Delta Sues Regional Partner Republic

A Delta Connection aircraft operated by Shuttle America

Delta Air Lines filed suit against Republic Airways Holdings on Monday for failing to meet its contractual obligations in operating regional flights for the airline.

Shuttle America, a unit of Indianapolis-based Republic, operates flights under the Delta Connection brand and, according to the suit, filed in state court in Atlanta, has been unable to fly the number of flights contracted for. In the lawsuit, Delta said that the damages from Republic’s failure to fulfill its agreement have been in excess of $1 million. The Atlanta-based airline said it has had to book passengers on alternative flights, find alternative operators of some flights, and issue refunds to passengers in some cases.

“Republic can confirm that the Company is not in breach of any of its capacity purchase agreements with any of its mainline partners, including both Delta Connection Agreements,” the airline said in a statement.

Over the summer, a pilot shortage at Republic combined with a pilot standoff over a new contract reportedly impacted the airline’s ability to operate a full schedule.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)