Republic Airways Holdings Inc. is a step closer to leaving bankruptcy after a judge denied a late challenge to the regional air carrier’s chapter 11 exit plan, the Wall Street Journal reported today. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane on Monday overruled a plan objection related to aircraft leases brought by an affiliate of transportation-equipment financier Residco. The challenge has delayed a ruling on Republic’s chapter 11 plan of reorganization for weeks. Republic has said its ability to hire and retain pilots in 2017 could be affected if the airline’s stay in bankruptcy is extended much longer.
