SkyWest, Inc. Reports Combined February 2016 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

ST. GEORGE, Utah, March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyWest, Inc., (NASDAQ: SKYW) ("SkyWest") today reported 152,822 block hours in February 2016, compared to 156,776 block hours in February 2015, a decrease of 3,954, or 2.5%.  The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet by adding new dual class aircraft to its fleet, while reducing its 50-seat and 30-seat aircraft.

The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 9,000 additional block hours from its dual class aircraft (E175s, CRJ700s and CRJ900s) and a decrease of approximately 13,000 block hours from fewer 50-seat jet (CRJ200s and ERJ135s/145s) and 30-seat turboprop (EMB-120) aircraft. 

In February 2016, SkyWest's dual class aircraft represented approximately 41% of SkyWest's total block hour production for the month compared to approximately 35% for the month of February 2015.       

SkyWest reported 315,229 block hours for year-to-date February 2016, compared to 332,952 block hours year-to-date February 2015, a decrease of 17,723, or 5.3%.  This net change was primarily driven by approximately 16,000 additional block hours from its dual class aircraft and a decrease of approximately 34,000 block hours from fewer 50-seat jet and 30-seat turboprop aircraft.

SkyWest had 89,975 departures in February 2016 compared to 92,039 in February 2015, a decrease of 2,064, or 2.2%.  SkyWest generated 2.67 billion available seat miles (ASMs) for February 2016, compared to 2.62 billion ASMs for February 2015, or a 1.9% increase. Additional flight statistics for February, including passengers enplaned, revenue passenger miles, and passenger load factors, are included in the accompanying table.                                                              

About SkyWest

SkyWest, Inc. was named on Forbes 'America's Best Employers 2015' list and was Air Transport World's Regional Airline of the Year in 2014. SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for two scheduled passenger airline operations and an aircraft leasing company and is headquartered in St. George, Utah. SkyWest's airline companies provide commercial air service in cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with more than 3,000 scheduled daily flights. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. ExpressJet Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. SkyWest continues to set the standard for excellence in the regional industry with unmatched value for customers, shareholders and its nearly 20,000 employees. This press release and additional information regarding SkyWest can be accessed at inc.skywest.com.

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SOURCE SkyWest, Inc.