Republic Airlines

One of Delta's Family Tree Airlines

Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines: One of Delta's Family Tree Airlines

Republic Airlines Sunglasses (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

On July 1, 1979, North Central Airlines and Southern Airways merged to form Republic Airlines, the first airline merger to happen after deregulation.

Republic Airlines Joining More of America Bag Tag (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

In 1980, after the buyout of Hughes Airwest, Republic Airlines served more U.S. airports than any other airline.

Republic Airlines Supervisory Captain Uniform Wings (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic was headquartered at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport though its largest hub was Detroit.

Republic Airlines Boeing 727-200 Model Airplane (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines operated over 130 Douglas DC-9s, the most of any airline. Republic also flew 727s, 757s, MD-80s and continued to operate Convair 580 turboprops that had been flown by North Central.

Republic Airlines You'll Like Our Style! (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic used the “Herman the Duck” logo that was part of North Central’s livery and even introduced a mascot version of the aquatic bird.

I Love Republic Airlines (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Northwest Orient Airlines purchased Republic in 1986. After the acquisition Northwest removed Orient from their name and utilized Republic’s Minneapolis, Memphis and Detroit hubs to expand their domestic network. Republic became part of Delta’s family tree during the Northwest merger in 2008.

Republic Airlines Pilot Uniform Hat (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

The major components of a Republic Airlines pilot's uniform in the next three slides

Republic Airlines Pilot Uniform Hat Badge (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Pilot Uniform Jacket (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Flight Attendant Uniform Wings (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Kiddie Wings (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Employee Service Pin (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Teaspoon (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines silverware featuring their Herman the Duck logo

Republic Airlines Dinner Fork (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Dinner Knife (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Wine Glass (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Shot Glass (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Beverage Cup (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Flight Bag (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Playing Cards (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Republic Airlines Matchbook (1979/1986)Delta Flight Museum

Credits: Story

Curator: Timothy Frilingos
Archivist: Marie Force
Registrar: Austin Coleman

Contact Delta Flight Museum with any comments or questions

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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