Skywest Airlines is based out of St.George, Utah.
It is the largest regional airline in North America regarding customers served, destinations, and aircraft fleet.
The airline operates commuter flights under Alaska Airlines (Alaska Skywest), American Airlines (American Eagle), Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection), and United Airlines (United Express).
Skywest Airlines serves destinations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico through its partner airlines.
History of Skywest Airlines
Skywest Airlines originated in 1972 when Ralph Atkin purchased a business charter airline called Dixie Airlines. He rebranded the airline as SkyWest Airlines and began a service expansion westward to become one of the largest regional airlines in the country.
The airline had its first major partnership with Delta Air Lines. In 1986, Skywest was partnered with Western Airlines which Delta purchased. Skywest was then absorbed into Delta Connection, performing service to much of the states surrounding Utah.
In the mid-1990s, Skywest Airlines briefly had a codeshare agreement with Continental Airlines. It operated Continental Connection flights. That relationship fizzled by 1997 only to be reignited in 2003.
Replacing Continental Connection in 1997 was another codeshare agreement, this time with United Airlines. It began operating United Express flights out of San Francisco, Denver, and Los Angeles. By the turn of the century, Skywest became the largest branch of United Express.
Throughout the 2000s, the airline experienced many additions and subtractions of service. They added codeshare agreements with now-defunct airlines U.S Airways and AirTrain Airways.
However, the most important addition of service that still impacts the airline to this day happened in 2011, when it replaced Horizon Air on several regional routes for Alaska Airlines. At the time, Horizon Air owned all of Alaska’s regional flights in the continental 48 states. This addition opened Skywest Airlines to having a more national presence.
Quick Facts About Skywest Airlines
Year Founded: 1972
Years of Operation: 50 years
Airline Type: Regional
Call Sign: SKYWEST
Website: https://skywest.com/
About Skywest Airlines Fleet
Skywest Airlines has a total of 502 aircraft.
Skywest Airlines most commonly flies the Bombardier CRJ700, Bombardier CRJ200, and Embraer 175.
Bombardier CRJ700
The Bombardier CRJ700 is a popular regional jet known for its comfortable cabin and efficient performance. It can carry around 70 passengers and is often used by airlines for short to medium-haul flights. With its sleek design and reliable engines, the CRJ700 offers travelers a smooth and enjoyable flying experience.
Bombardier CRJ200
The Bombardier CRJ200 is a compact regional jet widely used by airlines for short-distance flights. Despite its smaller size, it can still accommodate up to 50 passengers comfortably. The CRJ200 is known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for regional carriers looking to serve smaller airports efficiently.
Embraer 175
The Embraer 175 is a modern regional jet admired for its spacious cabin and advanced technology. With a seating capacity of around 80 passengers, it offers a comfortable and smooth ride for travelers on short to medium-haul routes. The Embraer 175 is known for its fuel efficiency and low operating costs, making it a favorite among both airlines and passengers alike.
Skywest Airlines Performance And Operations
Skywest Airlines currently flies to 250 destinations.
In 2022, Skywest Airlines safely flew 29,864,055 passengers to their destinations.
Skywest Airlines reported flights being on time 79.23% of the time.
Skywest Airlines Hubs and Focus Cities
Skywest Airlines utilizes the following locations as its hub or focus cities.
- Chicago–O’Hare (KORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (KDFW)
- Denver (KDEN)
- Detroit (KDTW)
- Houston–Intercontinental (KIAH)
- Los Angeles (KLAX)
- Minneapolis/St. Paul (KMSP)
- Phoenix–Sky Harbor (KPHX)
- Portland (OR) (KPDX)
- Salt Lake City (KSLC)
- San Francisco (KSFO)
- Seattle/Tacoma (KSEA)
Is SkyWest Airlines a Safe Airline to Fly On?
Skywest Airlines is considered a safe airline to fly on by many passengers and aviation experts. It has only experienced 12 major accidents since it was founded.
The airline has a strong safety record and follows strict regulations set by aviation authorities to ensure the safety of its flights. Skywest operates under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations in the United States, which require airlines to adhere to rigorous safety standards.
Skywest Airlines prioritizes safety in all aspects of its operations. The airline invests in regular maintenance checks for its aircraft to ensure they are in optimal condition for flight. Highly trained pilots and crew members undergo continuous training and evaluations to maintain their skills and keep up with the latest safety protocols.
Additionally, Skywest Airlines operates a modern fleet of aircraft equipped with advanced safety features and technology. These measures contribute to creating a safe flying environment for passengers.
While no airline is completely immune to risks, Skywest Airlines has demonstrated a commitment to safety that has earned it a reputation as a reliable and secure choice for air travel. Passengers can feel confident when choosing to fly with Skywest Airlines for their travel needs.
