Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford Retires, Board Chair David Grizzle to Serve as CEO and Matt Koscal Promoted to President

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Airways today announced the retirement of its long-serving Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Bedford, after more than 25 years leading the airline. In connection with his departure, the Republic Board of Directors has named Board Chair, David Grizzle, as Chief Executive Officer, and promoted Matt Koscal to President of Republic Airways, effective immediately.

During Bedford’s tenure, Republic grew to become one of the largest regional airlines in the United States, operating nearly 1,000 daily flights on behalf of its major airline partners and earning a reputation for safety, reliability, and a people-first culture.

“Bryan has led Republic through extraordinary periods of challenge and transformation with clarity, compassion and integrity,” Koscal said. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him for more than a decade and have benefited immensely from his leadership and mentorship. As he enters his next chapter, I know I speak for the entire Republic family in expressing our gratitude and best wishes.”

Koscal, who joined Republic in 2014, has served in a variety of senior leadership roles, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. He was appointed President earlier this year as part of a planned transition and will continue to oversee the Company’s operations and strategic initiatives including the Company’s merger with Mesa Air Group. The transaction remains on track to close later this year, and the combined airline is expected to create a stronger, more competitive platform for future growth, expanded resources and enhanced service to passengers and airline partners alike.

“This is an exciting and important time for Republic,” Koscal added. “With a strong team in place and a clear path ahead, I’m honored to help lead our airline into its next chapter—one that I am confident will be defined by growth, innovation, superior service and reliability and – always - an unwavering commitment to safety.”

To support Republic’s continued momentum during this period, the Company has asked Board Chair, David Grizzle, to serve as CEO during this transition. Grizzle brings more than four decades of aviation industry experience to the role, including senior executive roles at Continental Airlines and service as Chief Counsel and head of air traffic control at the Federal Aviation Administration.

“Republic is well-positioned for the future, with a strong leadership team, a clear strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence,” said Grizzle. “I’m honored to support the Company during this important period and look forward to working alongside Matt and the leadership team as they guide Republic forward.”

About Republic Airways

Founded in 1974, Republic Airways maintains a fleet of more than 240 Embraer 170/175 aircraft and offers scheduled passenger service with nearly 1,000 daily flights to more than 80 cities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. The airline provides fixed-fee flights operated under its codeshare partners' brands: American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The airline employs more than 6,000 aviation professionals. Learn more at www.rjet.com.