SkyWest, Inc. Reports Combined August 2017 Traffic for SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet Airlines

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyWest, Inc., (NASDAQ: SKYW) ("SkyWest") today reported 162,241 block hours in August 2017, compared to 169,939 block hours in August 2016, a decrease of 7,698 or 4.5%.  The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet by adding new E175 aircraft, while reducing its 50-seat jets.  

The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 14,600 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 22,300 block hours from its other aircraft types.   

In August 2017, SkyWest's dual class aircraft represented approximately 53% of SkyWest's total block hour production for the month compared to approximately 42% for the month of August 2016.       

SkyWest reported 1,244,450 block hours for year-to-date August 2017, compared to 1,319,661 block hours year-to-date August 2016, a decrease of 75,211, or 5.7%.  This net change was primarily driven by approximately 105,600 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 180,800 block hours from its other aircraft types.

SkyWest had 97,188 departures in August 2017 compared to 101,887 in August 2016, a decrease of 4,699, or 4.6%.  Additional flight statistics for August are included in the accompanying table. SkyWest has discontinued providing available seat miles (ASMs) and revenue passenger miles (RPMs) it monthly traffic releases as ASMs and RPMs are not meaningful metrics in SkyWest's capacity purchase agreements and business model. 

About SkyWest

SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for two scheduled passenger airline operations and an aircraft leasing company. SkyWest's airline companies provide commercial air service in cities throughout North America with more than 3,000 daily flights carrying more than 50 million passengers annually. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines ("United"), Delta Air Lines ("Delta"), American Airlines ("American") and Alaska Airlines. ExpressJet Airlines operates through partnerships with United, Delta and American. Based in St. George, Utah, SkyWest continues to set the standard for excellence across the regional industry with unmatched value for customers, shareholders and its more than 18,000 employees. This press release and additional information regarding SkyWest can be accessed at inc.skywest.com.

SOURCE SkyWest, Inc.