Tag Archives: SkyWest Family

May 14

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all our SkyWest moms and to the mothers who helped inspire us to follow our aviation dreams! Here’s what a few SkyWest people had to say about the moms in their lives:

Kendra A. – ERJ First Officer

“My mother has always been my number one supporter in aviation. She told me to pursue being a flight attendant and to travel the world, as it was always her dream. We traveled the world for four years until one day I told my mom I wanted to be a pilot. She never had a shred of doubt that I could do it and supported me and encouraged me through the whole process. When I took leave to become a pilot, she finally pursued her own dreams and became a flight attendant with SkyWest. One of my favorite aviation memories is when she worked my IOE (huge thank you to Sonya!) and she flew with me as I landed the ERJ for the first time.

“I’m so lucky to have my mom with me at SkyWest. She’s my mother and best friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her unconditional love and support. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother, Dawn!”

Douglas B. – Flight Attendant

“Today I give much love and thanks to my Mom and to the woman I call my birth mother. Forty-four years ago in Guatemala, my birth mother stood outside saying goodbye to her twin boys. I was one of those boys and only one-year-old at the time. We departed from her, and she didn’t know if she would ever see us again. She wouldn’t know what would become of our future, but she trusted and had immense faith that the woman she was handing her precious babies to would give them everything that she couldn’t. Twenty-seven years later, we were able to hold and embrace once again. Thanks to my SkyWest travel privileges, I get to have a relationship with my birth mother.

“Once there were two women – one who gave me life, and the other who taught me how to live it. Happy Mother’s Day to both of these incredibly strong women!”

Skylar A. – MX Technology Specialist

“Back when I was in 9th grade, SkyWest had a Bring Our Kids to Work Day. My mom Jennifer, or Jiffy as everyone knows her, was working in Aircraft Records at that time. She asked my best friend and I if we’d like to join her and to see how the operation worked. Of course, we said yes! I remember that day being filled with so many activities and seeing all the cool stuff my mom did at work, it was so much fun! We went home and I couldn’t stop thinking about how great it was to be a mechanic and how my mom assisted by tracking parts and inspections. We even had our photos taken at my mom’s desk for the local newspaper.

“A few years later, I was looking to start a career of my own and my mom told me that Records was hiring. I applied and thanks to her encouragement and sparking that light in me again, I was able to get the job. Over the years, my mom and I have been able to attend some fun events together like Mini Indy, Employee Appreciation week, and SkyWest’s 40-Year Anniversary celebration at the Salt Lake City hangar. She has cheered me on over the last 12 years and I am grateful for her knowledge and kind heart that has pushed me to be a better person and leader. She has seen me grow as a daughter, employee, leader, friend, and more importantly a mom. She is my rock and the greatest example to me!

“My mom has been an inspiration to me throughout my life. She has encouraged me to do what makes me happy. I am so glad that we work together here at SkyWest and that she is my mom. Happy Mother’s Day, Jiffy!”

Mona S. – Flight Attendant

“I joined SkyWest over five years ago and I’m still so grateful for the decision I made to start a career that allows me to travel with my mom and other loved ones. I feel blessed to use my flight benefits to give the gift of taking her to the dream spots from her bucket list. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year and I cherish every trip with her.

“Happy Mother’s Day to my mom! Someone who sacrificed everything to immigrate to the United States, so her kids had more opportunity than she did. I am forever indebted to you and for the lives we enjoy now.”

May 01

AAPI: “Service, Belonging, and Relationships”

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and SkyWest is honored to recognize the employees who help make us the best regional airline in the industry.

Walter and Hannah Chi – AO, Aspen, Colorado (ASE)

For Walter and Hannah Chi, ramp agents in Aspen, Colorado (ASE), being at SkyWest is a family affair.

“I grew up at SkyWest because of my dad,” Hannah said. “Some of my favorite family memories were made in airports. I traveled as much as I could under my dad’s flight privileges but when I turned 26, I knew that it was time to join the family business.”

Hannah’s dad, Walter Chi, says “service, belonging, and relationships” are key values that Asian Americans bring to any workplace. He started his aviation journey in the ‘80s, working for Air Wisconsin in various airports before finally moving to Aspen. After graduating with a degree in aviation management & flight operations, he started a 27-year career in law enforcement while maintaining a job in aviation. In 2005, he joined the SkyWest team.

“In Aspen, our staff here enjoys being a part of the industry, travelling, and the people we work with,” said Walter.

