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!
Happy Father’s Day to all our SkyWest dads and to the fathers who encouraged us to follow our dreams! Here’s what a few SkyWest people had to say about the dads in their lives in honor of Father’s Day.
Kalley G., ERJ First Officer (MSP)
“Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I’m incredibly thankful to have you in my life and to enjoy our love for aviation together! I wouldn’t be the person I am today without both you and Mom! Sending love to you both!”
Tom T., Agt Ramp (SGU)
“My dad is still with us and l continue to learn from him. He is now a great-grandfather and is very involved with his family. I have fond memories of herding sheep with him as a kid. He taught me to work hard and to always have a positive attitude. I’ve rarely heard him complain. He is a great example to us!”
Wes T., Agt Ramp (SGU)
“My favorite trait of my dad is his ability to get along with absolutely everyone. You give him a few minutes with a stranger, and they will be friends in no time at all. He’s always been more on the laid-back side but still we always knew he was in charge; I feel like I have learned to teach my kids the life lessons they need in a similar type of way.
“We’ve also had a few adventures along the way. This photo was taken in Maui, Hawaii when I went with my parents to a work retreat. It was a long time ago but was a fun trip. Another time, my dad was out of town for work in Portland Oregon, and he called me to meet him at a great barbecue restaurant he stumbled upon. I had a couple of days off, so I was able join him. We drove to the restaurant and arrived at a little hole in the wall barbecue restaurant. As soon as we entered people were amazed to see that we found the place. I was wondering the same thing at the time, but the food was amazing, and we had a great time.”
Amber O., InFlight Support Center (SLC)
“I first met Keith in my earlier years at SkyWest when I was working on the ramp, and he was in maintenance. He was always fun to crack jokes with. Later, he married my mom, and he immediately loved all of us like we were his own. Keith, your love for my family is genuine, and I am so grateful for that. You are always there to lend a hand and share a good joke. I love going on our long walks and having our deep chats; they are truly the highlight of my day. Happy Father’s Day!”
June is Pride Month and SkyWest is honored to recognize our people! This month, we will be sharing stories from across the system highlighting some of those who make us the best regional airline in the industry.
Cross Utilized Agent Jamie K. joined SkyWest in 2021 at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (MQT). It was there that she found not only a career she loves, but also the woman who is now her wife.
While working on the ramp, Jamie met Anania T., a previous SkyWest cross utilized agent. With a shared passion for aviation, it didn’t take long for love to take flight and two years later, they got married on the same Delta ramp.
For them, Pride Month is all about love.
“Pride month, to me, provides an opportunity for everyone to get some additional exposure to LGBTQIA2S+ lives and love,” Jamie shared. “It can provide people with visuals and stories that help normalize our lives, and bring us from the margins to the center, in the hopes of the general population gaining more empathy and understanding.”
“All love is good,” Anania added. “Love is love and love is good.”
In general, being part of the LGBTQ+ community is being yourself and being accepted for that.
“You can be your true self,” Anania said. “It is all okay. There is nothing wrong with or abnormal about you. If you follow your heart and are the path to finding love, everything will work out. Be true to who you are and everything will work out.”
At SkyWest, the couple says they “have had nothing but positive and respectful experiences.” Their manager even went out of their way to figure out how to have their ceremony on the ramp and a coworker marshalled them down to say their vows.
The couple is now soaring to new heights in their career: Anania is pursuing her private pilot’s license and Jamie is considering joining a maintenance program. They also have dreams of bush flying in Alaska and spending their free time in Hawaii.
SkyWest is proud to celebrate Pride Month and share the stories of our people.
Throughout the month we’ve heard incredible stories from SkyWest people about their journeys to aviation and how their culture has influenced their careers. Before Black History Month ends, we want to highlight the experience of MSP-based First Officer Ryan B., an aviation pioneer for his family and community.
Ryan B. – First Officer CRJ
CRJ First Officer Ryan is proud to be a Black aviator and even prouder to be the first in his family to achieve this milestone.
“Being an airline pilot is something that I wanted to do since I was a kid,” said Ryan. “I did not think it would be possible for a person like me to achieve their dream. It took me sitting in an accounting class and watching planes fly into the Chicago O’Hare Airport to make the switch.”
Realizing he couldn’t continue doing something he didn’t love, Ryan took a chance on his aviation dreams. His pilot journey began in 2017 at Purdue University; continued through instructing in White Plains, New York; and finally obtaining his Airline Transport Pilot license in Salt Lake City, Utah. He joined the SkyWest team in 2021, accomplishing his childhood dream of becoming an airline pilot.
“SkyWest has given me the opportunity to live my lifelong dream,” said Ryan. “Some of the best moments for me here at SkyWest are when a passenger or a ramp worker tells me how happy they are to see someone like them in the flight deck. Not only does it inspire them to achieve greatness, but it inspires me to work harder towards my goal of being a Captain at one of our major airlines.”
For Ryan, Black History Month means taking advantage of all the opportunities life presents and making something spectacular with it. He credits the unwavering support of his family, friends, and colleagues at SkyWest, without whom his achievements wouldn’t have been possible.
