Republic Adds 10 More Embraers to its Growing Fleet

(MoneyWatch)  I really wish I could get into Republic CEO Bryan Bedford's head. He clearly has a plan as he continues to grow his fleet, but I just don't quite know what it is yet. Yesterday, he picked up another 10 Embraer 190s to add to his fleet.

Two days ago, Bedford announced that the three Embraer 170s flying in Hawai'i would be coming back to the mainland. Then yesterday, Republic came out with the news that it would buy 10 Embraer 190s from US Airways. This is a particularly good deal for both airlines. Republic loaned US Airways $35 million back in the day. The balance of that is now being wiped out as part of this deal. Then Republic will just pick up the remaining debt payments on those airplanes.

Four of those planes will head into the Midwest system to replace some of the 717s that are being sent back to Boeing in just a couple weeks. The other six will enter "branded operations during the first half of 2010." That could mean Frontier, Midwest, or possibly something else by next year.

It is quite interesting to watch Republic piece together its operation slowly but surely here. It may have happened over a few years, but it still surprises me that Republic now has around 200 airplanes to its name. While most of those continue to fly for other carriers, that doesn't mean they will always continue to do so. This one will be worth continuing to watch.