Walter credits his love for aviation to his culture, and to the influence of his father. A first-generation immigrant from Korea, his father moved to the U.S. and obtained multiple degrees in aeronautical engineering and metallurgy. He became a radiologist and later enlisted into the Air Force. 

“My father was the first person to introduce me to this industry,” said Walter. “He joined the Air Force Reserves and told us of the importance of giving back to the country that accepted him. After he enlisted, all I knew were airplanes. I remember a trip to Korea as a kid on NWA, and on Ozark Airlines as an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) to North Carolina where my family took me to ‘Kitty Hawk’ on the outer banks. Seeing where Orville and Wilbur Wright pioneered aviation with the first powered flight had me hooked!”

For Walter’s daughter, Hannah, this month is all about appreciating what her culture has given to the world and how it’s influenced her life.

“This month is a great way to highlight one of the many diverse communities and identities that live in the U.S.,” said Hannah. “Korean culture has been in the spotlight recently for K-Pop and Korean-BBQ, but there is so much to our culture and identity. My favorite part of this job is traveling with my co-workers around the world and introducing them to the various aspects of my culture.”

Hannah, born and raised in the U.S., credits her dad and SkyWest for the love and appreciation she has for her culture.

“I was curious about my Korean heritage at a very young age,” said Hannah. “I had a very American upbringing so I was curious to learn more about my identity. I used my father’s flight privileges to fly to Korea and I met with so many amazing people and learned more about my ancestry. I also learned that Seokyeong Ji, a Joseon period physician that contributed to ridding Korea of smallpox, was a distant relative of mine.”

Hannah was excited to for her own flight privileges and to learn more about her family’s history. She joined SkyWest in 2021 and is excited to work alongside her dad and the great Aspen team every day she’s at work.

Linus Wu – Flight Attendant, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

Born in Taiwan, Linus Wu, a Salt Lake City-based flight attendant, knew that he wanted to do something different with his life and that he needed to be in the U.S. to make it happen. Linus joined a foreign exchange program and moved to Salem, Utah. Knowing he’d be on his own with a foreign family who wouldn’t understand Chinese, he set out to learn the English language at 15-years-old, to attend college like his sister, and to live the American dream.

“Growing up in Taiwan I was told that the elite of the elite went to America,” said Linus. “My mother sacrificed a lot for me because she believed in me. I knew starting my journey that anything could happen, but I learned the language quickly and started earning college credits in high school. I wanted to get a head start on my education goals and to hopefully attend college. I wanted to show my family, my mother, that her sacrifices meant something.”

After completing school, 19-year-old Linus moved back to Taiwan to complete his mandatory military service. He was excited to serve his country, and it was during this time that his interest in aviation began. After speaking to a few of his comrades about the cadet pilot programs, he knew that he needed to return to school. Linus completed his military service and returned to Utah Valley University (UVU) where he learned more about their pilot program.

“I was nervous and hesitant at first, but I knew that I needed to work hard to push myself,” said Linus. “For example, I had a goal to become accustomed to the higher altitude in Utah. I vowed to hike a steep mountain side for 100 days and to not give up. I knew that I needed to build resilience and prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. It was very hard, but I did it!”

Determined to be the best at everything he did, Linus switched his major to Aviation Management, got accepted to the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program, and became the Presidential Intern at UVU. He graduated school with two bachelor’s degrees, took a corporate job during the COVID-19 pandemic to save money, and was determined to get back in the air. Linus applied to many airlines in the hopes of taking a chance to join the industry, so he quit his job and started training to become a flight attendant.

“I took a leap of faith and decided to join SkyWest,” said Linus. “SkyWest is where I decided to give my all. It’s been the most amazing time of my life. I am based out of the city that I live in, and I met the girl of my dreams here.”

Linus returns to UVU this summer to complete his flight ratings and to become a pilot. He credits his mother’s sacrifices, work ethic, and courage to send her children away for the great opportunities he’s had. He believes that anything is possible if more chances are taken, and if people are determined enough to get the work done.

Throughout the month, we will feature updates from employees across the operation sharing their thoughts about what Asian American and Pacific Islander Month means to them and how their culture and background have shaped their experience at SkyWest.

