US Airways and regional airline partner Republic Airways Holdings have announced they are amending their existing partnership and adding 30, 86-seat Embraer 175 aircraft to the US Airways Express network. The new Embraer 175s will replace 20 existing 50-seat Embraer 145s operated for US Airways Express by Republic Airways Holdings’ Chautauqua Airlines subsidiary. The remaining 10 deliveries can replace other retiring aircraft or be used for limited growth in 2008.

The aircraft will operate in a single coach-class configuration and will enter service beginning in 2007 at a delivery rate of one-to-two planes a month through the summer of 2008. The new aircraft join Republic’s existing fleet of 28, 72-seat Embraer 170s already being operated under the US Airways Express banner.

US Airways Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Scott Kirby said, “Both Republic and Embraer offer an exceptional product and we’re pleased to expand our current partnership with both companies. The comfort of the Embraer 175 aircraft is important to our customers and the economics of the aircraft make good business sense.”

“We are very pleased to expand our relationship with US Airways with the addition of these 30, Embraer 175 regional jets,” said Bryan Bedford, Chairman, president and chief executive officer of Republic Airways Holdings. “Our company has an excellent tradition of delivering safe, reliable and cost effective service to our customers and airline partners. We are especially excited to introduce the new 86-seat Embraer 175 regional aircraft to the US marketplace. The Embraer E-Jet family continues to set high standards for airline service in North America. Passengers love this aircraft for its spacious interior design and in particular the absence of a middle seat.”
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