News Summary
SkyWest Airlines has announced the establishment of a new maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport, projected to create 150 jobs with an average salary of $70,000. The 152,000-square-foot facility will be utilized for maintenance operations on regional jets. The Louisiana Economic Development department anticipates an additional 375 indirect jobs and emphasizes the economic impact on the Shreveport area. Grants totaling $950,000 have been provided to support this investment, enhancing local training capabilities and positioning Shreveport as a competitive aerospace hub.
Shreveport, Louisiana – SkyWest Airlines has announced its decision to establish a new maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport, which is projected to create 150 jobs with an average annual salary of $70,000, significantly higher than the average in Caddo Parish. The announcement took place during a media conference on May 6, 2025, at Government Plaza in Shreveport, attended by local officials and representatives from the airline.
The facility will be located in a 152,000-square-foot hangar previously occupied by several aviation companies, including Rockwell, Boeing, and Continental Express. SkyWest will utilize the new space for maintenance operations on its Embraer and Bombardier regional jets. Job postings for the new maintenance positions are anticipated to become available within the next 24 to 48 hours, providing a timely opportunity for local job seekers.
The economic impact of the facility extends beyond direct employment; the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) department estimates approximately 375 indirect jobs will be created as a result of SkyWest’s investment in Shreveport. The incoming workforce is expected to bolster the local economy substantially, enhancing the job market in the region.
To facilitate this investment, the state of Louisiana, along with Caddo Parish and the Caddo Industrial Development Board, has provided $750,000 in performance-based grants. An additional $200,000 grant for energy efficiency has been awarded by AEP/SWEPCO to support the maintenance facility’s construction. Funding will also be directed to augment Southern University’s aircraft maintenance program, improving local training capabilities for future technicians.
The decision to locate in Shreveport was influenced by several factors, including the area’s available space for expansion and the potential for future investments. Officials from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) emphasized the importance of fostering an aerospace community in Northwest Louisiana, leveraging existing resources such as Barksdale Air Force Base and Southern University.
SkyWest Airlines operates as the largest regional carrier in the United States and is headquartered in St. George, Utah. The company’s commitment to building its workforce in Shreveport was expressed by its Vice President of Maintenance, who acknowledged the company’s aim to grow and develop a team of skilled technicians at the new facility.
Caddo Parish Commission President underlined the project’s significance, emphasizing the impact on skilled job creation within the community. The Shreveport Airport Authority Director noted that SkyWest’s selection of Shreveport over more than 30 other cities portends well for the city’s future development and viability as a hub for aviation and maintenance work.
The new maintenance facility is expected to be operational in the latter half of 2025, marking a new chapter for both SkyWest Airlines and the Shreveport Regional Airport. This forthcoming development not only signals a resurgence in local employment opportunities but also positions Shreveport as a competitive player in the aerospace sector.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times
- KTAL News
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- The Advocate
- Business Facilities
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Google Search: SkyWest Airlines
- Google Scholar: SkyWest Airlines
- Encyclopedia Britannica: SkyWest Airlines
- Google News: SkyWest Airlines
