"Republic Airways is the largest operator of the E-Jet in the world: 95 EMB170/175s in its fleet and delivery of 26 EMB175s scheduled by the end of 2008"

This would be a good way to get more "E" acft, delivery positions and crews. NWA then exercises options on CRJ900s and expands Mesaba. Both get standardized fleet savings, increased capacity and less headaches.