Ends Codeshare Agreement With Republic Airways

Frontier Airlines Holdings announced Thursday it has reached a mutual agreement with Republic Airways to early terminate the airlines' code sharing agreement, which will gradually phase out Republic's 12 aircraft from Frontier's daily operation by mid-June. The airline also announced it would end service to six cities -- including Jacksonville, FL and Memphis -- by the first of June.

"We appreciate the great job Republic has done in helping us serve our customers," said Frontier President and CEO Sean Menke. "Republic, while operating under the Frontier brand, provided a safe, efficient and customer-friendly product that is hallmark to our Company. Unfortunately with current economic conditions and other business changes, we have been forced to drastically rethink the use of regional aircraft in our fleet mix."

As ANN reported, Frontier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this month, after its primary credit card processor said it planned to drastically increase the "holdback" on tickets purchased on credit.

"We have enjoyed our partnership with Frontier and have a lot of respect for their people," said Republic CEO Bryan Bedford. "It's unfortunate that despite their many efforts to reorganize their business outside of Chapter 11, factors beyond their control conspired to force a deeper reorganization. We wish them success in their continuing efforts to combat persistently high oil prices."

With 12 aircraft removed from the fleet, Frontier also announced the termination of -- and in one case, aborted start to -- service to six cities. Frontier said the change was necessary to better position remaining planes throughout its route network. By June, service to the following cities will be terminated: Sioux City, IA (May 12); Jacksonville, FL (May 31); Little Rock, AR (June 1); Memphis, TN (June 1); and Tulsa, OK (June 1).

Service to Missoula, MT -- that was due to start May 16 -- now won't.

Frontier says refunds and alternative arrangements will be made available to all customers affected by the schedule changes.

FMI: www.frontierairlines.com, www.rjet.com