 at the Companyโs headquarters in Sรฃo Josรฉ dos Campos, Embraer delivered to American Airlines the first of 60 firm order E175 jets under the contract signed between the two companies in December 2013. The contract also included options for another 90 E175s, taking the total order potential to 150 aircraft.
American Airlines selected Compass Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trans States Holdings, to operate the first 20 E175 aircraft under the American Eagle brand. The E175s will be configured with 12 First Class, 20 Main Cabin Extra and 44 Main Cabin seats, for a total of 76 seats.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines is already an Embraer ERJ 175 operator for American Eagle.ย Republic Airlines’ (2nd) Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N407YX (msn 17000370) completes the final approach to Washington’s Reagan National Airport.
American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show:ย
Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) will also inaugurate Embraer 175 operations on July 1 on three additional routes besides those previously reported. The three new routes on July 1 will be Portland, Oregon-Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma-Ontario and Seattle/Tacoma-Salt Lake City.
As previously reported, theย new Embraer ERJ 175 jets (a new type in Alaska colors), Alaska will begin offering daily nonstop service starting on July 1, 2015 between Seattle/Tacoma and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle/Tacoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Portland, Oregon and St. Louis.
The 76-seat E175 jet will feature 12 seats in first class and 64 in coach, and boasts cabin dimensions on par with a Boeing 737. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi Internet access, streaming inflight entertainment and 110 volt power in every first class seat. Food and beverage will include hot meals and picnic packs for purchase, in addition to Northwest microbrews and wine.
SkyWest Airlines (Alaska SkyWest) (St. George, UT) has purchased seven Embraer ERJ 175 aircraft to fly on behalf of Alaska under a capacity purchase agreement (CPA). The first three aircraft will arrive in the summer of 2015, and the remaining four will be delivered in the first quarter of 2016.
Alaska SkyWest aircraft slide show:
http://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Airlines-UnitedStates-1/Alaska-SkyWest
American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth) will introduce Embraer ERJ 175 American Eagle service between Los Angeles and San Francisco starting on April 14. Compass Airlines (Minneapolis/St. Paul) will operate the twice-daily service per Airline Route.
Compass Airlines will operate 20 ERJ 175s as a new American Eagle carrier. The first delivery is due in March.
Currently Envoy Air (CRJ700s), Mesa Airlines (CRJ900s) and SkyWest Airlines (CRJ200s) operate American Eagle regional routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Copyright Photo: Jay Selman/AirlinersGallery.com. Republic Airlines (2nd) (call sign “Brickyard”) currently operates the type as an American Eagle carrier. Embraer ERJ 170-200LR (ERJ 175) N136HQ (msn 17000226) approaches the runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
American Eagle-Republic aircraft slide show:
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