2008-07-12 01:00:07 -

www.rjet.com - Republic Airways Holdings (NASDAQ: RJET), today announced it plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 500 employees or 10% of its current employment levels. This action is in response to changing market conditions and expected reductions in its small jet contract flying. The staff reductions will take place over the next several months. The company believes a portion of the reduction will occur through normal attrition.

"These reductions reflect our response to the actions our network partners are taking to reduce the size of their domestic hub operations in light of sustained, high fuel prices. The combined impacts of fewer aircraft flying and lower utilization rates on our smaller jet aircraft are leaving us with no choice

but to adjust our business to current market conditions," said Bryan Bedford, Chairman, president and CEO of Republic Airways. "We regret having to make this difficult decision and we will continue working hard to grow our business with larger capacity aircraft and get our people back to work as soon as possible."

Republic Airways Holdings, based in Indianapolis, Indiana is an airline holding company that owns Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America. The airlines offer scheduled passenger service on approximately 1,300 flights daily to 117 cities in 34 states, Canada, Mexico and Jamaica through airline services agreements with six U.S. airlines. All of the airlines' flights are operated under their airline partner brand, such as AmericanConnection, Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express and US Airways Express. The airlines currently employ approximately 5,000 aviation professionals and operate 227 regional jets.

Republic Airways Holdings
Warren R. Wilkinson, 317-484-6042