SkyWest Airlines
A major American regional airline that operates contracted flights for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
SkyWest Airlines is an American regional airline headquartered in St. George, Utah, and a subsidiary of publicly traded SkyWest, Inc. Unlike a conventional network airline that primarily sells tickets under its own brand, SkyWest mainly provides aircraft, crews, maintenance, and operational services for larger partner airlines. Its flights are marketed through the partner brands Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, appearing respectively as Alaska SkyWest, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express. The company began in 1972 when Ralph Atkin acquired Dixie Airlines to improve air links between St. George and Salt Lake City. After establishing itself in the western United States, SkyWest expanded through acquisitions, fleet modernization, and code-sharing arrangements. Its early operations used small piston aircraft and turboprops, including Piper aircraft, Fairchild Metroliners, and Embraer EMB 120 Brasilias. It later became an important operator of Bombardier CRJ regional jets and Embraer 175 aircraft. SkyWest’s first major branded partnership was with Western Airlines in 1986, when it operated as Western Express. Following Western’s acquisition by Delta Air Lines in 1987, SkyWest transitioned into Delta Connection service. It added United Express flying in 1997 and subsequently developed relationships with several other mainline airlines, including Continental, Midwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, US Airways, and American Airlines. The company’s parent expanded through the 2005 acquisition of Atlantic Southeast Airlines and the planned 2010 acquisition of ExpressJet, although ExpressJet was later sold in 2019. Most SkyWest flying is performed under capacity purchase agreements. Under these contracts, a partner airline generally pays fixed amounts linked to departures, flight hours, aircraft availability, and operating performance, while the partner controls the schedule, marketing, and ticket sales. A smaller portion of the business operates under pro-rate arrangements, under which SkyWest bears more commercial risk and shares connecting-fare revenue with the partner. This structure gives SkyWest significant exposure to the strategic decisions, fleet constraints, labor rules, and financial health of its mainline customers. SkyWest connects smaller communities with major airline hubs and also serves routes supported by the federal Essential Air Service program and state subsidies. It operates across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company is described as North America’s largest regional airline by fleet size, passenger volume, and destinations served. Its fleet has been all-jet since 2015, with the CRJ family and Embraer 175 forming the core of its operations. Aircraft are generally painted in partner-airline liveries, although some SkyWest aircraft can be assigned flexibly among customers. The brand’s positioning is therefore that of an infrastructure and operating partner within the North American airline system rather than a consumer-facing independent carrier. Its value proposition centers on reliable regional connectivity, efficient operation of smaller aircraft, access to smaller markets, and the ability to scale capacity for major airlines. In 2024, SkyWest also purchased a minority stake in Contour Airlines to support a planned Part 135 operation and broaden access to personnel, infrastructure, and operational expertise.
History
SkyWest Airlines was founded in 1972 after Ralph Atkin, a lawyer in St. George, Utah, purchased Dixie Airlines on April 26 of that year. Atkin’s initial objective was practical and local: provide more dependable transportation between St. George and Salt Lake City for business travelers and other residents underserved by existing air links. The airline began with small piston-powered aircraft and gradually built a western regional network. During the 1970s and early 1980s, SkyWest expanded its routes and upgraded its equipment. In 1984 it acquired Sun Aire Lines of Palm Springs, California, helping make SkyWest one of the larger regional carriers in the United States. The company also became a major operator of Fairchild Metroliner turboprops. It completed an initial public offering in 1986, the same year it began operating as Western Express for Western Airlines. Using Embraer EMB 120 and Fairchild Metroliner aircraft, SkyWest fed Western’s Salt Lake City hub and other destinations. Western Airlines was acquired by Delta Air Lines in 1987. Rather than ending the relationship, the transaction moved SkyWest into Delta’s regional system, and SkyWest became a Delta Connection carrier serving western states. In 1997, SkyWest added United Express flying from United hubs including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. The United operation initially used EMB 120s and Bombardier CRJ200s, later adding CRJ700s and, from 2014, Embraer 175s. SkyWest also operated temporary or limited services for Continental Airlines, including Continental Connection flying from Los Angeles between 1995 and 1997 and again from Houston from 2003 until 2005. SkyWest’s parent company significantly broadened its regional-airline portfolio in the 2000s. In 2005, SkyWest, Inc. purchased Atlantic Southeast Airlines from Delta Air Lines for $425 million. SkyWest Airlines also entered a series of additional partnerships. It operated for Midwest Airlines from 2007, then for AirTran Airways after 2010, and later began US Airways operations from Phoenix. These arrangements illustrated