Midwest Airlines will replace all but nine of its Boeing 717s with 12 Embraer E170s flown by Indianapolis-based Republic Airways as part of an effort to restructure its fleet and fend off bankruptcy. As part of the deal, Midwest announced that Republic flight crew would fly the 12 E170s as Midwest Connect, temporarily replacing Midwest Airlines Boeing 717 crew until they receive training on the Brazilian equipment. Plans call for Republic to transfer the airplanes’ operating certificate to Midwest, which would lease the airplanes from Republic. However, that process could take between eight months and a year, according to Midwest, and hinge on concessions from crewmembers accustomed to Boeing 717 rates.
The first of the 76-seat Embraer jets were scheduled to begin flying as Midwest Connect on October 1. Plans call for the last of the dozen airplanes to enter service on November 15. Midwest Airlines will return 16 of its 717s this fall.
