Nation’s Largest Regional Airline Opens Maintenance Base at Shreveport Airport

SkyWest Airlines Launches Maintenance Base at Shreveport Regional Airport

SkyWest Airlines, the largest regional airline in the United States, has announced the establishment of a new maintenance base at Shreveport Regional Airport. This facility will support the airline’s fleet of nearly 500 regional aircraft and is expected to create 150 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $70,000—approximately 27% above the local parish average. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) projects that the initiative will also generate an additional 375 indirect jobs, potentially bringing a total of 525 new positions to Northwest Louisiana.

Governor Jeff Landry emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, noting the coordinated efforts between state and local stakeholders. He stated, “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. 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.”

Strategic Importance and Economic Benefits

The expansion aligns with Louisiana’s strategic focus on aerospace and logistics, sectors in which the state has established strengths, including the presence of the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Louisiana offers a skilled workforce, access to a robust supply chain through major ports, and a competitive cost structure that appeals to aerospace companies.

Susan B. Bourgeois, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, highlighted the significance of SkyWest’s investment. “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,” she 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 new hangar at Shreveport will be the airline’s 13th maintenance base, with operations slated to begin in the second half of 2025. Joe Sigg, Vice President of Maintenance at SkyWest, expressed enthusiasm about the development: “We’re excited to select Shreveport Regional Airport as our newest maintenance base. 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 secure the project, LED provided SkyWest with a competitive incentives package. This includes workforce development support through the FastStart program, a $750,000 performance-based grant matched by LED, Caddo Parish, and the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board, as well as up to $200,000 in energy efficiency grants from AEP SWEPCO.

Industry Context and Local Reactions

SkyWest’s decision to expand into Shreveport comes amid increasing competition within the regional airline industry. While other carriers may respond by enhancing their own maintenance operations, local officials remain optimistic about the positive economic impact.

Caddo Parish Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts remarked, “The arrival of SkyWest’s MRO operations at Shreveport Regional Airport 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.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins also welcomed the development, stating, “SkyWest’s expansion into our city is a testament to Shreveport’s growing reputation as a center for aviation and technological innovation. The establishment of their maintenance base here not only brings high-quality jobs but also opens up numerous opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.”

Prospective applicants interested in employment opportunities with SkyWest can register for updates and hiring events through the airline’s official portal.