Apr 10

National Siblings Day: Sisters at SkyWest

The aviation industry is full of people’s stories reporting pivotal experiences that first fueled their desire to join the industry. For sisters Lia Tausinga and Sei Fa’ulao, the decision to join SkyWest was the result of years of those pivotal experiences. With family members who joined the industry in the ‘80s, a mother at a major carrier for more than 10 years and Lia’s husband previously at SkyWest, they were surrounded by aviation and often spoke about joining the industry.

“Our mom worked for a major airline for a long time so it wasn’t too shocking that one of us would follow in her footsteps,” said Sei. “I just didn’t think it would be me because I was preparing for law school and my schedule was stacked.”

She says her sister Lia thought it would be a great idea for her to apply as a flight attendant to make extra money, which she immediately rejected.

“Lia told me that she heard so many great things about SkyWest from her husband and others who worked there. She didn’t relent until I submitted my application.”

Sei joined SkyWest in 2017 as a flight attendant and later became an InFlight ground instructor. She is now a corporate communications coordinator.

“I tell my sister ‘You’re welcome’ every time I see her,” says Lia. “I also remind her on every international trip that she owes me a souvenir or treat because I like to joke that without my forcing her to apply, she wouldn’t have the great career that she has today.”

Lia got her aviation start working alongside her mother at Delta Air Lines for a few years after school and says that experience is why she’ll never stop telling people that aviation is the best industry to be in. She joined SkyWest in 2022 and is now a Salt Lake City-based airport operations agent and enjoys catching up with her sister and other family members throughout the SkyWest system. 

“I spent so many years telling people that SkyWest was this great place to work that I decided it was my turn,” Lia said. “We have such a rich history of hard-working family members in this industry and I’m proud to represent them. We all love to travel, and we love to be great at what we do. My little sister reminded me that it was my time to experience SkyWest and I’m so glad I did.”

Are you interested in becoming part of the SkyWest family? Visit our careers page today!

Mar 15

Celebrating Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked a few women to share their thoughts about what this month means to them and their experience at SkyWest.

I flew as a pilot with SkyWest for eight years and it’s the highlight of my career. I was proud to be the first female check airman and was excited to instruct alongside some of the best in the industry. I had fun at SkyWest and learned a lot from the pilots I flew with. I’m grateful for the steps that SkyWest took to be more inclusive. That’s what this month means to me, creating a space for more women to do what they’re best at. If you’re at SkyWest now, you’re already doing great. Stick at it and keep going! SkyWest has helped take my career to new heights and it’s the best place to be.

-Roxanne Diamantopoulos – First Female Check Airman at SkyWest, Former CRJ Pilot

Never reduce yourself down to your sex and never reduce others down to their sex either. I’ve been with SkyWest for 16 years now, and I haven’t come across any barriers or glass ceilings in moving up the ladder, due to my sex. I believe that I was the first female QC manager years ago. I believe, I’ve held at least six different positions here at SkyWest. I’ve had opportunities to start new positions and assist with various projects that were up-and-coming, such as transitioning from paper AML to electronic AML. My advice to women in our industry is the same for any individual in our industry. If you are interested in something, go for it! Don’t shy away from the hard work that it will take to get you there. Work on improving your skills and understanding of the operation. Talk to leadership, inform them of your goals, and ask them for any tips on how to improve or gain the skills necessary for your next leap. Get out there and see what’s available to you. Being a women shouldn’t make a difference. We shouldn’t create restrictions for ourselves, and we shouldn’t assume others have preconceived notions about what a female can or cannot do.

-Rachel Pergram – QC Process Trainer and First Female QC Manager MX, Fresno, California (FAT)

This month is about increasing opportunities for women to learn so that they can become leaders. That’s what SkyWest did for me. I was based in Los Angeles, California for 12 years and that’s where I learned all the tricks of my trade. I’m always grateful for the potential that SkyWest saw in me and the opportunities they gave me to lead. If aviation is your passion, SkyWest is the best place to refine your skills and to learn from the best in our industry. I’ve been at my current job for six years now, and I’m continually using the knowledge that I gained at SkyWest to lead my team and to show other women, especially women of color, that we can lead and make significant contributions in any space.

-Chyna Soloi – Former AO Manager, Los Angeles, California (LAX)

Being with SkyWest for almost six years now, I’ve seen how diversity within the company has evolved, and it’s been significant. It’s really great to be a part of that change. Being inclusive has brought us closer together, and I’ve learned so many new things from my colleagues. I love that we’re all different and unique. In this industry, that diversity can only make things better. This month, I want all the women in aviation to embrace all the greatness that comes with our jobs. Don’t be afraid to live your dreams, especially if it’s being a flight attendant.

