Frontier Airlines’ new regional jet carrier will be Indianapolis-based Republic Airlines, to replace Horizon Air, the companies announced today.
Republic will operate 17 76-seat Embraer 170 aircraft for Frontier’s regional jet service. The first plane will go into service in March. The rest of the aircraft will be delivered in the next two years. The first four will be nearly new planes, and the remainder will be new.
Horizon and Frontier said earlier they had an amicable separation after Frontier decided last year to expand its regional jet service from nine aircraft to as many as 20. Horizon Air will return its aircraft between now and December. During the transition period this year, both Horizon and Republic will operate Frontier regional jet service.
The Embraer 170 has wider seats, greater leg room, and a taller cabin that most regional aircraft, according to Frontier’s chief executive Jeff Potter in a written statement.
Republic and Horizon are both generally regarded as a well-respected aircraft operators.
The agreement lasts 11 years from the time of the last aircraft delivery, and Frontier has the option to extend the agreement for up to six additional years.
The pact also outlines that Frontier will buy all capacity at predetermined rates and directly pay or reimburse Republic for pass-through costs. Frontier also will buy fuel and will not charge it back to Republic.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-954-1488 or at kyamanouchi@denverpost.com .