the company’s flexible role as a contract operator whose network could change as mainline carriers consolidated or revised their regional strategies. In 2010, SkyWest, Inc. announced plans to acquire ExpressJet and combine it with Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The transaction was approved by the Federal Trade Commission in September 2010 and aligned two significant regional operations during the merger process involving United and Continental. ExpressJet was ultimately sold in 2019 after SkyWest, Inc. announced a $70 million transaction in December 2018; the sale closed on January 23, 2019. The Alaska relationship expanded in 2011 when SkyWest replaced Horizon Air on six lower-48 routes from Seattle and Portland. SkyWest subsequently developed a larger American Airlines relationship. Beginning in November 2012, it operated CRJ200 aircraft as American Eagle from Los Angeles. The arrangement expanded to American hubs in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Phoenix. CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft entered the American system in 2016, CRJ200 flying was phased out by 2020, and Embraer 175 aircraft were added in late 2021. Fleet development has been central to SkyWest’s history. The carrier operated Metroliners and EMB 120 Brasilias before moving steadily to regional jets. It became a launch customer for the CRJ200 and a major CRJ operator, later becoming the largest operator of the Embraer 175 among regional airlines. Since 2015, its scheduled fleet has consisted exclusively of jets. Scope clauses negotiated by mainline-airline pilot unions influence the size, seating capacity, and weight of aircraft that SkyWest may operate for each partner. In 2017, SkyWest announced agreements covering 25 new aircraft: 15 Embraer 175SC aircraft for Delta in a 70-seat configuration and 10 Embraer 175 aircraft for Alaska in a 76-seat configuration. In early 2024, SkyWest bought a 25% stake in Contour Airlines to support a planned Part 135 operation, use Contour’s operational resources, and create additional pilot-development and employment pathways. In March 2024, it agreed to operate 20 more Embraer 175 aircraft for United Express, with the aircraft financed by United. SkyWest’s modern business is dominated by capacity purchase agreements. The partner airlines generally determine branding, schedules, fares, and distribution, while SkyWest supplies the operating platform. A smaller pro-rate segment leaves SkyWest with more exposure to costs and revenue. The carrier also serves federally subsidized Essential Air Service communities and selected state-supported routes. Its network spans hundreds of cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, linking smaller airports with the hubs and networks of its four principal mainline partners.
- 2024
Contour investment and United expansion
[1]SkyWest acquired a 25% stake in Contour Airlines and agreed to operate 20 additional United Express Embraer 175 aircraft.
- 2019
ExpressJet sale closes
[1]SkyWest, Inc. completed the sale of ExpressJet Airlines on January 23.
- 2017
New Embraer 175 commitments
[1]The company announced agreements for 25 Embraer 175-family aircraft serving Delta and Alaska.
- 2015
All-jet scheduled fleet
[1]SkyWest completed its transition away from turboprop aircraft in scheduled service.
- 2012
American Eagle operation begins
[1]SkyWest began operating CRJ200 aircraft for American Airlines under the American Eagle brand.
- 2005
Atlantic Southeast Airlines acquisition
[1]SkyWest, Inc. acquired Atlantic Southeast Airlines from Delta Air Lines for $425 million in cash.
- 1997
United Express partnership begins
[1]SkyWest added United Express operations from major United hubs and expanded its multi-partner model.
- 1987
Transition to Delta Connection
[1]After Delta acquired Western Airlines, SkyWest became a Delta Connection regional operator.
- 1986
Initial public offering and Western Express launch
[1]SkyWest completed its initial public offering and began code-share flying as Western Express for Western Airlines.
- 1984
Sun Aire Lines acquisition
[1]SkyWest acquired Sun Aire Lines of Palm Springs, supporting its expansion across the western United States.
Products and positioning
A large-scale regional aviation operating partner that provides scheduled feeder and connecting services for major North American airlines.
Regional passenger aviation · 1994
Bombardier CRJ regional-jet service
SkyWest has historically been one of the principal operators of the Bombardier CRJ family. It was a launch customer for the CRJ200 and operated CRJ200, CRJ700, and CRJ900 variants for multiple mainline partners. These aircraft support high-frequency service between smaller communities and major hubs, subject to partner-airline fleet and scope-clause requirements.
Regional passenger aviation · 2014
Embraer 175 regional-jet service
The Embraer 175 is a core modern aircraft type in SkyWest’s fleet. The airline introduced the type to United Express operations in 2014 and later used it for Delta Connection, Alaska SkyWest, and American Eagle flying. Configurations vary by partner and may reflect different seating, capacity, and scope-clause requirements.
Contract airline services
Capacity purchase agreement operations
Under capacity purchase agreements, SkyWest operates flights that are scheduled, marketed, and sold by a mainline partner. SkyWest generally supplies the aircraft and operating personnel, while compensation is linked to departures, flight hours, aircraft availability, completion, punctuality, and other performance measures. This is the principal commercial product underlying its partner-branded services.
