Republic Airways of Indianapolis, USA, signed a Letter of Intent at the Farnborough Airshow today to acquire up to 200 E-Jets. When the LOI is converted to a formal contract, the airline will have firm orders for 100 E175s and purchase rights for an additional 100 E175s. The carrier also has the right to convert the order to the next-generation E175-E2.
Republic operates the world’s largest fleet of Embraer E-Jets, nearly 190 E170s and E175s, and flies regional services under fixed-fee agreements on behalf of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.
Since one of its subsidiary companies first started operating a 50-seat ERJ 145 some twenty years ago, Republic has acquired more than 350 commercial Embraer jets. These new airplanes will allow the airline “to focus on the next stage of growth in the North American regional market,” says Bryan Bedford, Republic’s President and CEO.