SkyWest Airlines
Largest U.S. regional airline, based in St. George, Utah, flying for United, Delta, American, and Alaska, with pathway programs for pilots and mechanics.
Overview
SkyWest Airlines is a regional airline headquartered in St. George, Utah, and a subsidiary of the publicly traded SkyWest, Inc. It flies more than 500 regional jets under contract for United, Delta, American, and Alaska, with 20 pilot domiciles and maintenance at 14 locations. Regional airlines like SkyWest are where many U.S. airline pilots get their first airline job. SkyWest runs a Pilot Pathway Program for student pilots and an AMT Pathway Program for A&P students, and its dispatchers work at the St. George headquarters.
Student Insights
Pilot requirements
SkyWest first officers must be at least 21 and hold a commercial certificate with instrument rating, a first-class medical, and ATP or restricted ATP hours: 1,500 in general, 1,250 with a qualifying associate degree, 1,000 with a qualifying bachelor's degree, or 750 for military pilots. Pathway cadets get a mentor, interview preparation, and a guaranteed first officer interview if they meet requirements. SkyWest pilots have access to United's Aviate program and guaranteed-interview arrangements with Delta and Alaska.
Mechanics
The AMT Pathway Program offers A&P students a mentor, facility visits, enhanced seniority, and a guaranteed interview. Partner schools include Spartan College, Salt Lake Community College, Pima Community College, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, National Aviation Academy, Southern Utah University, San Joaquin Valley College, and Western Michigan University.
Dispatchers
SkyWest requires an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate and a minimum age of 23 at interview. All dispatch work and training is in St. George, Utah, and relocation is required. Initial training includes more than 100 classroom hours over two to three months, and pay starts on the first day of training.
AI Outlook
Pilot, dispatcher, and A&P technician jobs are FAA-certificated roles. Data and AI tools support planning and maintenance analysis but do not change the certificate requirements for entry.
Student Hiring
Typical Roles
Notable Programs
- Pilot Pathway Program
- AMT Pathway Program
- Rotor Transition Program
Career Connections
AeroEd career pathways relevant to SkyWest Airlines.