SHREVEPORT, La. — SkyWest Airlines, the nation’s largest regional airline, has selected Shreveport Regional Airport as the site of its newest maintenance base—marking a major investment in Northwest Louisiana’s aerospace economy.
The facility is expected to bring 150 high-paying jobs to Caddo Parish, with average annual salaries of $70,000. An additional 375 indirect jobs are projected, for a total potential impact of 525 new positions in the region. The base is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2025.
“This move reflects a whole-of-government approach to economic development in Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “SkyWest’s decision underscores the strength of our skilled workforce and the commitment of state and local leaders to growing regional economies.”
SkyWest Airlines operates nearly 500 aircraft through partnerships with United, Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines, connecting passengers to over 250 destinations across North America. The Shreveport facility will be the airline’s 13th maintenance base.
“We’re excited to select Shreveport Regional Airport as our newest maintenance base,” said Joe Sigg, Vice President of Maintenance at SkyWest. “We appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to growing our team of skilled technicians to maintain the industry’s premier regional fleet.”
The project aligns with Louisiana Economic Development’s (LED) focus on aerospace and logistics as priority sectors. Louisiana is already home to over 8,000 aerospace and defense workers, and SkyWest’s presence is expected to expand the state’s industry portfolio.
LED’s incentive package for SkyWest includes:
- LED FastStart® workforce development services
- A $750,000 performance-based grant supported by matching funds from LED, the Caddo Parish Commission, and the Caddo Parish Industrial Development Board
- Up to $200,000 in energy efficiency grants from AEP SWEPCO
Local Leaders Applaud the Move
- Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux called the project “a terrific example of how the airport is being leveraged as an economic engine for the region.”
- Caddo Parish Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts praised the job creation and investment in District 7, stating, “We look forward to welcoming SkyWest to our community.”
- Airport Director Larry Blackwell emphasized the long-term benefits for Shreveport’s air service: “Opening a maintenance base provides a tremendous opportunity for improved air service and good-paying careers.”
- NLEP CEO Justyn Dixon noted the broader impact: “This announcement strengthens our aerospace cluster and highlights the collaborative vision and assets across our region.”
SkyWest is actively hiring for positions at the upcoming base. Interested candidates can register for updates and opportunities at skywest.com/careers.
For more information about LED’s economic development efforts, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.