-Voulanda Thomas – Flight Attendant, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)

I love SkyWest so much! I was a recruiter with SkyWest for many years and I’m so happy to talk about SkyWest any day. I learned so many valuable lessons from my team and from the different people I was able to meet because of my job at SkyWest. Being a woman in this industry can seem tough, but with SkyWest I never felt like that. I was part of a team that consisted of strong women and who were leaders. SkyWest is full of the brightest women in the industry, it’s seriously the best. If you’re at SkyWest now, you’re opening a door of endless possibilities because of the great company you are representing. I miss my SkyWest days and I’m lucky to have been a part of a great team.

-Ana (Kinikini) Watanabe – Former Pilot Recruiter, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

I’ve had a career in aviation for over a decade – since I graduated high school, and I’m always so excited to see how many more women have joined the industry. SkyWest is working hard at creating more opportunities for women to be in leadership positions, and I think it’s important that we have more people in positions who will help create an inclusive environment for everyone. I am excited to celebrate Women’s History Month with my colleagues and I’m excited that SkyWest is celebrating the incredible women of this company.

-Lia Tausinga – AO, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

Joining SkyWest has been the best and it’s extremely freeing to have a career that I love. I also love this industry because of the close-knit group that we have, it’s like a family. I have always felt like I belonged, and everyone I’ve flown with or spoken to has always been supportive. My advice to the women in our industry, follow your dreams. Join as many organizations as possible and get involved. I’ve met with so many women who were supportive of my journey and they’ve given me the best advice. We always need more women to be pilots, and I am grateful for the position I am in to help them do that.

-Kenzie Flanagan – ERJ First Officer, Chicago, Illinois (ORD)

Thank you to all the incredible women who have and are working at SkyWest, and who help us accomplish so much. Learn more about joining our incredible team!

Jan 24

National Compliment Day

Happy National Compliment Day! We regularly receive emails, phone calls, notes and letters complimenting the incredible team we have here at SkyWest. Here are just a few of the messages we have received highlighting the care and service our people have provided: 

Flight 3377 Crew

My four-year-old daughter and I were on flight 3377 from San Jose to San Diego. When we boarded the plane we were sad and full of emotion because we had just said bye to my parents at another gate. They were heading back to India. Both of them are in their late seventies and their health is not good at all. Consumed by the emotion, and not thinking clearly, we had left my daughter’s backpack at the gate and boarded our flight. When we got to our seats, I realized we didn’t have her bag. I let the flight attendant, Shannon, know and she actually offered to watch my daughter while I ran back to get the bag. I was floored at her kindness! I got the bag and re-boarded the plane to find the pilots, Eric and Kevin, in the flight deck talking to my daughter and showing her around with Shannon. I was almost in tears at the kindness! And as a father of a daughter, who wants her to believe that she can be anything she wants to be, including being a pilot, I appreciated just how AMAZING these two pilots and Shannon were! As if that weren’t enough, upon take-off, Eric made an announcement welcoming us by name, and Shannon brought over a bar of chocolate from the crew. 

This crew had no idea about what we were going through with our family, but they made such an impact on us, and especially on my four-year-old daughter. For a little while, they took away her sadness from saying goodbye to her aging grandparents, and made her appreciate and enjoy the incredible kindness of your staff.

Mason City, Iowa (MCW) Team

Rave to the United Airlines crew at MCW. Had a 1.5-hour delay taking off due to mechanical. They explained everything, made anxious passengers feel calm, and gave complimentary water and snacks while we waited. When the green light was given, they got us on the plane and got the flight out in record time.

Flight Attendant Rebekah M.

Our experience on this last flight with our flight attendant, Rebekah, was extraordinary! My wife and I were upgraded to first class and our adult son, with learning disabilities, sat alone in coach. The three of us decided to do this as he wants to be independent, and this was a good chance for him to fly independently – 10 rows behind us. My son was super nervous, and my wife and I were frazzled. Rebekah read the situation, gave him an extra snack, checked in on him, and ferried messages back and forth. She respected his desire for independence but also provided a safety net for him. No one told her about his learning disabilities and a lot of people can’t see it because he is really good at hiding them.Rebekah assured us that this was just part of her job. I’m a teacher and I hear what she is saying, but this was way beyond what we can reasonably expect. This experience made a huge difference on our flight, our day, and the entire trip.

