Tag Archives: SkyWest Culture

Aug 09

SkyWest Culture: Casting a Line for Connections

It all started back in 2015 when a group of SkyWest mechanics in Colorado Springs decided to put their passion and skills for fishing to the test through a friendly competition. The idea took off, and the first fishing tournament resulted in an unforgettable event filled with laughter, fishing tales, and the thrill of the catch. After just one year they were hooked, and that initial group vowed to make it an annual affair. Now, nine years later, it has now evolved to include employees from other SkyWest teams, their families, and continues to provide opportunities for camaraderie, connection, and giving back.

“We not only compete for the biggest catch but also compete in acts of kindness and generosity, giving back to our community and supporting charitable causes,” said Bruce Chang, SkyWest maintenance training instructor.

Bruce was one of the first to put the idea of a fishing tournament together. He says its uniqueness lies not only in the friendship it fosters among the SkyWest employees but also in the culture of giving that surrounds the event.

To participate, individuals from any SkyWest team or location pay an entrance fee with proceeds going towards prizes or being donated to organizations like Trout Unlimited. Prizes have also been donated by colleagues and fishing companies. These have included fishing gear and accessories, along with SkyWest apparel and merchandise, with the goal of being able to provide a prize to every child who participates in the tournament. This approach has helped foster a sense of belonging and strengthen connections within the SkyWest team.

“Beyond the thrill of the competition, our fishing tournaments are opportunities for families and friends to create memories and strengthen the bonds that keep us connected,” said Bruce.

The fishing tournaments have also acted as a catalyst for forming new friendships and acquaintances within the company. Newcomers are always welcome, and their participation enriches the event’s atmosphere and dynamics as employees from different departments can connect over their shared hobby.

“For nine years running, our fishing tournaments have been a testament to our commitment to fostering unity within SkyWest,” said Bruce. “As we look to the future, we hope to expand and share this wonderful tradition with even more participants.”

More than just a competition, the tournament promotes teamwork, belonging, and generosity. Each year, participants eagerly await the tournament, ready to cast their lines, create new stories, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and family.

Ready to join a company with great culture? Go to www.skywest.com/careers to get started on an application today!

Nov 22

Farewell Captain Victor Mourao

SkyWest is home to some of the best aviators in the industry who are highly sought after thanks to high-quality training programs, experience and commitment to quality. Flying for four major airline partners into more than 250 airports across North America, SkyWest pilots have more exposure to opportunity than any other regional pilot.

One SkyWest pilot, Captain Victor Mourao, was recently recruited by his top choice mainline carrier. Before his final departure, Captain Mourao shared his thoughts about his SkyWest experience:

“I love this company, I love our people, and it has been a true home during my time here. I feel like I have not only grown as a pilot, but also as an individual,” said Captain Mourao.

This Minneapolis-based Captain had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of pilots regularly. He had nothing but compliments for his 5,000 pilot team members and credits SkyWest for his ability to secure his first-choice carrier.

“This growth has come from the associations that I have been able to foster, and the privilege to have worked side-by-side with such passionate, high-caliber professionals here at SkyWest. I am a product of the culture, the people, and the experiences I have had while working here, and I will be forever grateful for all that this ‘little’ airline, out of St. George, Utah, has allowed me to become.”

For Captain Mourao, despite the cold, Minneapolis quickly became a warm community he enjoys calling home, where he spent the last five years learning and growing as both a pilot and a person.

“I raised my little family here and had many wonderful growth experiences because I was awarded MSP out of training. The people, and their work ethic and warmth, make it a special place – and they make MSP a truly fantastic place to work.”

Captain Mourao noted the people he was able to work with every day made all the difference, noting their professionalism and the many lifelong friendships fostered.

“I’ll be leaving SkyWest a better man, professional, and pilot, with a treasure chest of friends whom I will cherish for the rest of my life. It’s been an amazing ride, and while I feel like I could have done more, I’m proud of the work that I’ve been given the chance to contribute.”

A common theme across the company is SkyWest’s people make the airline a great place to work. Whatever their skillset, from the flight deck to the hangar, from the gate to the cabin and everywhere behind the scenes, SkyWest people often provide a similar response,

“SkyWest Airlines is the envy of the industry, and that’s in great part due to their ability to lead such a highly capable team of professionals.”

We wish Captain Victor Mourao best of luck on his new adventure and thank all of our incredible people for making SkyWest such a great place to work.

Click here to join our team today.

Sep 20

SkyWest Teams Celebrate Appreciation Week 2019!

Appreciation Week is a unique time at SkyWest Airlines. It’s a full week that is set aside to celebrate the more than 14,000 people that make SkyWest the industry’s best. This year the week was filled with food, games, photo booths, visits from executive leaders, and much more. It’s a time to have fun and to recognize the incredible work that SkyWest people do every day.

During the past year, SkyWest teams have done amazing things by working together. This summer saw a new record level of flying with more than 2,500 daily flights! More than a dozen new aircraft have rolled out of the factory and joined the SkyWest fleet so far this year. A new maintenance base is opening in San Luis Obispo, California. Teams from across SkyWest have given back to their communities through charitable causes including Habitat for Humanity, Wings for Autism, and many more. And the list of accomplishments just continues to grow!

Take a look at the photo gallery below for a glimpse into the fun and festivities that were happening in domiciles, hangars and terminals across the country. To get in on the fun as a part of the SkyWest team, visit our Careers page and submit an application today.

Jan 22

Looking Back at SkyWest’s 2018 Philanthropic Events

To make the world a better place, it takes consistent acts of kindness and positive contributions, and that is exactly what SkyWest employees do on a daily basis! Whether they are volunteering their time to fly toys to children’s hospitals, or working at the local food bank – SkyWest employees are making magic happen.

To recap the great year we had in our communities, we made a video highlighting some of the events we participated in! Including Wings for Autism, Fantasy Flight, Aviation Day, Bring our Kids to Work Day, Mini Indy and a Habitat for Humanity home build.

Here’s to another year of giving from the SkyWest team in 2019! Read more stories about SkyWest people making a difference.

Interested in joining the SkyWest team? Apply today!

Dec 14

Now Boarding to the North Pole – SkyWest Fantasy Flight in COS

“I don’t think there’s another place in the world tonight with more magic than right here, right now.”

Few things bring as much awe and wonder to children as flying in an airplane. Throw in a flight to the “North Pole” and you have a night of magic and fantasy.

For the 12th straight year, the SkyWest team helped bring the true spirit of the holiday season to children in Colorado Springs with the annual Fantasy Flight to the North Pole. The event provides the magic of Christmas to underprivileged children and their families.

Together with the Junior League of Colorado Springs (JLCS) and CPCD…giving children a head start, SkyWest welcomed more than 30 children and their families to the Colorado Springs Airport to enjoy a day full of joy and laughter.

Those in attendance were able to participate in a number of activities, including ornament making, face painting, corn hole, dinner, playing with the Go Team Therapy Crisis Airport Dogs, visiting with local Olympians and of course, flying on a CRJ700 to the North Pole.

“This was a crazy-awesome experience,” said one parent. “I was so excited for my daughter.”

While in the air, SkyWest flight attendants Linda Kracht, Nayomie Burns and Charlene Theobald joined in games and carols with the kids, singing their way across the night sky.

Upon arrival at the North Pole, the children were greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus and together made their way up the jet bridge to the fully decorated terminal of the Colorado Springs Airport, courtesy of the SkyWest team in COS.

There, the children told the jolly old elf himself what they wanted for Christmas and were surprised with gifts picked out specifically for them!

“It makes me feel very fortunate and happy that I’m here at SkyWest and that SkyWest is participating in something that gives back to the community so much,” said COS CRJ Captain Curt Young.

Many thanks to SkyWest General Manager Jamie Young and her team as well as all of those at SkyWest who helped make the event possible through countless hours of coordination and expertise.

Read more about SkyWest people making a difference here.

Dec 07

SkyWest Pilots Make Special Landing at St. Luke’s Children Hospital

SkyWest pilots made a special landing at St. Luke’s Children Hospital in Boise, Idaho last week to help spread some holiday cheer. The pilots turned their pilot hats in for some Santa caps as they visited with patients throughout the day.

SkyWest Captain P.M. Schneidau as well as First Officers Luc Levasseur and Zeb Baney, along with several pilots from other airlines, arrived at the pediatric unit with their sack of toys. Some of the gifts included stuffed animals, LEGO sets and gift cards.

“We saw lots of smiles and eyes light up today,” said Captain Schneidau. “Many of the kids were so thankful and it was great to visit with them. We hope a new stuffed animal or toy will make these kids’ stay in the hospital a little easier and leave them with a positive memory.”

The event hits close to home for the Schneidau family who have experienced what families at St. Luke’s Children Hospital are going through right now.

“My wife and I have had two very preemie babies at this same hospital, with our youngest boy spending several nights in the Pediatric ICU,” said Captain Schneidau, who is currently a volunteer on the NICU Family Advisory Council. “So when this event came up, Vanessa and I were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in such a thoughtful and wonderful event.”

For many families, the holidays are a time of stress and added anxiety as they support and care for sick loved ones. Pilots for Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting hospitalized children and their families by using volunteer pilots to fly in toys and other needed supplies, with the goal of bringing smiles to families and children in need. This Pilots For Kids event was the first-ever in Boise. The event was so rewarding, that each of the pilots are already planning next year’s event.

“We look forward to participating again next year,” said Captain Schneidau. “We hope to make it even bigger too.”

Throughout the year, SkyWest employees have made it a point to give back to their communities through a variety of service projects. And with the holiday season in full swing, our crews and teams are once again finding ways to help make a difference. Read more about SkyWest people making a difference here.

