Delta Air Lines is suing its partner airline Republic Airways Holdings for failing to fulfil its contract to operate some Delta Connection flights.
Republic had cut the number of flights it operates for Delta and rival carriers American Airlines and United due to a pilot shortage which had been exacerbated by a labor dispute with pilots.
Delta claims in the lawsuit it had lost ‘millions’ in revenue and added costs to reorganize flight schedules, while Republic responded yesterday saying it has not violated its contract with Delta.
"Republic Airways Holdings Inc has been made aware of a complaint filed by Delta. 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," a Republic statement said.
Indianapolis-based Republic Airways operates feeder routes from secondary airports into major hubs like Atlanta for the big three airlines.
These services are branded as Delta Connection, American Eagle and United Express flights.
Republic has a fleet of more than 200 aircraft operating about 1,250 flights a day.