First Officer Justin S.

I would like to recognize one of your SkyWest Pilots. His name is Justin. He assisted a wheelchair passenger who was pushed to the wrong gate. He happened to be at A6, where the passenger was pushed to but she really needed to board and fly out of B5. He pushed her from A6 to B5. He didn’t have to push her but he did. I appreciate his willingness to assist.

Flight Attendant Grace C.

I want to recognize one of your flight attendants, Grace C., for the unique and personal approach she took to say, “Thank you.” 

Boarding my flight was routine as usual, I found my seat and sat down. Once in the air, the flight attendant took drink orders and served them to us as usual. Time passed and I happened to look down at my napkin and noticed handwriting. Of course, I was curious, and I picked it up to read…I was curious and motioned to the flight attendant and asked if she wrote the note. She told me that she had. I was stunned. I informed her that in all my years of flying, this was the most personal, and unexpected approach I had ever seen. The fact that she took her time to write a note on every napkin is above and beyond, and should be recognized. I am hoping that Grace knows that I appreciate the outstanding approach to customer service.

SkyWest OCC Team

Thank you to the SkyWest OCC team for sharing their expertise and helping to get our students excited about aviation! Our K-5th graders were taught weather patterns and helped make clouds with a hands-on experiment. What a great way to share the love of aviation with our kids.

Every day our amazing SkyWest teams are providing exceptional service to thousands of passengers on more than 1,700 daily flights. If you’re ready to join our team, click here to see the open positions that are available right now.

Sep 28

Hispanic Heritage Month: Uniquely Us

SkyWest is home to a diverse group of people who come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. SBP Station General Manager Jose Vasquez recently shared his thoughts about why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important.

SkyWest: Why is Hispanic Heritage Month important to you? 
Jose: To me, Hispanic Heritage Month, along with all other such celebrations, is an opportunity for all of us to learn about and grow in our understanding of one another. Humans are social creatures, and that understanding and appreciation is vital for our growth and for creating harmony in a shared world. 

Here in California, Latinos account for almost 40% of the total population. Hispanic culture is a part of our everyday life and a key part of my decision-making process here at SBP. As a Mexican-American myself, I am so proud of my culture and inspired by those who share it with me. My heart is filled with joy when I see the sugar skulls on Dia de Los Muertos and my nation’s flags flown together with the U.S. flag on independence days. It is celebrations like this that make me feel welcome and heard here in the U.S.    

SkyWest: How does SkyWest support diversity in aviation? 
Jose: As members of an industry that spreads to all corners of the planet, I feel these celebrations to be such an integral element in the connections we make every day with each other and with our passengers. Having insight on another’s culture can be the catalyst in forming a long-lasting work relationship or an incredible aid to helping distressed passengers. SkyWest is an excellent company to work for as they have always made me feel welcome. I feel SkyWest best shows its support for diversity by always appreciating the insight from our multicultural workforce, by striving to offer opportunities for bilingual and multinational employees, and most of all by keeping us all connected with our families and our homes abroad. 

SkyWest: What brought you to SkyWest?
Jose: I have always had wanderlust. My mother, being an adventurous soul herself, made it possible for me to explore both Mexico and the U.S. during summer breaks throughout my youth. During these trips, I was blessed with the opportunity to experience different foods, beliefs, and cultures within my own culture which opened my desire to learn more about the world we live in and unlocked my passion for hospitality. As a first-generation Mexican-American in my family, I was nervous about the job market. Nevertheless, I was given an opportunity and chance to experience the world at SkyWest on January 4, 2005, at the Modesto, California station. Now almost two decades later I am the general manager for my station at SBP and try to give that same chance to other hard-working and wanderlust souls as it was given to me back in 2005.

Thank you, Jose, for sharing your story with us and helping us understand the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month. We are fortunate for the influence and difference Hispanic culture has made for our SkyWest team!

Click here to see the open positions on our unique team!

Jun 23

Pride Month: Celebrating and Supporting the Team

Every day we have the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the SkyWest team. As we continue to celebrate Pride Month, here is what a few of our people are saying about what the month means to them.

Matt Taft – General Manager Station, MBS

Seven years ago, Matt saw a SkyWest ad on a job site. He didn’t have aviation experience, but did have a lot of background in customer service positions and decided to apply. Since he started his career at SkyWest, he has loved the diversity of our culture and seeing how we supports each other.

