Frontier Airlines’ new regional-jet carrier will be Indianapolis-based Republic Airlines, the companies announced Thursday. It will replace Horizon Air.
Republic will operate 17 76-seat Embraer 170 aircraft for Frontier, with the first plane going into service in March. The rest of the aircraft will be delivered throughout the next two years. The first four will be nearly new planes, and the remainder will be brand new.
Horizon and Frontier said they had an amicable separation after Frontier decided to expand its regional-jet service. Horizon will remove its aircraft between now and December. During the transition period, both Horizon and Republic will operate Frontier regional-jet service.
The Embraer 170 has wider seats, more leg room and a taller cabin than other regional aircraft, Frontier chief executive Jeff Potter said in a written statement.
As Horizon’s presence dwindles, Republic’s will grow. It eventually will base as many as 170 pilots, 340 flight attendants and 30 mechanics in Denver, depending on how much of its work is based in Denver.
The agreement lasts 11 years from the time the last aircraft is delivered, and Frontier has the option to extend the agreement for up to six more 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 will also buy fuel and will not charge it back to Republic.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-954-1488 or kyamanouchi@denverpost.com.