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Throughout the month, we’ve also celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals like Maintenance Admin Mike M. and Flight Attendant Myah D., whose unwavering resolve exemplifies the boundless potential within us all.
This Black History Month, SkyWest is honored to recognize the Black men and women who help to make our airline the best in the industry.
Throughout February, we will be featuring stories and updates from our own SkyWest employees.
Mike M. – MX Admin, SBN
Mike began his SkyWest journey over four years ago. He came here from another airline where he had been working in aviation maintenance. Mike says he was initially nervous to begin a new career at a new company but had only heard great things about SkyWest.
“I’ve been in aviation for a little over eight years now and SkyWest has been the place I’ve enjoyed the most,” he said. “It’s the welcoming atmosphere towards all people of cultures and backgrounds that makes it different from other jobs. SkyWest has been very welcoming from the beginning and my time here has been filled with great memories and some of the kindest people I’ve met.”
Thinking about Black History Month, Mike says he is inspired by Ruby Ridges. She is an American civil rights activist who was the first Black child to attend a formerly segregated elementary school in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis on Nov. 14, 1960.
“Black history month for me is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come as a society,” he said. “Ruby’s experience has shown me that if we can learn to embrace our differences, regardless of the noise around us, the sky can truly be the limit on what can be achieved.”
Myah D. – Flight Attendant, PHX
For Myah, Black History Month is a celebration of Black culture and an opportunity to for everyone to learn more about Black History. It’s also a chance to recognize the remarkable journey of the Black community.
Growing up as one of the few Black students in her school, Myah struggled with self-consciousness, always feeling the need to prove herself. This struggle persisted even after completing school, and until she decided to break away from her work-from-home routine.
“I felt like there was more, so I started job hunting,” she said. “My search led me to apply as a cabin agent/cleaner for Alaska Airlines. It was in this job, that I was introduced to the world of aviation: gate agents, ground personnel, and flight attendants.”
A newcomer to aviation, Myah grew up with a fear of flying. Mostly due to her limited experience of flying, her perception slowly shifted during her shifts, witnessing professional flight attendants she interacted with. Despite initial reservations about her suitability for the job, the sight of Black flight attendants and pilots inspired her to apply. Walking into the SkyWest group interview, she felt a sense of belonging.
“Watching flight crews and getting to interact with them made me realize that becoming a flight attendant was my dream,” she said. “I was nervous about how young I was and if I was experienced enough in the industry. When I saw Black crewmembers, I felt so much pride and knew that I needed to apply.”
Contrary to her earlier assumptions, the airline industry, particularly SkyWest, proved to be more diverse than Myah anticipated. While the journey wasn’t without challenges, she is grateful she has been able to secure her dream job of becoming a flight attendant.
“I am so proud to be a SkyWest flight attendant, and I hope anyone who thinks that their dreams are out of reach will one day just go for it like I did,” she said.
Myah encourages everyone to pursue their aspirations, emphasizing that representation matters. This month in particular, Myah wishes everyone a joyful celebration, hopeful for a future where dreams are within reach for all.
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.
Native American Heritage Month, observed every November in the United States, is a time to honor and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans. This month-long commemoration serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the history, struggles, and triumphs of Indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Here is what a few of our people had to say about how their cultural background shapes their everyday lives.
Faye C. – HDQ Crew Scheduler “Halito (hello)!” said Faye, a member of the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma.
Faye joined SkyWest in 2022 in search of a new career opportunity and new friends. Now more than a year later, she knows it was meant to be, she loves the career she’s in, and her colleagues are considered family.
“The thing that keeps me at SkyWest is my Crew Support team,” she said. “I have the honor and privilege of working with people who respect me and my culture.”
For Faye, her heritage is integral to how she lives her life. She loves to celebrate Native American Heritage Month because of her tribes’ rich history of resilience, unique experiences, and historical importance.
“The Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma was one of the tribes that were forced to walk the trail of tears and were displaced from their ancestral homes,” she said. “So, for me, Native American Heritage Month is about retaining that history, remembering our stories, and keeping them alive. This is important to pass on to future generations.”
Faye’s favorite parts of her culture are passing on traditions through oral history, bead work, music, powwows, traditional dances, and food!”
“I celebrate my culture by keeping our traditional stories alive,” Faye said. “This is something that’s done every day, not only this month. I’ll continue to honor it by strengthening my knowledge in the traditional language of the Choctaw people. yakoke! Chi pisa la chike (Thank you, until we meet again)!”
Patrick M. – OKC Mechanic III For SkyWest Mechanic Patrick, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, celebrating Native American Heritage Month means that everyone can explore the history and culture of different groups. It’s also important to him that people take time celebrate and recognize their own background and culture too.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to come together,” he said. “For those of us celebrating and for others to gain a valuable point of reflection. Being a Native American isn’t a constant point of our conversations, but I know that I’m valued by my team, and I respect that.”
