- SkyWest will create 150 jobs in Caddo Parish.
- The company operates flights for major carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
- The maintenance base is expected to be operational in the second half of 2025.
SkyWest Airlines, the nation’s largest regional airline carrier, has selected Shreveport Regional Airport as its newest maintenance base and facility to help support its fleet of nearly 500 regional aircraft.
The SkyWest facility is expected to create 150 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $70,000 – about 27% above the parish average wage. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 375 indirect new jobs, bringing a potential 525 new jobs to the Northwest Region.
“SkyWest’s decision to locate a maintenance facility here represents the whole of government approach we have been taking during my administration, rallying state and local stakeholders to put local economies first,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “I want to thank SkyWest for recognizing the skilled workforce we have built in Louisiana, and I want to thank all of the entities that came together to make this project possible.”
The SkyWest project aligns with Louisiana Economic Development’s strategic plan, which names aerospace and logistics as two priority sectors due to Louisiana’s long history as an aerospace leader, having established NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans in the 1970s. The state continues to have competitive advantages in the sector, with a skilled workforce, supply chain access through five of the nation’s 20 largest ports and a lower cost of doing business.
“With its long history of excellence and high-impact job opportunities, SkyWest is exactly the type of company identified in our strategic plan that will help Louisiana build the most robust, innovative and dynamic economy in the Southeast,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “More than 8,000 Louisianans work in the aerospace and defense industry, and we are proud to add another company to our state’s portfolio that is demonstrating so much potential for growth.”
SkyWest’s Shreveport hangar will become SkyWest’s 13th maintenance base, and the airline expects the base will be operational in the second half of 2025.
“We’re excited to select Shreveport Regional Airport as our newest maintenance base,” said Joe Sigg, SkyWest’s Vice President of Maintenance. “We appreciate the welcome from the local community and the state of Louisiana and look forward to growing our team of skilled technicians to maintain the industry’s premier fleet of regional aircraft.”
To win the project in Caddo Parish, LED offered SkyWest a competitive incentives package, including the comprehensive workforce development solutions of FastStart; a $750,000 performance-based grant using matching funds from LED, Caddo Parish and the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board and an up to $200,000 energy efficiency grant by AEP SWEPCO.
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Caddo Parish Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts: “The Caddo Parish Commission is ecstatic about the arrival of SkyWest’s MRO operations at the Shreveport Regional Airport. This is a significant move that promises to enhance the local economy and solidify District 7’s status as a burgeoning hub for aviation excellence. This investment will bring skilled jobs to our community and strengthen our labor force. We are looking forward to working with SkyWest and welcoming them to our community and embracing the opportunities that this collaboration will bring.”
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux: “The Shreveport Regional Airport is a terrific economic engine for northwest Louisiana. This project exemplifies the excellent work of the Airport Director, the Shreveport Airport Authority, NLEP and LED, as well as the city administration, to take full advantage of the resources of the airport for economic development and job creation.”
Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board President William Bradford: “The Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board is excited to welcome SkyWest to the Greater Shreveport-Bossier Community. This investment means we will see additional activity at Shreveport Regional Airport, additional investment in our local area, and additional jobs for our citizens. We will continue to support growth and development in Caddo Parish and emphasize that projects like this in Caddo Parish are critical for the success of all northwest Louisiana.”
Director of Airports Larry Blackwell: “We are honored to welcome SkyWest Airlines to Shreveport Regional Airport. SkyWest partners with three of the four air carriers currently serving our airport. Opening a maintenance base provides a tremendous opportunity for improved air service and good paying careers in Shreveport.”
NLEP CEO Justyn Dixon: “The arrival of SkyWest at Shreveport Regional Airport marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth in north Louisiana. Aerospace is a key industry of focus for our region and the state, and this partnership helps position us for continued growth and opportunity in that sector. This achievement is the result of strong collaboration and shared vision, as well as strong assets supporting the development of this industry such as the Shreveport Regional Airport Industrial Park, Barksdale Air Force Base, Southern University at Shreveport’s A&P Program, and Louisiana Tech University’s Professional Aviation program. We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and support of the Shreveport Airport Authority, the Parish of Caddo, the City of Shreveport, AEP Swepco, the Caddo Industrial Development Board, and Louisiana Economic Development. Their commitment made this project possible and reflects the kind of partnership that drives our region forward.”
About SkyWest
SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) has a fleet of nearly 500 aircraft connecting passengers to more than 250 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines carrying over 42 million passengers in 2024. Based in St. George, Utah, SkyWest has nearly 15,000 employees. For more about SkyWest or to apply, visit skywest.com/careers.
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contact:
Kevin Litten, LED Strategic Communications Editor
Kevin.Litten2@la.gov
225.342.4321
SkyWest Corporate Communications
media@skywest.com
435.634.3553
