SkyWest Airlines to create 525 jobs in northwest Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – North Louisiana Economic Partnership President, Justyn Dixon, was joined by members of the Shreveport Regional Airport, and leaders from the city of Shreveport and parish of Caddo to announce a new partnership.

“SkyWest Airlines, the nation’s largest regional airline carrier, has selected the Shreveport Regional Airport as its newest maintenance base and facility to help support its fleet of nearly 500 regional aircraft,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux.

According to Larry Blackwell, Director of Airports for Shreveport Regional Airport, SkyWest Airlines flies 40 million people to destinations nationwide.

Blackwell says the airlines chose Shreveport over 30 other cities to locate.

Mayor Arceneaux says the SkyWest facility is expected to create 150 direct jobs with an average annual salary of $70,000.

“Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 375 indirect jobs, bringing a potential 525 new jobs in the northwest region,” said Mayor Arceneaux.

The project hopes to enhance the local economy and bring skilled jobs to strengthen the labor force.

Shreveport Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor said, “Quality of life issues are so important to our citizens in this parish, and because they are here, we can enhance our quality of life for the residents who live here. Guess what you all, we are going to have new people coming into the city, and that’s a really big deal.”

Blackwell says one factor that helped Shreveport be selected is the Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance programs in the region, specifically at Southern University, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Mayor Arceneaux says with the project will come a resurgence in that neighborhood in which the airport is located.

“We have some hanger space out there, we have some developable sites, that could be used for other aviation companies so once you create the workforce to do this kind of work, we can attract additional airlines, additional maintenance to expand this kind of activity,” said Mayor Arceneaux.