Tag Archives: Making a Difference

Nov 07

Helping Teens Build Airplanes

Wyatt S., a Tucson-based mechanic, joined SkyWest in March 2023 but he has been “obsessed” with airplanes since he was a kid. At 16 he drove an old truck that required a bit of work to keep it running. Wyatt became fond of taking things apart, fixing them up, and working with his hands. So, when he found the Southern Arizona Teen Aviation program, he was able to combine his love for fixing things and aviation by building an airplane.

The project introduced Wyatt to many things including wiring, working with sheet metal and fiber glass, people skills, tool organization, following instructions, and procedures. He also learned all about making mistakes: everyone makes them and how to move forward. Through it all, Wyatt worked on the first two planes that were built by teenagers in the program and was able to help sign them off as airworthy.

“I was there for that approval,” Wyatt said. “Seeing both of those airplanes fly for the first time was awesome.”

After graduating high school, Wyatt completed the Aviation Maintenance program at Pima Community College before joining SkyWest.

“SkyWest was hiring, and everything went smoothly,” he said, knowing he was in the right place. “Once I got in, it was all just awesome.”

His contributions and hard work at SkyWest have also been appreciated by his team in TUS.

“Wyatt is a great mechanic!” said James H., TUS manager of maintenance.

Wyatt credits Southern Arizona Teen Aviation for where he is now.

“I am out of school, I make good money, and I love my job,” he shared. “Not many people can say that.”

So, when the program offered Wyatt the chance to return as a mentor, he jumped on the opportunity.

“I thought about how good it was for me and now I wanted to help the program and the students as they figure out what they want to do and how to pursue it,” he added.

Now, nearly every Monday, Wyatt meets with fellow mentors to plan what the students will work on for the day, preparing instructions and materials. Once the kids arrive, he oversees them, letting them figure things out and offering guidance and answering questions when needed.

He also continually encourages anyone interested in aviation to get involved in similar programs.

“It’s a very valuable learning experience,” Wyatt said. “Go to camps and experiences and find whatever entry level programs that you can. If you can’t find any, go find someone and just talk to them. Everybody in aviation, for the most part, was helped by someone to get where they are. So they are very willing to help you reach your goals.”

Inspired by Wyatt’s journey? SkyWest is looking for passionate individuals to join our maintenance team. Apply today and start your aviation career!

Oct 01

Cancer Awareness: Serving with a Purpose

Whether you are a survivor, advocate, community organizer, or co-survivor, cancer touches us all. This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will share the inspiring stories and events of the SkyWest people who are actively fighting cancer of all types in their communities.

Recently, our SBN Maintenance team participated in a charity golf event to support women battling cancer.

The sunny weather, coupled with the enthusiasm of the participants, created a perfect atmosphere for a day of fun and giving back to a nonprofit organization called Hello Gorgeous. This foundation offers professional makeovers to women who are undergoing cancer treatment, so that they can feel confident and beautiful again.

“I have supported this organization for over 15 years,” Manager of Parts Penny M. said. “As a former cosmetologist, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact it has on women to lose their hair during treatment. Seeing the smile on someone’s face after being given a full makeover is priceless.”

Penny is deeply passionate about helping women in their fight against cancer, as she has seen the lasting effects the disease has had on many of her friends and family.

“I volunteer for all the events that are held locally,” Penny explains. “My favorite part of the golf event is to see so many men participate. It helps them to not feel so helpless when their wife, mother, sister, or daughter is diagnosed with cancer. Supporting an organization like this makes them feel like they are making a difference.”

The golf course provided an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. As members of the MX team made their way through the course, they were greeted with various on-course activities, like a longest-drive contest and closest-to-the-pin challenge that added an extra element of team building to the day.

“I am so proud to have some of my SBN MX team join me in supporting women battling cancer,” Penny said. “A special thank you to Brian W., Ryan P., Joey R., and Zachary M., who gave generously of their time and money to help a great cause.”

