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Chautauqua, a subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings Inc. will operate 50-seat regional jets on Continental's behalf, under the Continental Express brand. Continental will continue to schedule and market all of its Continental Express regional jet service.
"In selecting Chautauqua, we've identified a regional operator that can uphold our high standards for reliable, quality service, while delivering that service at competitive rates," said Continental Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.
In April 2006, Continental announced that Chautauqua would operate any of the aircraft that ExpressJet Airlines elected to return to Continental under the Continental-ExpressJet capacity purchase agreement. ExpressJet's decision to retain all 69 aircraft provided Continental with the opportunity to examine options for replacing the regional capacity provided by those aircraft. Chautauqua will supply the 44 aircraft that it will operate under the new capacity purchase agreement. Continental currently has no plans to replace 25 of the 69 50-seat regional jets retained by ExpressJet.
Continental Airlines Inc. (CAL) was down in late market trading to $28.00 even (-1.20).
Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (RJET) was up to $16.74 in late market trading.
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