Republic profit rises on greater passenger traffic

The addition of 39 regional jets and resulting increase in passenger traffic helped fuel a 14.1-percent improvement in first-quarter profit for Republic Airways Holdings Inc., the Indianapolis carrier said yesterday.

The parent of Chautauqua and Republic airlines and Shuttle America reported $19.3 million in net income.

Republic also said its plans to add 54 regional jets this year to its total of 189 are on track.