Jul 24

Amelia Earhart Day

Amelia Earhart Day is celebrated each July to recognize the pioneering achievements she made for women in aviation. The organizers behind the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kansas continue this effort by honoring outstanding aviation professionals each year who are making a difference in the industry. This year, they presented the Pioneering Achievement Award to SkyWest First Officer Kamia B. for her career achievements and community contributions.

“Given her journey from homelessness to flight instructor, Kamia has a compelling story to tell,” said museum and festival coordinator Maggie Nelson Collins.

Kamia was recognized and accepted the award from Amelia Rose Earhart (no relation to the pioneer Amelia Earhart), who had won the Pioneering Achievement Award almost 10 years ago and had provided a scholarship to Kamia early in her flight training.

“It means so much to me that SkyWest cares about my achievements and is willing to be part of such a glorious occasion. I love this company and truly feel like part of a family,” said Kamia. “I’m excited to upgrade as soon as I get my hours and do the best job I can here.”

SkyWest, Inc. Board Chairman James Welch and Director of Flight Operations and Company Chief Pilot Jessica Mulligan, and their spouses, attended the event and were excited for the opportunity to recognize Kamia.

“The event was fantastic,” said Jessica Mulligan, Director of Flight Operations and SkyWest Company Chief Pilot. “Kamia’s speech was raw, endearing, and motivating. She did a wonderful job discussing the obstacles she has overcome and providing advice and inspiration to others. It was a privilege to support her and be part of the festivities.”

Congratulations, Kamia, on receiving this prestigious recognition and for continuing to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Learn more about how you can take to the skies as a SkyWest pilot.

Jun 29

SkyWest Teams Give Back to Local Communities

Since 1972, SkyWest people have been known for providing exceptional service in the skies and in the communities where we live and work. As SkyWest celebrates 52 years of flying this month, that commitment to giving back to the community has been on full display with our people volunteering at various food banks across the U.S.

“What a wonderful experience and opportunity we had to serve and give back to our community,” said Boise Domicile Support Specialist Bekah W. “St. Vincent’s de Paul in Boise reaches a multitude of families weekly within the Treasure Valley and it was fantastic to be a part of helping.“

Team members in Salt Lake, Denver, Los Angeles, Boise, Chicago, Phoenix, and St. George, Utah worked together to sort and pack thousands of pounds of food donations and to assemble thousands of food kits that were then shipped to families in need. While the fight against hunger remains an ongoing battle, the efforts of those who volunteered helped to ease the burdens of many families who do not always know where their next meal will come from.

“Witnessing everyone come together for such a meaningful cause was truly inspiring,” said Chicago Domicile Support Specialist Tony G. “Together we packed 901 boxes of shelf-stable food for the elderly. I’m looking forward to the next time when hopefully we can reach 1,000 boxes!”

This initiative not only benefitted the food banks in managing their operations but also gave team members a sense of joy and fulfillment through their service.

“I really enjoyed my experience at the food bank,” said Katie H., a Human Resource coordinator at SkyWest HDQ. “It was fun to interact with coworkers outside of work while we helped with a good cause. I would love to do it again!”

SkyWest Airlines is proud to partner with organizations like food banks and other non-profit groups that provide vital support to our local communities. A special thank you to those who participated in these opportunities and the countless others who continue to go above and beyond to serve and give back.

If you are looking to be part of a team that values exceptional service and giving back to your community visit our Careers page and check out the current openings here at SkyWest!

Mar 08

Women in Aviation Who Have Led the Way

Today is International Women’s Day. The story of women in aviation is one of courage, perseverance, and boundless ambition. From the earliest aviators who broke barriers to the modern-day pioneers who continue to push the boundaries of possibility, women have made groundbreaking contributions at SkyWest and across the aviation industry.

Learn more about some of their impressive journeys:

First Female SkyWest Captain: Captain Mary C.