Regional passenger aviation
Essential Air Service operations
SkyWest serves selected small communities under the U.S. Essential Air Service program and other public subsidies. These routes preserve air links to communities that may not support unsubsidized service and are typically connected to the hubs of United Airlines or Delta Air Lines.
Controversies
2024
Department of Labor company-union lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Labor sued SkyWest, alleging that the company financially supported and controlled the SkyWest Inflight Association and interfered with independent employee representation. These are allegations in litigation, not established findings stated here as fact.
2023
Flight-attendant union litigation
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA sued SkyWest, alleging retaliation against two flight attendants involved in protected organizing and alleging that the company unlawfully created a company union.
Brand decisions
2024
Take a minority stake in Contour AirlinesM&ABackground
SkyWest sought infrastructure, personnel, and operational expertise for a planned Part 135 operation and additional pilot-development pathways.
Action taken
SkyWest purchased a 25% ownership interest in Contour Airlines and planned to provide CRJ200 aircraft for the cooperation.
Aftermath
The investment broadened SkyWest’s operating options beyond its traditional Part 121 regional-airline platform.
2024
Add 20 United Express Embraer 175 aircraftProduct launchBackground
United Airlines and SkyWest sought to increase regional capacity while using a financing structure led by United.
Action taken
SkyWest agreed to operate 20 additional Embraer 175 aircraft for United Express, with United financing the aircraft.
Aftermath
The agreement expanded SkyWest’s United Express capacity without requiring SkyWest to finance the aircraft itself.
2017
Commit to 25 Embraer 175 aircraftProduct launchBackground
SkyWest and its partners sought additional capacity using larger regional jets compatible with partner network requirements.
Action taken
SkyWest announced agreements covering 15 Embraer 175SC aircraft for Delta and 10 Embraer 175 aircraft for Alaska, with deliveries scheduled during 2018.
Aftermath
The commitments strengthened SkyWest’s position in the E175 segment and broadened its partner-branded capacity.
2012
Begin American Eagle flyingProduct launchBackground
American Airlines required regional capacity from its Los Angeles hub and SkyWest was selected to operate smaller regional jets.
Action taken
SkyWest began operating 12 CRJ200 aircraft under the American Eagle brand, later expanding to other American hubs and aircraft types.
Aftermath
The relationship became one of SkyWest’s four principal mainline partnerships.
2005
Acquire Atlantic Southeast AirlinesM&ABackground
SkyWest, Inc. sought to expand its regional-airline platform and acquired Atlantic Southeast Airlines from Delta Air Lines.
Action taken
The parent company announced a $425 million cash acquisition, completed on September 8, 2005.
Aftermath
The transaction materially increased the group’s regional operating presence and connected it more closely with major-airline capacity agreements.
Acquisition price. 425 million USD (2005)
Recent events
- 2024
SkyWest acquires minority stake in Contour Airlines[1]
M&A
SkyWest Airlines acquired a 25% ownership interest in Contour Airlines as part of a plan to launch its own Part 135 operation and gain access to Contour’s infrastructure, personnel, and operational expertise.
- 2024
SkyWest adds 20 Embraer 175 aircraft for United Express[1]
Product launch
SkyWest reached an agreement with United Airlines to operate 20 additional Embraer 175 aircraft for United Express. United finances the aircraft under the arrangement.
- 2019
SkyWest sells ExpressJet Airlines[1]
M&A
SkyWest, Inc. announced the sale of ExpressJet Airlines to an airline holding company connected with ExpressJet’s sole customer, United Airlines. The transaction closed in January 2019.
- 2012
SkyWest expands American Eagle capacity[1]
Product launch
SkyWest began operating 12 Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft for American Airlines under the American Eagle brand from Los Angeles, with the relationship later expanding to additional American hubs and larger aircraft.
- 2005
SkyWest purchases Atlantic Southeast Airlines[1]
M&A
SkyWest, Inc. acquired Atlantic Southeast Airlines from Delta Air Lines for $425 million in cash, substantially expanding the group’s regional-airline platform.
- 1991
SkyWest Flight 5569 involved in fatal Los Angeles runway collision[1]
Other
A SkyWest Fairchild Metroliner waiting for departure at Los Angeles International Airport was struck by a landing USAir Boeing 737. All 12 people aboard the SkyWest aircraft died, as did 22 people on the USAir aircraft. Investigators attributed the accident to air-traffic-control error.
- 1987
SkyWest Flight 1834 collides with private aircraft[1]
Other
A SkyWest Fairchild Metroliner collided with a Mooney aircraft near Kearns, Utah. All eight people aboard the airline flight and both occupants of the private aircraft were killed; the investigation attributed the collision to a navigation error by the student pilot in the Mooney.
Sources4 sources
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