Interesting Sidelights – Republic, Jazz Charter, ATR Offices, go!, Delays, Pax Rights

Republic in Stock Buy Back Program Republic Airways Holdings Inc.’s board of directors authorized the purchase of up to $100 million of the company's common stock. The shares will be purchased on the open market or through privately-negotiated transactions periodically during the 12-month period...

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Republic in Stock Buy Back Program
Republic Airways Holdings Inc.’s board of directors authorized the purchase of up to $100 million of the company's common stock. The shares will be purchased on the open market or through privately-negotiated transactions periodically during the 12-month period following the authorization. Under the authorization, the timing and amount of purchase would be based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The stock buy-back program does not obligate the company to acquire any specific number of shares in any period, and may be modified, suspended, extended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
"We remain committed to delivering value to our shareholders," said Bryan Bedford chairman, president and chief executive officer of Republic Airways. "Our business model is structured to provide Republic with long-term, secure and predictable earnings and cash flows regardless of whether or not the major airlines undertake consolidation. The company's growth plans are firm with 31 aircraft scheduled for delivery by the end of the first quarter of 2009. We have financing commitments in place at attractive, fixed rate terms for a majority of the 31 firm aircraft. We strongly believe our company is well positioned with the right mix of partners and aircraft."

Jazz to Expand Charter Services
In a bid to expand beyond its capacity purchase agreement with Air Canada, Jazz Air LP is expanding its charter services with the delivery of the first of two Dash 8-300 aircraft into its charter fleet. This addition will bring the number of aircraft dedicated to Jazz’s Charter Division to three, 37-seat Dash 8-100 aircraft.
The Dash 8-300 delivered during December will be ready to operate charter flights by March. It is anticipated that the second Dash 8-300 will be added to the charter fleet in January, and will also enter service in March 2008.
“With the addition of these two Dash 8-300 aircraft to our fleet, Jazz can now offer customers a charter product that can provide greater seat capacity at a very attractive price,” said Shelley Wilson, Jazz’s manager, Charter Marketing and Sales. “This aircraft will be the perfect choice for clients looking to carry up to 50 passengers for sport groups, entertainers, corporate shuttle operations, or any customer who requires the flexibility and convenience that a private charter can provide.”

ATR Announces New Address
A month after announcing the move of its U.S. headquarters in the Washington area, ATR finally announced its new address – 45195 Business Court, Ste 450, Dulles, Virginia, 20166 – and new phone numbers. They include the main number at 571-203-6900 as well as the main AOG 571-203-6901. AOG Spares Support can be reached at 571-203-6941, while AOG Technical Support is at 571-203-6931.

Study Shows Airline Glitches on Rise
While weather and ATC problems may be blamed for delays and other air transport problems, USA Today Aviation Reporter Alan Levin reported recently that airline problems – pilot shortages, mechanicals and refueling delays are causing an increasing amount of delays and those delays are longer than those for congestion.
The Bureau of Transportation statistics reported that airline problems caused 23.8 million minutes of delays compared to the 23.3 million attributed to air traffic system problems.
“Overall, the number of flights delayed because of congestion was slightly higher,” reported Levin. “But the average length of delay was longer for airline-caused holdups: 55 minutes compared to 47. That was a first since data have been collected…The problem was more acute among regional carriers.” He noted Atlantic Southeast Airlines attributed that 49 percent of its 4.7 million minutes of delay to operational issues, largely a lack of pilots to handle the schedule dictated by Delta. That resulted in an aggressive pilot hiring campaign. The article also quoted Regional Airline Association President Roger Cohen, who explained that many regional delays are dictated by their major partners with regionals having little say in delays and cancellations.

go! Delivers Ti Leaves to Warrior Fans
Despite go!'s special delivery of 15,000 ti leaves to each fan who traveled to New Orleans for the 74th Sugar Bowl, The University of Hawaii Warriers lost their contest with the University of Georgia Bulldogs 10 to 41. The ti leaves, traditionally believed to bestow good luck on recipients, were distributed December 31 and January 1 at the New Orleans Marriott by go! and N a Koa, the university’s football support club. The ti leaves were collected by go! from growers on Oahu and in Hilo, Hawai'i.

Pax Bill Confirmed in NY
A Federal judge in New York rejected the airline industry’s challenge to the only passenger bill of rights passed in the nation. The move confirms the passenger rights passed into law earlier this year by the state legislature which requires travelers passing through New York airports to be given fresh air, water, sanitation and food when faced with extensive tarmac delays. Earlier, the major U.S. airlines attempted to overturn New York's Passenger Bill of Rights in U.S. District Court stating the law was unconstitutional. With the success of the New York bill, more states are taking a look at crafting similar legislation with Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey considering such legislation.
Federal district court Judge Kahn disagreed, writing, "It threatens the public health to contain people on grounded airplanes for hours without these necessities." Kate Hanni, who attended the court hearing in Albany said, "Clearly the airlines have a callous disregard for the needs of airline passengers during long tarmac delays. It's incredible that we need a federal court to ensure that their essential needs are met."
The law was sponsored by State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo and Assemblyman Michael Gianaris who applauded the decision in separate statements. "Thanks to the leadership of Senator Fuschillo and Assemblyman Gianaris, airline passengers can now claim their first victory for basic human rights when trapped on an aircraft," said Hanni who heads the Coalition for Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, which filed an amicus brief on behalf of consumers.