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

07/03/2016 15:06

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.

SKYWEST, INC. FEBRUARY FLIGHT STATISTICS

Block Hour Summary:
	Month	Month	Month	YTD	YTD	YTD
By Fleet:	February 2016	February 2015	% Change	February 2016	February 2015	% Change
CRJ200	49,244	50,349	(2.2)	101,337	106,535	(4.9)
CRJ700	33,548	33,432	0.3	69,499	70,538	(1.5)
CRJ900	16,314	15,160	7.6	34,099	32,232	5.8
ERJ135/145	40,296	48,726	(17.3)	82,966	103,551	(19.9)
E175	13,420	5,662	137.0	27,328	11,739	132.8
EMB-120	-	3,447	(100.0)	-	8,357	(100.0)
Total Block Hours	152,822	156,776	(2.5)	315,229	332,952	(5.3)

	Month	Month	Month	YTD	YTD	YTD
By Airline:	February 2016	February 2015	% Change	February 2016	February 2015	% Change
SkyWest Airlines	84,972	78,826	7.8	175,964	165,648	6.2
ExpressJet Airlines	67,850	77,950	(13.0)	139,265	167,304	(16.8)
Total Block Hours	152,822	156,776	(2.5)	315,229	332,952	( 5.3)


Other Flight Statistics:
	Month	Month	Month	YTD	YTD	YTD
	February 2016	February 2015	% Change	February 2016	February 2015	% Change
Departures	89,975	92,039	(2.2)	184,580	195,334	(5.5)
Available Seat Miles	2,665,918,669	2,617,166,223	1.9	5,498,805,759	5,556,089,466	(1.0)
Revenue Passenger Miles	2,080,897,557	2,101,985,451	(1.0)	4,261,430,493	4,380,424,606	(2.7)
Passengers	3,937,591	4,000,785	(1.6)	7,997,792	8,293,678	(3.6)
Load Factor	78.1	80.3	(2.7) pts	77.5	78.8	(1.6) pts

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.