Captain Mary C. joined SkyWest in 1985 and dedicated 32 years of service to SkyWest.

She began her SkyWest journey during the SkyWest/SunAire merger after being rejected at other companies strictly because she was female.

“There were corporate jobs, and you knew you were being turned down because you were a female. They could actually tell you that back then,” said Captain Mary C.

First Female SkyWest Chief Pilot: Captain Laura G.

For Captain Laura G., joining the SkyWest team almost 19 years ago was the easiest decision she made, drawn by the culture of happiness and kindness she observed in crewmembers.

“To summarize my career at SkyWest in one word would be: gratitude,” Captain Laura G. said. “I have had someone at each of step of my career at SkyWest listening, encouraging, and giving me ideas how to navigate the storms and challenges we all face.”

Captain Laura highlighted the importance of perseverance and support in facing the challenges of juggling a personal life and a career in aviation. Her most trusted values are teamwork and mentorship.

Captain Laura G.’s advice to others: “Reach out to mentors, fellow aviators, chief pilots, aviation representatives, and network when you face a storm that could impact your career. Our paths around storms may look different, but the end goals of gorgeous smooth skies after best achieved when we are not alone.”

First SkyWest Flight Attendant: Randi H.

In 1986, Randi was hired as the first SkyWest flight attendant and was part of the first training class consisting of 25 flight attendants.

First Female SkyWest Mechanic: Bobbi S.

Bobbi was hired as one of the first female mechanics at SkyWest Airlines, her journey began nearly 35 years ago. She is currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) and is a lead inspector in maintenance.

First Female Pilot: Harriet Quimby
Harriet Quimby was the first licensed female pilot in America. Her inspiration came from a visit to an air show at Belmont Park in October 1910. She took flying lessons at the Moisant School of Aviation in Hempstead, Long Island before earning her pilot’s license on Aug. 1, 1911.

First Flight Attendant: Ellen Church
In 1930, Ellen Church became the first female flight attendant, known then as a stewardess. Originally a nurse, Ellen convinced Steve Stimpson, a Boeing Air Transport traffic manager, that the presence of women nurses would help relieve the traveling public’s fear of flying. Previously, it was the co-pilot’s job to look after the passengers.

First Female Aircraft Mechanic: Phoebe Omlie
Phoebe Omlie was the first female recipient of an Airplane Mechanic’s License in 1927. She was also the first woman to receive a Transport Pilot’s License and the first woman government official in aviation, appointed by President Roosevelt as the special assistant for air intelligence of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (the predecessor of NASA).

Feb 16

Black History Month: Community Contributors

In honor of Black History Month, we asked several SkyWest team members to share their unique stories and tell us why this month is so important to them.

Kamia B. – First Officer, DEN

Joining the SkyWest team was a deliberate choice for First Officer Kamia B. She was drawn by our reputation as a top regional carrier, and she had her sights set on a SkyWest career from the beginning of her pilot journey.

“Everyone has always spoken so highly of SkyWest,” said Kamia. “Knowing it is the best is why I’m here. Since joining, I’ve had the privilege to meet and fly with flight instructors that used to teach at the same flight school that I received my training at, and it’s created so many opportunities for me.”

For Kamia, Black History Month means recognizing and understanding the importance of representation, especially in the context of aviation. With only 100 Black women serving as airline pilots nationwide, she believes this is a great time to highlight a career choice that many people deem unattainable.

“I get so many young women asking me how to become a pilot who didn’t realize that they could pursue this profession,” said Kamia. “You can inspire someone to do anything by highlighting the achievements of people who look like them.”

Kamia actively celebrates her culture by volunteering and mentoring aspiring pilots, particularly those who share her heritage. Recently, she participated in the Sisters of the Skies conference, an empowering gathering of Black women commercial pilots. Kamia has also been recognized as the 2024 Amelia Earhart Pioneering Achievement Award recipient.

