Travelers should expect minimal disruption from the merger of U.S. regional airlines Mesa Air Group and Republic Airways. Both airlines operate Embraer E170 and E175 flights for major U.S. carriers like American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express, making them two of the largest independent regional airlines in the country. In total, they manage a fleet of 310 E-Jets serving the major airlines, with only SkyWest Airlines being larger.
According to Bryan Bedford, president and CEO of Republic Airways, “Republic and Mesa share a common mission to connect communities across America, and we believe that we can better achieve that mission together.” He added that the merger will create a “single, well-capitalized, public company” to benefit all stakeholders.
LaGuardia Airport in New York will serve as the largest base for the merged airline, based on April 2025 data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The airlines will also have significant operations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.
Mesa and Republic have stated their intent to maintain existing basing structures and routes after the merger. The merger, expected to close around September or October of 2025, is contingent on shareholder approval and sign-off from the U.S. Department of Justice. Shareholders from Mesa will own up to 12% of the combined airline, with Republic shareholders owning the remainder. Airlines American and United are among the new company’s shareholders, owning stakes in both Mesa and Republic.
The combined entity will keep the Republic name and likely maintain the headquarters in Carmel, Indiana. The leadership team from Republic will helm the company, and the board of directors will primarily comprise Republic directors. The new Republic will be listed on Nasdaq under the “RJET” stock symbol.
