Historic Merger Unites Republic Airways and Mesa Air
US carriers Republic Airways and Mesa Air Group have entered into a definitive agreement to merge into a new publicly traded company, marking a historic moment in the evolution of regional air travel in America. The new company, to be named Republic Airways Holdings and expected to remain NASDAQ-listed under the ticker symbol RJET, represents a strategic union designed to combine the strengths of two well-established carriers. Jonathan Ornstein, Mesa Air’s Chairman and CEO, described the deal as an exciting next step in the company’s more than 40-year history. He emphasized that the merger represents the best outcome for shareholders, employees, and all stakeholders by uniting the best elements of both organizations.
Ornstein highlighted that by bringing together the expertise of both teams, the combined entity will create a robust regional carrier capable of connecting communities across America. He expressed confidence that the merger will offer significant advancement opportunities to employees while reinforcing the carriers’ shared mission to provide high-quality, reliable air service. Bryan Bedford, President and CEO of Republic Airways, echoed these sentiments, noting that Republic and Mesa share a common commitment to linking communities through a well-capitalized public company. Bedford stressed that the merger is expected to create one of the world’s leading operators of Embraer jets, benefiting from the deep expertise of associates from both companies and ensuring long-term value creation for all stakeholders.
Republic Airways brings a storied history dating back to 1974, having built a fleet of more than 240 Embraer 170 and 175 aircraft over its 50-year journey in regional travel. In 2024, Republic operated over 300,000 flights and transported approximately 17.5 million passengers, primarily serving key hubs in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions under long-term capacity purchase agreements with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Mesa Air, established in 1982, operates a fleet of 60 Embraer 175 aircraft with more than 250 daily scheduled departures, connecting 89 cities across 40 states and extending its services to international destinations in the Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, and Mexico. With roughly 1,700 employees, Mesa Air has carved out a niche in providing quality service to a wide range of communities.
The new combined company will be led by Republic’s executive leadership team, and the Board of Directors will consist of six directors from the existing Republic Board alongside one independent director from Mesa’s Board. This structure is expected to drive strategic decision-making that aligns with the combined vision of connecting more communities and enhancing operational efficiency. The merger has received unanimous approval from both companies’ Boards of Directors and is anticipated to close in either the late third or early fourth quarter of 2025.
In a notable development, former Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford has recently been appointed by US President Donald Trump as the new head of the Federal Aviation Administration, highlighting the influential role that Republic’s leadership has played in shaping the industry. This appointment further underscores the significance of the merger, as it positions the combined entity at the forefront of regional air service innovation in America. With the consolidation of operations, Republic Airways Holdings is set to usher in a new era of connectivity and growth in the regional aviation market.
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