News Summary
SkyWest Airlines has announced the creation of a new maintenance base at Shreveport Regional Airport, projected to create 150 new jobs for the region. The facility will support the airline’s fleet of regional aircraft and is anticipated to start operations in late 2025. Governor Jeff Landry praised the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition, which includes a comprehensive incentives package from Louisiana. This investment not only enhances local employment but also underscores Shreveport’s growing importance in the aerospace sector.
Shreveport – SkyWest Airlines has announced the establishment of a new maintenance base at Shreveport Regional Airport, which is expected to create 150 new jobs for the region. This initiative was unveiled on May 6 during an event at Government Plaza attended by various organizations, including the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, Caddo Parish, the City of Shreveport, and Louisiana Economic Development.
The newly constructed facility will support SkyWest Airlines’ fleet of nearly 500 regional aircraft. With an average annual salary of $70,000, the new positions will be approximately 27% higher than the average wage in Caddo Parish. In addition to the direct employment benefits, Louisiana Economic Development estimates that this project could lead to a total of 525 jobs when considering the 375 indirect jobs created as a result of the new facility.
Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the importance of collaboration among state and local stakeholders to enhance local economies. He acknowledged the efforts of SkyWest for recognizing the skilled workforce available in Louisiana and the contributions of various entities that made this project possible.
Project Details and Economic Impact
The SkyWest hangar at Shreveport Regional Airport will be the airline’s 13th maintenance base, with operations expected to commence in the second half of 2025. The establishment of this maintenance facility aligns with Louisiana Economic Development’s strategic focus on aerospace and logistics as key sectors for growth.
Louisiana has a long-standing history in the aerospace industry, underscored by facilities such as NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, established in the 1970s. The state boasts competitive advantages in this sector, with access to five of the nation’s 20 largest ports and a highly skilled workforce.
Joe Sigg, vice president of maintenance at SkyWest, expressed enthusiasm about selecting Shreveport for the new facility, noting the plans to develop a team of skilled technicians to support operations. The city was chosen after a thorough evaluation of 30 potential locations, indicating the strategic importance of Shreveport Regional Airport for SkyWest Airlines.
Incentives and Infrastructure
To secure the establishment of the maintenance base, Louisiana has offered SkyWest a comprehensive incentives package. This includes workforce development through FastStart, a performance-based grant of $750,000, backed by matching funds from Caddo Parish and the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board, as well as up to $200,000 in energy efficiency grants from AEP SWEPCO.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux highlighted that the regional airport serves as a crucial economic engine for northwest Louisiana. The arrival of SkyWest is expected to stimulate economic growth in the area, with potential benefits from educational programs at Southern University at Shreveport and collaborations with Barksdale Air Force Base.
Future Prospects for Aviation in Shreveport
The hangar designated for SkyWest’s operations is Hangar 40, currently occupied by Western Global Airlines, which plans to relocate to Hangar 5. This development may also attract additional airlines to Shreveport Regional Airport, further stimulating the local economy and enhancing the airport’s role as a key transportation hub in the region.
The investment made by SkyWest demonstrates a strong commitment to the growth of aviation support services in Shreveport and the potential for further economic development in Louisiana’s aerospace sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 Bringing Maintenance Jobs to Shreveport Regional Airport
- 710 KEEL: SkyWest Brings Jobs to Shreveport
- KTBS: Nation’s Largest Regional Airline Carrier Establishes Maintenance Base at Shreveport Regional Airport
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
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.
