Republic Airways To Acquire Mesa Airlines

Republic Airlines is acquiring Mesa Airlines in an all-stock purchase. These two airlines don't currently serve Hawai‘i in any capacity. However, in the mid-2000s, both airlines had inter-island service. Mesa's go! launched in 2006 with CRJ-200s, and ceased operations in 2014. Republic's Shuttle America provided ERJ-170s in 2008 under the Mokulele Airlines brand, and operated for a year. Mesa's go! also partnered with Mokulele, following the Republic pull-out.

Republic Airways Holdings will be the surviving brand in the merger, as they are the larger company. Republic flies regional service for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines; while Mesa's remaining regional partner was United.

Further details in this CH-Aviation article.

The 2nd Mokulele E170 Arrives

The second E170 has arrived from Republic with the registration N869RW. It is parked at Gate 49 right next to N868RW. N869RW arrived on Saturday, Nov 15 as TCF9400 and followed the same route as N868RW. Service between HNL-LIH/KOA will be staring in 3 days (Nov 19).

First Republic E170 for Mokulele

The first E170 from Republic arrived in HNL for Mokulele. Registration of this aircraft is N868RW. They flew this aircraft IND-GTF-ANC-ADK-MDY-HNL. Apparently this route was taken because Republic didn't install any ferry tanks. The aircraft is currently parked at Gate 50. As you can see in the picture, the livery looks exactly like the picture on the Mokulele website with the only difference is the addition of the word "Kapalua" below the logo on the tail. The second E170 is also on its way to HNL on the same routing.

Mokulele Formally Announces Expansion

Representatives from Mokulele Airlines and Republic Airways announced today, of their new inter-island venture using Embraer ERJ-170s.

The Honolulu Advertiser's coverage the Mokulele announcement.

Good to hear that quite a number of former AQ employees were hired!

Republic Airways / Mokulele Partnership?

Updating yesterday's post ....

The Honolulu Advertiser reports that Republic Airways and KOA-based Mokulele AIrlines will be forming a partnership where Republic will supply flight and cabin crews, and the ERJ-170s to compete against go! and Hawaiian Air.

Shuttle America To Serve Hawai‘i?

Regional carrier Shuttle America (S5 / TCF - Windsor Locks, CT) is proposing inter-island service here in Hawai‘i. On the Airliners.net Civil Aviation Forum, there is a thread series entitled Shuttle America In Hawai‘i?". The formal annoucement is expected in a week, or so. A copy of their formal letter to employees is posted on Reply #30. They are choosing to use Embraer ERJ-170s on this proposed inter-island operation.

Will update this as it develops ... This is news to me, and will definitely check my sources around town.


Shuttle America's fleet info from PlaneSpotters.net

Shuttle America flies the Embraer ERJ-170 for United Express and Delta Connection, and is a subsidiary of Republic Airways, Inc.