Republic Airways

Big-picture snapshot

Republic Airways is the second-largest regional airline in the United States following its November 2025 merger with Mesa Air Group, operating approximately 311 Embraer E170/E175 aircraft across 10 domiciles under codeshare agreements with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. It is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, and employs approximately 2,000+ active pilots represented by IBT Teamsters. David Grizzle became CEO in July 2025, succeeding longtime leader Bryan Bedford.

For interview purposes, the simplest way to frame Republic is this: it is the largest all-Embraer regional airline in the world, now combined with Mesa to form a powerhouse regional carrier flying for all three "Big Three" U.S. airlines. Republic offers a competitive first-year package (~$93,000+), 10 domiciles concentrated in the Midwest and East Coast, industry-leading work rules (1:2 duty rig, no junior manning), and a strong IBT Teamsters contract. The Mesa merger added 60 E175 aircraft and a new multi-year United Airlines agreement, driving Republic toward $2 billion in revenue by 2026.

Republic is also notable for its history — it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016 due to pilot shortages and emerged in 2017. Its recovery and subsequent growth to become the second-largest regional is one of the industry's strongest turnaround stories.

Company history

• 1973: Chautauqua Airlines founded in Jamestown, New York, by Joel and Gloria Hall
• 1998: Republic Airways Holdings organized as holding company; Chautauqua as sole subsidiary
• 1999: Republic Airline, Inc. incorporated as a subsidiary
• 2004: Republic Airways activated; began Embraer 170 operations for US Airways
• 2005: Acquired Shuttle America
• 2007: Acquired Midwest Airlines; later sold Midwest brand
• 2010s: Became one of the largest regional carriers; operated for multiple mainline partners
• 2016: Filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy (February 25) — pilot shortages, plunging profits, grounded aircraft
• 2017: Emerged from bankruptcy (April 30) as a private company
• 2021: Moved corporate headquarters to Carmel, Indiana
• 2025: Bryan Bedford retired as CEO (July 2); David Grizzle became CEO, Matt Koscal promoted to President; Merger with Mesa Air Group completed November 24 — added 60 E175s and new United agreement; FY2025 revenue: $1.7 billion; net income: $76.2 million
• 2026: Mesa integration underway; fleet harmonization in progress; targeting ~$2 billion revenue

Business model

Republic operates exclusively under capacity purchase agreements (CPAs) with mainline carriers:

• American Eagle: E170 and E175 operations for American Airlines
• Delta Connection: E170 and E175 operations for Delta Air Lines
• United Express: E175 operations for United Airlines (significantly expanded by Mesa merger)

The CPA model means Republic provides aircraft, crews, and operations; the mainline carrier sells tickets, sets schedules, and bears revenue risk. Republic earns a fixed rate per block hour/departure.

Mesa merger impact: The November 2025 merger added 60 E175 aircraft under a new multi-year United Airlines agreement, making Republic the largest United Express E175 operator. Republic Airways Holdings reported $1.7 billion in revenue for FY2025, with a target of $2 billion by end of 2026. The merger was completed debt-free.

Ownership: Republic is privately held. American, Delta, and United hold minority ownership stakes in Republic Airways Holdings (acquired during the bankruptcy restructuring).

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