Overcoming the odds to achieve her dream, Kamia sets out to inspire others and now strives to educate and inspire future generations.

TK S. – Flight Attendant, LAX

Almost seven years ago, TK S. began her SkyWest journey as a Detroit-based flight attendant. A career decision that she says has become one of her purpose-driven passions, and a place where she’s been able to accomplish her personal motto: live to give.

“Soon, I’ll have been with SkyWest for seven years,” said TK. “I still love it as much as I did when I started because of all the amazing memories I’ve made, and experiences I’ve had.”

One of her most cherished memories occurred within a few months of successfully completing her new hire training, on an overnight trip in Boston, Massachusetts. Accompanied by a fellow flight attendant, they visited Harvard for a grounds visit, where they stumbled upon an auditorium with a sign announcing a speech by author and Professor of Law, Angela Davis. Professor Davis had been the woman TK admired the most while growing up as a young girl in the 70s.

“I’ll never forget meeting her as long as I live,” said TK. “She was a trailblazer who stood up for what was right and fought tirelessly for the rights of Black Americans. We not only had the privilege of meeting with Angela Davis but also her sister, who invited us to stay for dinner with their team. Because of my flight attendant career, I was able to meet my childhood hero at 48 years old, that’s what I call Black History in the making!”

No stranger to trailblazing acts, TK’s commitment to serving others extends beyond her profession, as she’s made it a point to volunteer at orphanages during her vacations and organize toy drives for the less fortunate. As a former Food Network 2014 Chopped finalist, organizations also ask TK to use her culinary talents to benefit underprivileged children and raise awareness to great causes. Her dream is to coordinate annual trips for flight attendants to places like Tanzania, where they can volunteer and help local communities.

Jan 24

SkyWest Celebrates #NationalComplimentDay

Today is #NationalComplimentDay and we want to celebrate the amazing work that SkyWest people do each day! From emails, phone calls, notes and letters, people love to compliment our incredible team.

Here are just a few examples:

Cheyenne, Wyoming (CYS)

A supervisor with United Airlines’ Airport Operations team acknowledged the exceptional performance of Scott H., Cheyenne, Wyoming (CYS) cross utilized agent, for his “AMAZING” care and handling of military luggage. On one flight, Scott helped organize and manage more than 70 military bags within the limited storage space of a CRJ200 aircraft.

John Heath, the United ramp service employee, said, “I have never seen anyone stack like that with that many military bags in that plane.”

Eagle, Colorado (EGE)

I have been meaning to reach out and tell you how grateful I am to the crews that travel into EGE. Both flight deck and flight attendants. They have been unbelievably supportive to my ground teams on even the most challenging days. Please remind them any chance you get how much we appreciate our EGE inflight teams. They are the best and we recognize it!

Palm Springs, California (PSP)

Hi SkyWest, My name is Patty and I have been a flight attendant with American Airlines for over 39 years. I was recently traveling on a SkyWest flight from Phoenix, Arizona (PHX) to Grand Junction, Colorado (GJT) and had a great experience with your crew. Your flight attendants, Susann R. and Russell K., were beyond exceptional! Not only did they greet my husband and I with smiling faces, but they made us feel so welcomed. They provided top-notch service and treated every passenger as if they knew them for years. This type of service is above and beyond!

South Bend, Indiana (SBN)

Solomon is a wonderful asset to SkyWest! He was right there at the gate ready to board and to assist with our maintenance issues. Solomon was kind and reassuring. He took charge and listened to our captain & flight attendants and promised to look at everything. He was just a joyful, solid gentleman.

Every day our amazing SkyWest teams are providing exceptional service to thousands of passengers on 2,000. If you’re ready to join our team, click here to see the open positions that are available right now.

Dec 22

SkyWest Santa Visits Honduras

CRJ Captain Zelaya Amaya grew up in Honduras and never experienced the traditional magic of Christmas. His family always celebrated the holidays with new clothes and fireworks, but with two brothers and four sisters, his parents had a lot of mouths to feed and Christmas presents weren’t in the budget. He always hoped that Santa Claus would stop by his house to drop off some presents, but it never happened.

