Republic Airways Holdings Inc., a regional carrier for several major airlines, on Thursday said plans to grow its pilot work force by about 1,000 pilots by 2008.

Republic's three carriers - Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines (nasdaq: RJET - news - people ) and Shuttle America - all will add pilots.

Republic expects its current pilot roster of about 1,675 will grow to 2,600 by 2008.

Republic's carriers operate flights for American Airlines (nyse: AMR - news - people ), Continental Airlines (nyse: CAL - news - people ), Delta Air Lines (other-otc: DALRQ.PK - news - people ), United Airlines, U.S. Airways, and, beginning in March, Frontier Airlines (nasdaq: FRNT - news - people ).

Shares of Republic fell 45 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $17.90 during afternoon trading on the Nasdaq.