Republic bankrupt due to plunging profits and lack of pilots - Curt Lewis

Republic Airways files for bankruptcy amid plunging profits and a pilot shortage INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Republic Airways Holdings Inc., which operates regional flights for the major airlines, on Thursday filed for bankruptcy protection as it struggles with plunging profits and a pilot shortage. The Indianapolis-based company said the move will allow it continue normal flight schedules while it restructures its finances and contracts. It said it will retain its collective bargaining agreements with its unions. The holding company's airline subsidiaries fly regional flights under the American Eagle, United Express and Delta Connection names using planes with fewer than 100 seats. Last year, it cited a pilot shortage in cutting back those flights, which led Delta to sue Republic for failing to fly some Delta Connection flights. The major airlines have been hiring pilots away from regional operators, leaving Republic and others with a shortage.