Republic Airlines History (1979–1986): Herman the Duck – Airline Employee Shop

Republic Airlines History

Republic Airlines was born from the first merger of the deregulation era, grew into the U.S. airline serving the most airports, and joined Northwest just seven years later. Here's a short history of Republic, plus the Republic Airlines collection that celebrates it.

Two local airlines become one (1979)

On July 1, 1979, North Central Airlines of Minneapolis and Southern Airways of Atlanta merged to form Republic Airlines. It was the first airline merger after the Airline Deregulation Act. Republic made its headquarters at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport and kept North Central's Herman the Duck logo.

Adding the West (1980–1983)

On October 1, 1980, Republic completed its purchase of Hughes Airwest for $38.5 million. The deal added Phoenix and Las Vegas hubs, and Republic became the U.S. airline serving the most airports. The western operation ran for a time as Republic West. But the airline now carried heavy debt from two acquisitions and new aircraft, losses mounted, and Republic cut back in the West and shifted its strength east.

Hubs, DC-9s and a duck (1983–1986)

Republic built its network around hubs at Detroit, its largest, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Memphis. It flew the world's largest DC-9 fleet, about 133 aircraft, alongside Boeing 727s, Boeing 757s, MD-80s and Convair 580 turboprops inherited from North Central. Republic even created a mascot version of Herman. In early 1985 it launched Republic Express feeder service with partner commuter airlines.

Into Northwest (1986)

In January 1986 Northwest Orient announced it would buy Republic. The merger was completed on October 1, 1986, and Northwest dropped "Orient" from its name. Republic's hubs at Minneapolis, Detroit and Memphis became the core of Northwest Airlines' domestic network, and with the 2008 Delta and Northwest merger, Republic joined the family tree of Delta Air Lines.

A few things collectors love

  • Herman the Duck flew on from North Central and even appeared as a Republic mascot.
  • Republic's roughly 133 DC-9s made it the largest DC-9 operator in the world.
  • Republic brought together three earlier airlines, so its memorabilia sits at the crossroads of the Midwest, the South and the West.

Shop Republic Airlines

Browse Republic Airlines logo T-shirts, coffee mugs, coasters, tote bags and vintage designs in the Republic Airlines collection. Add an airline bag tag or key tag for the Republic fan in your life.

AirlineEmployeeShop.com is an independent retailer of airline memorabilia. This page is for historical interest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Delta Air Lines.