Celebrating his culture is very important for Patrick. He celebrates this month by attending a multi-day gathering that is hosted by tribe leaders, for every tribal member across the country to meet. There, tribe members enjoy crafts, and learn more about their language, food, and ceremonies that would otherwise go neglected the rest of the year.
Patrick joined the SkyWest team on encouragement from his instructors in A&P school. He reviewed his career options and knew that he needed to join the team. “I looked at my options and I saw my options for quality of life; pay, training opportunities, and ability to advance,” he said. “SkyWest beat the other local options.”
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the variety of backgrounds and cultures that make up the SkyWest team. Diana G., mechanic – IAH and Marisol C., AO training instructor shared their thoughts on the importance of this month and how their culture has influenced their careers.
What brought you to SkyWest?
Diana: I attended a recruitment event in Palm Springs (PSP) and was hired as a flight attendant. As a first-generation Mexican American, the world of aviation seemed so foreign to me, but I was somehow always drawn to it. As a flight attendant, I worked alongside crewmembers, gate agents, ramp agents, caterers, and cleaners. I felt very privileged to work with such a hard-working group of people and yet, it was always the aircraft maintenance technicians that captivated my attention the most.
My background as an automotive technician allowed me to work well with my hands and becoming an aircraft mechanic seemed like an obvious choice. I took advantage of SkyWest’s Professional Leave Program (PRO), and I went back to school to receive my Aircraft and Powerplant licenses. This month marks eight months as a certified aircraft mechanic for SkyWest.
Marisol: I was working for an engineering company when my father was diagnosed with cancer. After a family meeting about his diagnosis, and how we could best support our parents, my family and I decided that I would transition to a part-time position to assist in caring for my father. My search for a career with this type of flexibility lead me to SkyWest. I was hired as a part-time Cross Utilized agent in Harlingen, Texas (HRL).
While my father followed his treatment plan to beat cancer, I followed a new career path within aviation. I have held several roles in my time here and each one has connected me with amazing individuals. Their wisdom and allyship has supported me throughout my career and as I train new agents on their journey with SkyWest. To everyone who reads this, you can make your aviation dreams come true, “Echale ganas (give it all you got)!”
Why is it important to recognize Hispanic Heritage month?
Diana: I am a very proud to be Mexican American, and I take pride in my culture. The rich history, the incredible music, the tasty and flavorful food, all of which makes me so grateful for my heritage. Growing up with Mexican parents who did not speak English, and immigrating to United States against all odds, they were able to teach my siblings and I the power of perseverance and hard work. To this day they are strong, independent entrepreneurs, yet always put family first. Together, we love celebrating the roots of our family and origin, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month!
Marisol: Opportunities to celebrate or embrace culture will always lead to meaningful connections! More importantly, it promotes respect, enhances communication, creates an opportunity to meet new people, and can create a safe environment for all races. As a Mexican American, I live in two worlds. It is not something I thought about until I joined the workforce. Especially when I’m speaking to colleagues or customers, and I transition between both worlds by speaking Spanish and English, it fills my heart. Everything reflects me as an individual. It reflects my family name. It reflects my community. No matter the challenge I repeat my mantra, “Echale ganas!”
How has your culture influenced your career?
Diana: Being a Mexican American woman I know I’m a minority, but that only pushes me to do better and work harder than most. Because of my cultural values, I’ve learned to do this and not complain about what’s necessary for my success. I know that facing these challenges have shaped me since I was young. This perseverance has allowed me to have a high motivation and drive to succeed in achieving my dreams. I dedicate myself to my career fully and proudly, thanks to what I’ve overcome as a Mexican American woman.
Marisol: It’s been nothing but uplifted and embraced. Because of the diversity in my community and the work groups that surrounds me, my career at SkyWest has seen nothing but enrichment and support.
During my time with SkyWest, I’ve felt that my voice has always been heard and that my heritage and journey have never been stereotyped. The culture at SkyWest creates an environment that allows our voices and ideals to be heard, and embraces our cultural differences. My career has been enriched by SkyWest’s need to recognize us all individually, and they’ve done this by inviting those of different cultures to share their background and experiences in various ways, sharing their story with all of SkyWest.
SkyWest also offers resources for those that may not have been exposed to other cultures through the Diversity & Inclusion page on SkyWest Online. It offers videos to reinvent thoughts or assumptions someone may have. I applaud the pledge SkyWest has made to not allow ignorance to prevent our growth as a company.
How do you celebrate this month?
Diana: This year I was married on Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16, and was able to celebrate with my guests. Most of them were non-Hispanic and I wanted to share as much of my culture as I could with them. We stopped at nothing to highlight my culture and make new family feel most welcomed! We had a variety of Hispanic foods, colorful decorations with flowers, and classical Latin tunes including Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, and Tango. An important part of my culture is dancing, and it’s one of the most important traditions in my family. It felt great to share that with everyone!
Thank you, Diana and Marisol, for sharing your stories with us and helping us understand the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month. We are fortunate for the influence and difference you have made on our SkyWest team!
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!