At nine, and no longer believing in Santa, Captain Zelaya Amaya moved to the United States where he began a new life. He eventually became interested in aviation, enrolled in flight school, and joined SkyWest in 2021.

Over the years, Captain Zelaya Amaya has continued to think about his home country and how he could give back. In recent years, Honduras has faced numerous natural disasters, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wiping out crops, infrastructure, and homes. Additionally, Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the region with over 50% of the population living in poverty.

This year, Captain Zelaya Amaya had the idea to fulfill his childhood dream by bringing the Christmas spirit to the children who, just like him, had never experienced a visit from Santa.

“I wanted to help the kids forget what they’ve been through these past few years,” he said.

He started a GoFundMe to raise money for toys and other goodies. Then, dressed in a big red suit with a fluffy white beard and boxes of gifts, he flew to Honduras.

“I am very thankful for the job I have here at SkyWest,” Captain Zelaya Amaya said. “Without it, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

During his trip, Captain Zelaya Amaya says it was thrilling to hand out toys and food to the struggling community called Rio Blanquito. The children jumped around, beaming with joy and excitement as their dreams came true. Memorably, one child ran up to him, hugging and thanking him for his new toy car.

In total, he estimates that over 1,000 children received a toy. Additionally, 40 kids received a backpack filled with school supplies and 50 families received a bag of staple groceries.

Captain Zelaya Amaya plans to return to Honduras again next year, spreading the Christmas cheer to even more children.

Nov 28

Giving Tuesday: SkyWest People Leading by Example

SkyWest people are known for providing reliable air service to millions of passengers every month, but our work often goes beyond the airports we work in. Throughout 2023, SkyWest people have regularly gone above and beyond to give back in the communities where we live and work.

In honor of #GivingTuesday, here are a few examples of how SkyWest teams are having a positive impact:

Southern Utah Food Bank
This week, several dozen SkyWest employees volunteered at the Utah Food Bank’s Southern Distribution Center. There they organized and packed over 2,000 pounds of food to help those in need living in Utah’s six southernmost counties: Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield, Kane and San Juan. Through the Distribution Center, 46 local pantries and other partner organizations in Southern Utah are receiving products more directly and frequently from Utah Food Bank.

Across the state, employees are also helping to fight hunger by contributing to SkyWest’s virtual food drive. This year we are hoping to raise $4,000. Every dollar donated will become $8.36 toward food and necessities for Utahns in need, allowing us to strengthen our positive impact.

Special Olympics Plane Pulls
Teams of SkyWest employees in Colorado Springs and Chicago “pulled” out all the stops to help support the Special Olympics Colorado and Special Olympics Illinois at two different plane pulls. Both organizations exceeded their fundraising goals and can continue providing year-round sports, competitions, health screenings, and leadership opportunities to nearly 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Spirit of SkyWest
The SOS: Our People in Action program is unique in supporting the causes and groups that our employees are most passionate about. Just this year, more than 30 employees have participated in a non-profit event. In each case, SkyWest donates to the charity on behalf of the employees involved. This includes events to raise awareness for tuberous sclerosis complex research, accessible healthcare for communities in Texas, and the Special Olympics plane pulls.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Together, SkyWest people have donated more than $10,300 this year alone to help those affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian crises.

SkyWest Supports On Board with Autism
Nearly 30 kids and their families boarded a SkyWest aircraft in Erie, Pennsylvania (ERI). Unlike a typical flight, though, the plane never left the ground because the flight was part of On Board with Autism, an event organized by the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania. Read how airport officials and SkyWest crew assisted in creating a positive and memorable experience for all involved.

Thank you to all of our people for the many ways you contribute to make your communities and our world a better place! We encourage you to keep finding ways to give back, no matter how small. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact.