Republic Airlines to fly as oneworld affiliate on American Eagle routes

It will start flying as American Eagle on routes already served by the carrier and/or American Airlines mainline from its Chicago O'Hare hub with new Embraer 175s. It will add two or three of these large regional jets a month to this operation, with the fleet eventually numbering 47.

Republic Airlines will operate in American Eagle colours, in a two-class configuration - 12 seats in First Class in a 2:1 configuration and 64 in Coach, including 20 designated to offer American's Main Cabin Extra service, in a 2:2 configuration - with flight codes in the range AA4800-4999.

Customer service in the air and on the ground will be to the regular American Eagle standards - with the full range of oneworld services and benefits, including, for members of any oneworld member airlines' frequent flyer programme, the ability to earn mileage rewards and tier status points, redeem mileage rewards, and, for top tier cardholders, access to lounges where they are available. At the same time, these flights will be featured in all oneworld fares.

Republic Airlines' oneworld affiliation covers only flights operated as American Eagle. The affiliation does not extend to other Republic Airlines' flights not carrying the American Eagle brand.

The move follows a 12-year "capacity purchase" agreement signed earlier this year between American and Republic. It is the first time a supplier will operate large regional jets on behalf of the American group, made possible by the new contract reached between American and its pilot workforce, enabling the company to offer customers more choices with the right sized aircraft to match market demand, to strengthen its service from key hubs and to diversify partnerships with regional carriers.

Republic Airlines is part of the Republic Airways group, which is the world's largest operator of Embraer regional jets. Another Republic Airways subsidiary, Chautauqua Airlines, has for many years operated regional jets on behalf of American Airlines' regional AmericanConnection, another oneworld affiliate, also from Chicago O'Hare.

Besides its 12 full member airlines, oneworld also includes some 30 affiliate members. These are generally regional airlines with strong links with oneworld full member airlines. American Eagle has been an affiliate member of oneworld since its parent American Airlines became a founder member of the alliance, at its launch in 1999. ExpressJet and SkyWest have started operating services as American Eagle on flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles in the past year. Other oneworld affiliate members include: