Mesa Airlines

Big-picture snapshot

Mesa Airlines no longer exists as a separate airline. The Mesa Air Group merger with Republic Airways was completed on November 25, 2025, with Mesa shareholders approving the deal by a 99.25% vote. The Mesa Airlines operating certificate was officially transferred to Republic Airways on January 28, 2026, when the FAA and DOT authorized consolidation under a single Air Operator's Certificate. The Mesa Airlines brand has been retired.

Former Mesa pilots are now part of the Republic Airways pilot group, flying under Republic's operations. The combined company operates as Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET) with the world's largest all-Embraer fleet of ~311 E170/E175 aircraft.

If you are preparing for a Republic Airways interview and want to demonstrate knowledge of the merger and integration, understanding Mesa's history and contribution is valuable context. See the Republic Airways report for comprehensive interview preparation.

History and merger timeline

• 1982: Mesa Air Shuttle founded in Farmington, New Mexico, by Larry and Janie Risley, who mortgaged their home to raise $140,000 in startup capital
• 1983: Acquired first 14-seat Beechcraft 99 turboprop
• 1987: Grew from 6 employees (1982) to 187; all six competing carriers in New Mexico had exited the market
• Late 1980s: IPO on NASDAQ at $7.50/share
• 1998: Headquarters moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Jonathan Ornstein appointed CEO (served 27+ years)
• 2015: Began operating Embraer E-Jet fleet
• 2024: Fleet transition from CRJ-900 to all-E175 underway; 53 pilots furloughed July 2024
• February 28, 2025: Final CRJ-900 revenue flight — Mesa became an all-E175 operator
• April 7, 2025: Merger with Republic Airways announced
• July 30, 2025: ALPA (Mesa) and Teamsters Local 357 (Republic) signed Unity Agreement for joint contract negotiations
• November 17, 2025: Mesa shareholders approved merger (99.25% in favor)
• November 25, 2025: Merger completed. Mesa Air Group renamed to Republic Airways Holdings Inc.
• January 28, 2026: FAA/DOT approved transfer of Mesa's operating certificates to Republic — single AOC; Mesa Airlines ceased to exist
• 2026-2027: Integration ongoing; Republic expects full operational harmonization by end of 2027

What Mesa Airlines was

Before the merger, Mesa Airlines was a mid-size regional carrier operating approximately 60 Embraer E175 aircraft under United Express codeshare agreements. The airline had ~840 active pilots, 6 domiciles (PHX, IAH, IAD, SDF, DFW, DEN), and was represented by ALPA. Mesa also operated CRJ-900s until February 2025.

At the time of merger:

• Fleet: ~60 E175 aircraft (all-Embraer)
• Pilots: ~840 active
• Domiciles: 6 (PHX, IAH, IAD, SDF, DFW, DEN)
• Mainline partner: United Airlines (United Express)
• Union: ALPA
• CEO: Jonathan Ornstein (1998-2025)
• FO Year 1: $101/hr
• Captain Year 1: $151/hr
• Per diem: $1.89/hr
• Monthly guarantee: 76 hours (reserve)
• 401(k): 50% match up to 6% (years 1-9); 50% match up to 10% (years 10+)
• Revenue (FY2024): ~$584 million

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