News Summary
SkyWest Airlines has announced plans to build a new maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport, creating 150 direct jobs with an average salary of $70,000. The facility, set to open in late 2025, will service SkyWest’s fleet of 500 regional aircraft and is expected to also generate 375 indirect jobs. This investment comes with financial support from local agencies and highlights Shreveport’s growing aerospace industry.
Shreveport – SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline carrier in the United States, has announced its decision to establish a new maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport. This development, made public during a media conference on May 6, 2025, is expected to create 150 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $70,000, significantly above the average wage for the parish.
The new maintenance base will cater to SkyWest’s fleet of nearly 500 regional aircraft and will reside in an existing 152,000 square foot hangar built in 1983. The facility is anticipated to commence operations in the second half of 2025.
The project is also projected to generate an additional 375 indirect jobs, as outlined by Louisiana Economic Development (LED), showcasing the economic impact of this initiative on the local community. In support of this project, the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board is contributing a $250,000 performance-based grant, which will be matched by funds from LED and Caddo Parish, totaling $750,000. Additionally, AEP/SWEPCO will provide an energy efficiency grant of up to $200,000 for the facility.
Furthermore, funding has been allocated for the airframe and powerplant maintenance program at Southern University Shreveport, aligning education with the growing needs of the aerospace sector.
Governor Jeff Landry noted the collaborative efforts among state and local stakeholders as critical in attracting this project to Shreveport. Shreveport Airports Director Larry Blackwell expressed optimism about the partnership with SkyWest, emphasizing the airline’s potential as a valuable addition to the local community.
The establishment of this maintenance facility will mark SkyWest’s 13th maintenance base in the United States. The initiative supports LED’s strategic plan, which aims to foster the growth of the aerospace and logistics industries in Louisiana. Currently, the state employs over 8,000 individuals in its aerospace and defense sector, highlighting the significance of this industry within the local economy.
Community members and state officials have conveyed their appreciation for SkyWest’s investment in the area, recognizing the potential benefits that such developments can bring. With the anticipated opening of the facility, Shreveport is poised for growth in employment opportunities and economic advancement, contributing to the overall prosperity of the region.
In summary, the establishment of the SkyWest Airlines maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport marks a significant step forward for the local economy, promising job creation, industry growth, and enhanced educational opportunities for future generations. The collaboration between multiple stakeholders demonstrates a concerted effort to secure the future of aerospace in Louisiana.
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Additional Resources
- The Advocate
- Google Search: SkyWest Airlines Shreveport maintenance facility
- KTAL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: SkyWest Airlines
- 710 KEEL
- Google News: SkyWest Airlines Shreveport
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.
