Full explanation of the selection of Republic by AMR:


"C. Selection of Republic

10. After careful consideration and analysis of each of the submitted bids in view of American’s business objectives and requirements, American selected Republic and commenced negotiations with Republic in December 2012 for a capacity purchase agreement relating to 53 Embraer E-175 76-seat aircraft. Unlike the other operators, Republic had the ability through aircraft options with Embraer to deploy 24 mostly new E-175 aircraft by the end of 2013 and all 53 aircraft by the first quarter of 2015. The E-175 product was determined by American as best suited for the highly competitive market in Chicago with a product experience that is more similar to a narrow body aircraft versus the CRJ-900.

11. Republic is also not restricted from operating on behalf of American at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of American’s primary hubs for which regional feed services are critical to American’s operations and strategy. Republic's economic proposal was slightly better than the cost assumption in the Debtors’ business plan for large regional jets. Additionally, Republic will acquire, finance and/or own all of the aircraft without any financing or underwriting by AMR or any other Debtor. In sum, Republic was essentially the only operator that could meet all American’s criteria and still be able to provide the required services at better than average costs. "

http://amrcaseinfo.com/pdflib/7044_15463.pdf