Beagle,

Don't forget Continental started in 1934 as Varney Speed lines, flying a single engine Vega all the way from Pueblo, Colorado to El Paso - with only three stops en-route.


The humble beginnings of Republic wasn't really my point, but the way they grew via parasitic relationships with other airlines. AMR has historically been quite predatory. Anyone remember Vanguard, Sun Jet, Western Pacific or Legend? It would be the height of irony if Republic were to thrive as a stand alone carrier having grown strong enough to become a viable independent off the profits they gleaned flying American's passengers.


On the other hand there are few Empire Builder CEOs left in aviation. No more Hughes', Trippe's, Six's, Kelleher's or even Crandall's. Most have become finance guys squeezing the last drop of value from their companies before running off into the sunset with the loot. BB may end up being an Empire builder if he doesn't get leveraged out the way Neeleman or Bethune were. You heard it here first: Republic will be the Next Great Airline.