News Summary
SkyWest Airlines has selected Shreveport Regional Airport for its new maintenance base, set to create around 150 jobs in Caddo Parish. The facility will support SkyWest’s aircraft and provide significant economic benefits, including salaries higher than the current average in the area. Anticipated to open in late 2025, the project is supported by various grants and is expected to boost the local economy, emphasizing the region’s skilled workforce and enhancing Louisiana’s aerospace sector.
Shreveport, Louisiana – SkyWest Airlines Selects Shreveport Regional Airport for New Maintenance Facility
SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline in the United States, has announced the selection of Shreveport Regional Airport as the site for its new maintenance base, which is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs in Caddo Parish. The facility will support the maintenance needs of SkyWest’s nearly 500 aircraft, providing significant economic benefits to the area.
This new maintenance facility is projected to generate an average annual salary of $70,000, which is 27% higher than the current average salary in the parish. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates that this project will also result in an indirect creation of about 375 additional jobs, further boosting the local economy. The facility is expected to become operational in the second half of 2025.
Governor Jeff Landry highlighted the cooperative efforts of local governments that led to the establishment of the facility in Louisiana, expressing gratitude towards SkyWest for recognizing the skilled local workforce available in the region. He noted that the project aligns with LED’s strategic plan, which aims to bolster Louisiana’s aerospace and logistics sectors.
Facility Details and Economic Impact
The new maintenance base will occupy a 152,000 square foot hangar at Shreveport Airport, an infrastructure that was originally constructed in 1983. SkyWest’s Vice President of Maintenance expressed enthusiasm for selecting Shreveport as the maintenance location, emphasizing the potential for developing a skilled workforce dedicated to aircraft maintenance.
The Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board is supporting the project with a $250,000 performance-based grant, which will be matched by LED, bringing the total incentive package to $750,000. Additionally, Northwest Louisiana’s electric franchise, AEP/SWEPCO, will offer an energy efficiency grant of up to $200,000, further enhancing the project’s financial framework.
Job postings for positions at the new maintenance base are anticipated to commence within 24-48 hours following this announcement, presenting an immediate opportunity for local residents seeking employment in the aviation sector.
SkyWest and Local Industry Context
As of 2024, SkyWest Airlines has carried over 42 million passengers through its partnerships with major airlines, including United, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines. The establishment of this maintenance facility is expected to improve flight opportunities under these major carriers, benefiting both the airline and travelers alike.
The Shreveport Airport Authority Director expressed optimism regarding the investments from SkyWest, anticipating that this will lead to additional cities being served by the airline. Caddo Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts also expressed excitement about the collaborative efforts and economic opportunities that SkyWest’s presence will bring to the community.
SkyWest Airlines operates as a vital component of the local aviation landscape, and its planned maintenance facility at Shreveport Regional Airport not only strengthens the airline’s operational capabilities but also supports the economic development of the Caddo Parish area, aligning well with Louisiana’s focus on enhancing its aerospace sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Launches New SkyWest Airlines Maintenance Base
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
- Shreveport Times: SkyWest Bringing Maintenance Jobs to Shreveport Regional Airport
- KTAL News: SkyWest Airlines Shreveport Airport Maintenance Base
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: SkyWest Airlines Maintenance Facility
- Magnolia Reporter: North Louisiana Updates
- The Advocate: SkyWest Airlines to Open Maintenance Facility in Shreveport
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Google Search: SkyWest Airlines
- Google Scholar: SkyWest Aviation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace Industry
- Google News: SkyWest Airlines Shreveport
