An Indianapolis airline carrier, Republic Airways Holdings, which operates 230 planes on short and medium length regional routes, has agreed to fly several 76 Embraer 170 planes for Midwest Connect. Previously, the planes flew for Frontier Airlines, which declared bankruptcy in April. The deal means that Republic will recall approximately 100 crew members/flight attendants and 100 pilots, after idling 500 workers in July. Republic will also lend Midwest Connect $15 million for restructuring, and allow Midwest to begin staffing the planes with its own crew in 2010.
See "Republic Airways holdings recalling 100-plus pilots, flight attendants", Ted Evanoff, Indianapolis Star, September 3, 2008