Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET) today announced it will preserve more than 700 local jobs and add up to 800 full-time positions in Milwaukee. The Company will invest in capital expenditures to support maintenance operations and infrastructure as it increases its levels of local employment for flight crews, heavy aircraft maintenance and technical support, and call center reservations. Because of Republic’s investment, job preservation and job creation in Milwaukee, the Company is eligible to receive up to $27 million in tax credits through the end of 2021.
The Company also announced an expansion of its Midwest Airlines flight schedule with two new nonstop Midwest destinations from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport. On April 1, 2010, Midwest will begin service to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and on April 19, the Company will initiate service to San Francisco. “These additional jobs reaffirm the commitment we’ve made to the local Milwaukee community since we welcomed Midwest Airlines to the Republic Airways family,” said Bryan Bedford, chairman, president and CEO of Republic Airways. “Our expansion in Milwaukee sends an important message to our current and future frequent fliers and to the local and state communities about our dedication to remain Milwaukee’s hometown airline.” “This is great news for Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin. I am pleased that we could successfully work with Republic Airways and retain the airline hub in Milwaukee, continuing a strong tradition in Milwaukee County,” Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle said. Bedford continued, “These actions will help us to further lower the costs of operating our branded business, better positioning us to compete over the long-term.” “Republic Airways' announcement is very welcome news for Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “It sends a message that Republic is solidly committed to Milwaukee, and it also is an endorsement of the competitive advantages the company finds here. We were able to show Republic that this region has the skilled workforce and business environment Republic needs to be successful.” Bedford concluded: “I would like to thank Governor Doyle, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Mayor Barrett and the Milwaukee 7 for making Milwaukee such a great place to do business.” Since Republic closed on its acquisition of Milwaukee-based Midwest Airlines and Denver-based Frontier Airlines earlier this year, it has been working to create the most efficient operations possible in every facility by streamlining work processes among the companies. This announcement is an important development toward the completion of the integration process, which is expected to be completed during 2010.Republic Airways Significantly Increases Presence in Milwaukee
