Republic says it will apply the full balance of its $35 million loan from US Airways toward the purchase of the aircraft and assume an undisclosed amount of debt.

Four of the 99-seat, E-190 jets are expected to enter service in November and December. The remaining six aircraft will become operational in the first half of 2010.

Indianapolis-based Republic Airways owns Chautauqua Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Lynx Aviation, Midwest Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America. All of the airlines' flights are operated under their partner brand, including Continental Express, Delta Connection, United Express and US Airways Express. The carrier offers service on 1,800 flights daily to 126 cities.

Arizona-based US Airways operates 3,000 flights per day to more than 200 destinations in the Americas and Europe.