U.S. regional carrier SkyWest Airlines has selected Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) as the site of its newest MRO location.
The maintenance facility, which provides 152,000 ft.2 of shop space and 153,750 ft.2 of ramp space, will operate out of an existing hangar owned by the Shreveport Airport Authority and leased to SkyWest for three years plus two one-year options. The hangar, which will become SkyWest’s 13th MRO base, is currently used by cargo carrier Western Global Airlines for maintenance support.
“When selecting a new location, we look at several factors, including the support and resources available at the airport and how its geographic location connects with our flying operation,” SkyWest VP of Maintenance Joe Sigg said. “Working closely with city, airport and other local leadership for some time, we concluded that the Shreveport base will be a good fit for us and continue to enhance our maintenance infrastructure to support our growing fleet of over 500 aircraft.
The large regional carrier currently operates a mix of Embraer E175 and Bombardier CRJ 900, CRJ 700, CRJ 550 and CRJ 200s for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. “Shreveport, as with each of our maintenance bases, will be capable of working nose-to-tail on the aircraft in our fleet, including simple, routine inspections along with other more detailed work,” Sigg says. “In addition, we are looking to add a specialty team in Shreveport that will be focused on maintaining aircraft wheel assemblies.”
Asked about the number of aircraft which the hangar can accommodate simultaneously, Sigg states it is “several” E175s. “We are in the process of getting our Shreveport team in place right now and anticipate that we could start working on aircraft there as early as mid-July,” he says.
Sigg says that the carrier expects ultimately to have over 100 employees at Shreveport, of which the majority will be airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics. “In fact, those who are interested in working with us can apply today,” he remarks.
“We are absolutely looking for qualified A&P mechanics who are close to Shreveport,” Sigg says. “Our recruitment teams have already been visiting with several schools across Louisiana. We may also have some current employees transfer to the new base or find others who are ready to relocate to Shreveport, too.”
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