 “For me, Pride Month means more than just supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community, but support for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, religion, gender, race, national origin etc.,” said Matt. “It’s a month where I stand in support for equality for everyone; everyone deserves to be treated equal, and everyone deserves to be loved the same.”

As the station general manager in Saginaw, Michigan (MBS), Matt has the opportunity to manage an amazing group of agents. He credits the diversity of his team as part of what makes them so fantastic.

Matt works hard to treat everyone on his team the same, and says they support each other and always have each other’s backs. That support is his favorite part about leading the team and the main reason he’s still doing it. Matt credits the SkyWest culture for the amazing group of agents that make up team MBS.

“My experience with SkyWest over the years has had many ups and downs, but the people at SkyWest and the support, love, and acceptance they offer is by far the most amazing thing I have experienced in my career,” said Matt. “I believe every person we come across in life needs some kind of love, support, and acceptance and SkyWest offers that.”

Sala Talamoni – Ramp Supervisor, SLC


Next month, Ramp Supervisor Sala celebrates three years at SkyWest. She was very happy to share her thoughts on Pride Month and even happier that SkyWest recognizes our people throughout the month.

“Pride Month is a celebration of growth for our community,” said Sala. “This isn’t just a holiday for all of the LGBTQ+ community, this is a time to show everyone that we have a voice.”

Steven Jennings – Instructor Ground InFlight, SLC

Steven grew up in a very small town in Oregon. He later moved to Eugene and then decided he was ready to move on and see what life had to offer (and he had an inner calling to see the world!).

Nearly four years ago, Steven was hired as a flight attendant. The SkyWest culture has allowed him to open up and grow, both personally and professionally. He is grateful for how accepting and loving the SkyWest family has been over the years. After meeting so many accepting people here, he realized how much he loved this career because of the rich diversity and culture.

“I think it’s very important to work for a company that recognizes and celebrates your community of fellow LGBTQA+ people for who they are and what they bring to the table,” said Steven.

Pride Month has several important meanings to Steven. It is a time he gets to celebrate and also a time to remember where he came from and how much he’s overcome as a gay man.

“I think it’s super important to remember the violence, hate, and suffering that our community has endured in the past and, unfortunately, continues to endure to this day,” said Steven. “We’ve come a long way, but we still have so much further to go.”

To join our diverse team, visit our job openings.

Jun 01

Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month and is dedicated to greater unity, visibility, and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. Throughout the month we’ll be sharing updates from several SkyWest team members about what Pride Month means to them.

Michelle Parent – ERJ Captain, SLC

Captain Parent began her SkyWest journey 22 years ago thanks to a good friend who told her that SkyWest was an amazing company and would be going places.

“Guess what? They were absolutely right,” said Captain Parent. “We had 700 pilots then and now we have almost 5,400!”

SkyWest has since become Captain Parent’s extended family and she truly appreciates our diverse culture.

“I was so scared to transition four years ago,” she said. “But when I did, I was surprised to learn that SkyWest had their arms wide open to assist me at every turn, airspeed change, climb, and descent.”

Acknowledging Pride Month is surreal for Captain Parent. She is transgender and identifies as pan, and during Pride Month she feels like a part of something bigger than herself. She notices the importance to be accepted and to fully accept those around you. Each day she tries to show people that she is no different than they are.

“I am human, I am spiritual, and I cherish my family with my three amazing children who rule my world,” said Captain Parent. “I have a wonderful lesbian partner of the last three years whom I love dearly.”

Captain Parent also says she is thankful for her SkyWest journey and the beautiful friends and memories made thus far.

“In the midst of many headwinds, it’s nice to just take a step back,” said Captain Parent. “To take a deep breath and watch the sun rise above the mountains. And, to appreciate a team of amazing people who are and always will be SkyWest family, regardless of who they are, who they love, where they come from, or what they believe.”

Greg Smith – Flight Attendant, DTW  

Flight Attendant Greg has been part of the SkyWest team for five years. Several years ago, he was ready for a career change and he hoped he could utilize his customer service skills and also travel the world. SkyWest checked both of those items.

“I’m so grateful to have a career where I can engage and meet with passengers from all over the world,” said Greg. “I learn something new on each flight I work. My experience here has been great because I enjoy providing exceptional customer service and I love seeing the excitement and smiles from their travels.”

To Greg, Pride Month is all about celebrating those smiles and the excitement of adventure but in his own community.

