The airline announced it expects to take 27 of its 41 Embraer planes out of service this year. The airline previously sought extensions on the planes. The move will cut pre-tax income by $18 million to $22 million.
In the announcement Republic Airways said that a "significant reduction" in the number of pilots who meet U.S. experience rules was a factor in taking the plane out of service.
New rules from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration last year require 1,500 hours of flight time for U.S. pilots of commercial jets or cargo planes, up from 250 hours previously required for co-pilots. A separate rule change also required more rest time for pilots. The combination increases costs and limits flight time, putting strain especially on smaller airlines.
(Shawn Ingram - The Street)
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