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SkyWest Airlines Opens New MRO Facility at Shreveport Regional Airport to Expand Fleet Maintenance

SkyWest Airlines Expands Fleet Maintenance with New MRO Facility at Shreveport Regional Airport
SkyWest Airlines, a prominent U.S. regional carrier, has inaugurated a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), marking a strategic expansion of its fleet maintenance operations. This development is designed to support SkyWest’s growing fleet of over 500 aircraft and enhance its operational infrastructure amid increasing demand for maintenance services within the aviation industry.
Strategic Location and Facility Infrastructure
The new MRO base operates from an existing hangar owned by the Shreveport Airport Authority, encompassing approximately 152,000 square feet of indoor shop space alongside 153,750 square feet of ramp area. SkyWest has secured a three-year lease with options to extend for two additional one-year periods. Shreveport Regional Airport was chosen for its strategic geographic position within SkyWest’s route network, facilitating efficient maintenance support and operational connectivity. The airport’s comprehensive aviation infrastructure—including compliant runways, hangars, and ground support systems—enables seamless integration of maintenance activities. As a hub for both cargo and passenger operations, Shreveport is well-positioned to contribute to regional economic growth and increased airport activity.
Facility Capabilities and Fleet Support
Equipped to provide a full range of aircraft maintenance services, the Shreveport MRO facility will handle everything from routine inspections and line maintenance to extensive nose-to-tail repairs. The facility will primarily service SkyWest’s Embraer E175 and Bombardier CRJ aircraft, including the CRJ 900, CRJ 700, CRJ 550, and CRJ 200 models. Plans are underway to establish a dedicated team specializing in aircraft wheel assembly servicing, which is expected to improve turnaround times and maintenance quality for critical components. The hangar’s capacity allows for multiple Embraer E175 aircraft to be serviced simultaneously, enhancing workflow efficiency and throughput. SkyWest aims to have the facility fully operational by mid-July 2025.
Workforce Development and Economic Impact
The expansion is projected to create over 100 new jobs at the Shreveport MRO, predominantly for certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics. Recruitment efforts are actively underway, including partnerships with technical schools and training institutions across Louisiana. The airline is also exploring internal transfers and relocations to fulfill staffing requirements. This initiative aligns with regional economic development objectives by fostering skilled job creation and supporting the growth of Louisiana’s aviation sector.
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
SkyWest’s investment in the Shreveport facility comes amid a global MRO market forecasted to reach $155 billion by 2034, driven by aging aircraft fleets and extended lease terms that are increasing maintenance demand. Airlines worldwide are expanding their maintenance capacities in response to this trend. Competitors such as Ryanair are similarly enlarging their MRO operations, while companies like Haven Aviation and Harmony Aircraft Services have recently opened new facilities in Green Bay and Malta, respectively. As competition for maintenance contracts intensifies, SkyWest’s new facility positions the airline to better serve its fleet and maintain a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.
The establishment of this MRO facility not only enhances SkyWest’s operational capabilities but also reinforces Shreveport Regional Airport’s role as a vital aviation hub in the southern United States, contributing to broader economic diversification and growth within the aerospace industry.

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