News Summary
Shreveport, Louisiana, is set to gain 525 jobs as SkyWest Airlines establishes a new maintenance base at Shreveport Regional Airport. The project will create 150 direct jobs with an average salary of $70,000 and 375 indirect jobs. Local organizations collaborated to secure this development, which aligns with Louisiana’s economic growth strategy focused on aerospace and logistics. The facility is expected to be operational by late 2025, contributing significantly to the local economy and workforce development.
Shreveport Welcomes New SkyWest Airlines Maintenance Base
Shreveport, Louisiana, is poised to benefit from a significant economic boost as SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline carrier in the United States, has chosen the Shreveport Regional Airport for a new maintenance base. The announcement, made on May 6, 2025, is expected to generate approximately 525 new jobs for the Northwest Region of Louisiana.
The new facility is projected to create 150 direct jobs, with an average salary of $70,000. This figure is roughly 27% higher than the current average wage in Caddo Parish. In addition, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) anticipates the creation of 375 indirect jobs as a result of this project, bringing the total job count to 525 for the region.
To secure this development in Caddo Parish, multiple organizations collaborated, including the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), the Shreveport Regional Airport, Caddo Parish, the City of Shreveport, AEP SWEPCO, the Caddo Industrial Development Board, and LED. Governor Jeff Landry described the initiative as reflective of a “whole of government approach” designed to bolster local economies.
Investment and Economic Impact
The incentive package that attracted SkyWest involves several financial components. LED offered a performance-based grant of $750,000, which is matched by funds from Caddo Parish and the Caddo Industrial Development Board. Additionally, AEP SWEPCO is providing up to $200,000 in energy efficiency grants.
The maintenance facility, which is set to become operational in the second half of 2025, will occupy a hangar currently used by Western Global Airlines, which will be relocating to facilitate the project.
Strategic Development and Regional Connectivity
With this expansion, SkyWest will establish its 13th maintenance base, enhancing regional connectivity and further fostering the aerospace sector in north Louisiana. The development aligns with Louisiana’s economic strategic plan, which prioritizes aerospace and logistics industries due to their historical significance in the state.
As SyWest aims to enhance service offerings, the project may lead to increased flight services from airlines that currently operate in Shreveport, including United, Delta, and American Airlines.
Local Workforce Development
In addition to job creation, the partnership is expected to tap into local workforce development programs, particularly benefiting graduates from Southern University at Shreveport and military personnel from Barksdale Air Force Base. This approach will help ensure that many of the new positions are filled by local residents.
Background on Shreveport’s Economic Landscape
This project represents a collaborative effort among various stakeholders to maximize opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the Shreveport area. The decision to choose Shreveport over 30 competing cities nationwide underscores the region’s appeal and potential for future growth in the aviation and aerospace sectors.
Overall, the establishment of SkyWest’s maintenance base is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for further economic development in Shreveport, contributing to job creation, enhancing regional connectivity, and positioning the area as a key player in aerospace logistics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
SkyWest Airlines Establishes New Maintenance Base in Shreveport
Shreveport Welcomes SkyWest Airlines Maintenance Base, Creating 525 Jobs
SkyWest Airlines to Open Maintenance Facility in Shreveport
Additional Resources
- KSLA: Organizations Announce New Economic Development in Caddo Parish
- Shreveport Times: SkyWest Airlines Video News
- 710 KEEL: SkyWest Brings Jobs to Shreveport
- KTBS: SkyWest Establishes Maintenance Base at Shreveport Regional Airport
- Wikipedia: SkyWest Airlines
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