Nov 27

SkyWest People Give Back

SkyWest people are continually finding ways to give back to their communities. The Spirit of SkyWest: Our People in Action program supports dozens of charitable 501(c)(3) causes employees are passionate about. Through this program, SkyWest and its people have donated to over 40 organizations nationwide — and that’s just one of the many positive ways SkyWest people are contributing in the areas where they live and work.

This year SkyWest people improved their communities in so many ways including: donating time at local food banks; bringing the miracle of flight with Wings for Autism events in Boise, Idaho; Jacksonville, North Carolina and Fresno, California; volunteering with Civil Air Patrol and giving back to young aviators; raising money for The Special Olympics by pulling an aircraft weighing nearly 180,000 pounds; Supporting the fight against Breast Cancer; Participating in local Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs; and Supporting Habitat for Humanity builds in multiple locations.

The year of giving doesn’t stop there. Through our largest charity event, the Mini Indy, SkyWest people raised over $70,000 for United Way and provided SkyWest Scholarship funds to over 100 outstanding students. They also banded together in relief efforts to help SkyWest’s own who have been impacted by fires and other unforeseen tragedies. And in the upcoming month, SkyWest will be hosting their annual flight to the North Pole for children in need and holding their annual fundraiser for the Utah Food Bank! While together our teams provide an impeccable travel experience in the air, SkyWest people are contributing far beyond their jobs every day in their communities.

Read more stories about SkyWest People Making a Difference. Learn about joining the SkyWest team.

Nov 18

SkyWest Bases Host Family Fly-ins

On top of providing crews with some of the best flying opportunities in all the industry, SkyWest Airlines is proud of the culture of teamwork that extends across the 13,000 aviation professionals at the airline. And that team spirit was on display as SkyWest people at hubs across the country organized fly-in picnics for employees and their families.

Crewmembers in Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis and Detroit hosted events where those in attendance were able to fly the open skies as pilots brought in their personal aircraft and gave sightseeing rides. Additionally, everyone shared excellent food and great company.

During the events, SkyWest leadership joined in the fun with COO Mike Thompson, Flight Ops VP Tracy Gallo, InFlight VP Sonya Wolford and more leaders attending the fly-ins.

“I love SkyWest,” said PDX flight attendant Elaine Hergert. “Who has a company picnic and gives airplane rides to kids? So awesome! I love my job.”

These fly-in events are just one of the many examples of how SkyWest people create a culture of teamwork and success for employees and their families.

To learn more about becoming a part of our team, click here.

Oct 09

SkyWest Pilots Give Back To Aviation Community

Whether its search and rescue missions to finding missing hikers, or coming to the rescue when natural disasters strike (Tornadoes, Hurricanes, etc.), the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), with its 60,000 members, continues to support communities across the country by donating their time and aviation expertise to provide essential services for those in need.

Photo by Robert Bowden

SkyWest pilots Kyle Curtiss and Matt Creed are among the many volunteers that donate their time to help with the different programs that CAP has to offer. From providing emergency services both on the ground and in the air, to its award-winning aerospace education and cadet programs, CAP – an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force – is providing paths for youth to become aviation leaders.

“I just love watching their eyes light up,” said SkyWest pilot and Flight Operations Supervisor, Kyle Curtiss.

“It’s an experience unlike any other” added SkyWest Assistant Chief Pilot, Matt Creed.

When they are not in the air flying one of SkyWest’s 2200+ daily departures across North America, you can find Kyle and Matt helping out their local CAP units which they help oversee.

“I got started in 2013 and I just love it,” said Curtiss who is now the Central Michigan Group Commander in the CAP program. “I love my job, I love flying and I just wanted to give back and get involved in the aviation community.”

Photo by Robert Bowden

For Matt, who has been involved with CAP for more than two decades and is now the Great Lakes Region Commander, it was love at first flight.

“I got involved with CAP when I was 10 years old. I later became a cadet and I’ll never forget my first lesson. I had great CAP instructors and to be able to pass that on to the younger generation is something that I really enjoy and love to do. They are our future leaders and their excitement is contagious.”

Photo by Robert Bowden

Together, the SkyWest pilots give tours of the facilities and different aircraft. The tours have quickly caught on with units doing so across the state.

“It’s great to show the kids how the operation is run and all the different aspects that go into flying,” said Curtiss. “Their eyes light up when we’ve taken them to the airport to see air traffic control tower. How many people can say they have been able to do that?!”

“We love giving tours and giving the kids that opportunity to experience sitting in the front seat of an airplane and seeing the control tower,” added Creed. “Most kids don’t get to see the operation up close like that, but CAP has allowed us to give them those experiences. It’s awesome!”

Many thanks to Matt and Kyle, as well as all the SkyWest people who volunteer countless hours across the country to make a difference in the lives of others! You are excellent representatives of SkyWest and we thank you for all that you do and for sharing your love of flying.

For those interested in joining SkyWest, you can learn more here.

Photo by Robert Bowden