
Slide for Line of identical airplanes lined up on a runway under a yellow-orange sunset sky with city buildings in the background.
The merger strengthened service delivery for multiple major U.S. airlines.

As the regional airline industry navigates a significant shift towards consolidation, FTI Capital Advisors proactively brokered merger conversations between Republic Airways and Mesa Airlines, with the aim of creating value for not only the two companies, but the larger codeshare partners they served.
Following nearly two years of negotiations, the strategic reverse merger was announced in April 2025. FTI Consulting’s Transactions team was then retained to lead the integration program and execute a comprehensive Day 1 project plan in a short timeline.
The deal was finalized in November 2025, solidifying the new group as the second-largest regional airline in the United States and the world’s largest fleet of Embraer 310 E-Jets.


The merger strengthened service delivery for multiple major U.S. airlines.

Through a carefully executed pre-close and Day 1 integration plan, the merged company combined select back office operations and launched support for critical maintenance and supply chain needs.

Due to the successful integration strategy, Republic and Mesa integrated key corporate functions within 30 days of Close and are well-positioned as they work towards operating under a Single Operating Certificate (“SOC”).
FTI Capital Advisors originated and structured the merger, supporting Mesa by leading complex, multiparty strategic negotiations and advising on transaction design to align operational, financial and strategic objectives across both carriers and their major airline partners.
Our experts performed a rapid assessment of integration program needs for Republic, including level of workstream support, by conducting interviews with key stakeholders at Republic and Mesa.
FTI Consulting’s Strategic Communications team designed a communications strategy across multiple stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, media, partners and OEMs.
The team partnered with Republic leadership to design an internally managed post-close integration management office to continue the integration and capitalize on quick-win value capture.
FTI Consulting ist die weltweit führende Beratung für Unternehmen in Krisen und Transformationen. Unsere Teams werden von erfahrenen Expertinnen und Experten geleitet. Ihre Stärke ist schnelles Handeln in dynamischen und komplexen Situationen – wenn es darauf ankommt, machen sie den Unterschied.

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