“Not only do members of the LGBTQ+ community come together,” said Greg. “But, this is also an opportunity to welcome others in the celebration of equal rights.”

Jay Briggs – Flight Attendant, IAH

Flight Attendant Jay has been at SkyWest nearly seven years. She was encouraged to pursue her career by her mom who was on a flight and thought that Jay would make a great flight attendant. The rest is history!

Pride Month is Jay’s yearly reminder to not be invisible. She says it’s easy to have her identity hidden from the world as a bisexual woman who is married to a man. The invisibility is part of an underrepresentation of a community and identity that she is proud to be a part of. Statistically, bi+ individuals make up the largest population of the LGBTQ+ community, but they are six times less likely to disclose their orientation compared to others in the community.

“As a proud bi individual, Pride Month reminds me how important it is to not hide,” said Jay. “It reminds me that coming to terms with who I am might have been easier if there were more people in my community that talked about being bi+.”

Jay is thankful for the SkyWest culture and says without it, she wouldn’t be who she is today.

“Because of SkyWest, I was inspired to work with our new hires, to become a lead, and to pursue a degree in aviation business administration,” said Jay. “It’s amazing to work for a company where I can be myself and still be a role model for others.”

SkyWest is like family to Jay and she loves being part of the team.

“From non-revving around the world together, to jumping in and supporting each other in times of need, SkyWest is full of amazing people” said Jay.

Join our standout team by visiting our careers page today!

May 17

AAPI: Pilots Embrace Asian Family History

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we asked several team members to share what this month means to them. 

Adam and Daniel Malik – ERJ First Officers, LAX

E175 First Officers Adam and Daniel Malik are first-generation Asian American brothers. They make up a small percentage of Asian pilots in America and hope to inspire more.

“We hope to change that percentage by encouraging diversity and inclusion,” said Adam.

Their pilot dreams began when they were young. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, their childhood home sat under the approach path of the Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF). The brothers would watch the aircraft overhead while they were playing in the backyard.

To start their aviation journeys, they began fueling and washing aircraft at a local FBO. Working there, they earned money to complete flight training and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale together. They were in the same new hire class and were sim partners at Surf Air, Envoy Air, and Compass Airlines.

After being furloughed at Compass Airlines, the brothers came to SkyWest. Once again, they were placed in the same new hire class and had the privilege of being sim partners throughout training. Now, they are both based in Los Angeles.

“May is a special month for us and our fellow Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals,” said Adam. “We are proud to work for a company that recognizes diversity and inclusion, and encourage others to never forget where you came from.”

Both Adam and Daniel enjoy setting an example for others hoping to achieve their dream of becoming a pilot and are proving anything is possible for Asian Americans.

Kizna Loosle – CRJ First Officer, MSP

Kizna Loosle’s dream to become a pilot started when she was a little girl. For her 10th birthday, Kizna went on her first discovery flight and knew that was what she wanted to do!

Kizna grew up in Las Vegas and attended a high school with an aviation magnet program. She received her private pilot’s license her senior year and then went to Utah State University where she studied aviation.

At Utah State, Kizna was a flight instructor, taught ground school on campus, and had a student internship for SkyWest Flight Operations. During that time, she knew SkyWest was the best fit for her. Before coming to SkyWest, she gained flight hours by flying tours for Scenic and Grand Canyon Airlines. She met her husband at USU, and they were new hires together at Scenic and also at SkyWest.

Kizna started at SkyWest on the Brasilia before moving to the CRJ. She is the co-chair of SkyWest’s Family Support Committee, something that she is passionate about as a mom. She is also a mentor and conference committee member for the Professional Asian Pilot Association (PAPA) and is currently coordinating cultural events for their first expo in July.

“I am proud to be a Japanese and Filipino Woman,” said Kizna. “Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and spotlighting different cultures is really important.”

Kizna has two daughters that she teaches her heritage to. As a family, they enjoy eating Japanese and Filipino cuisines and learning about different parts of the world. Kizna’s grandmother was one of her greatest supporters and having her granddaughter in the airline industry was monumental for her.

“I’ll never forget the way she always beamed with pride when she saw me in my uniform,” said Kizna. “I’m grateful every day that she had the courage to move to America from the Philippines.”

Kizna likes the welcoming atmosphere at SkyWest and connecting with her coworkers.

“Representation truly matters and it’s fun to learn about each other’s amazing backgrounds,” said Kizna.

Check out our careers page to see our current openings.