INDIANAPOLIS, IN — In a landmark decision for the U.S. regional aviation sector, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have officially authorised the final transfer of Mesa Airlines’ operating certificates to Republic Airways.

As of January 28, 2026, the two former rivals have cleared the ultimate regulatory hurdle, allowing them to consolidate their operations under a single Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). This move completes the integration process that began with their high-profile merger in late 2025.

One Sky, One Fleet

The approval marks the "finish line" for a deal that has fundamentally reshaped the American regional landscape. While the merger technically closed on November 25, 2025, the two carriers had been forced to maintain parallel operations and separate certificates while federal investigators scrutinised the safety and operational protocols of the combined entity.

With today’s certificate transfer, the combined company, which is now operating as Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: RJET), officially commands the world’s largest fleet of Embraer E-Jets, boasting over 310 aircraft and supporting more than 1,300 daily departures.

The Path to a Single Operating Certificate

The transition to a single certificate is a complex regulatory dance. By transferring Mesa’s authorities to the Republic, the FAA is effectively acknowledging that the two airlines have unified their training, maintenance, and safety management systems (SMS).

Industry analysts suggest that the consolidation will yield significant "economies of scale," a key goal for a regional sector that has struggled with pilot shortages and fluctuating contract revenues over the last three years. The combined entity will continue to serve as a vital backbone for the "Big Three" mainline carriers: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

“This merger establishes a combined company with a common mission to provide safe, clean, and reliable service to connect people and communities across America. The transaction will create value for all of our stakeholders and strengthen the regional aviation industry,” said David Grizzle, CEO of Republic Airways.

A Strategic Lifeline for Mesa

For Mesa Airlines, the certificate transfer represents the final step in a remarkable corporate survival story. Facing mounting debt and a shifting partnership with United Express in 2024 and 2025, Mesa’s integration into the well-capitalised Republic framework has provided the stability its shareholders long sought.

Under the terms of the merger, Republic stockholders now own approximately 88% of the combined company, while Mesa stockholders hold between 6% and 12%.

“We appreciate the strong and clear support our shareholders have provided. This vote confirms the strategic value of combining Mesa and Republic and positions the combined company for enhanced scale and long-term stability,” noted Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and CEO of Mesa, during the finalisation of the deal.

What This Means for Passengers and Pilots

While travellers may still see both the "Mesa" and "Republic" names on regional jets for a transitional period, the "under-the-hood" operations are now identical. For the 8,000 aviation professionals employed by the new giant, the certificate transfer simplifies seniority lists and streamlines training across the massive fleet of E170 and E175 aircraft.

Key Impacts of the Final Approval:

Operational Efficiency: Removal of redundant management roles and unified dispatch operations.

Mainline Stability: A more robust partner for United, Delta, and American, reducing the risk of regional flight cancellations.

Financial Rebirth: Republic’s return to the public markets under the RJET ticker with a "strong strategic plan" and a "horizon bright with opportunity."

The "RJET" Comeback

Investors have reacted positively to the news, with the stock stabilising as the uncertainty of the certificate transfer vanishes. The combined company is expected to produce annual revenues between $1.8 billion and $2 billion, proving that in the volatile world of regional flight, scale is the ultimate safety net.

As David Grizzle noted upon the merger’s initial completion: “Today, Republic returns to the public markets as a well-capitalised airline... and a horizon bright with opportunity.”