SkyWest Airlines plans to establish a new aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport in Kansas, expanding the carrier's in-house capacity to service its large regional jet fleet. The base is expected to be operational by early spring and will support a fleet of more than 500 regional jets that SkyWest operates across the United States.
The move reflects a broader pattern among US carriers that are bringing more maintenance work in-house as outside shop capacity tightens. Aging fleets, delayed deliveries of new aircraft, and higher aircraft utilization have pushed maintenance demand to elevated levels, and operators with their own facilities gain more control over turnaround times and scheduling.
Salina Regional Airport offers the runway length and hangar space needed for regional jet work, and the facility is expected to add skilled maintenance jobs to the central Kansas region. For SkyWest, a dedicated base reduces reliance on third party shops during a period when certified mechanic availability remains constrained nationwide.
The investment signals confidence in sustained regional flying demand. Regional jets connect smaller US markets to major hubs, and keeping that fleet in service requires steady access to line and heavy maintenance. A purpose built base positions SkyWest to manage its maintenance pipeline as fleet hours continue to rise through 2026.
Source: Aviation Week -- https://aviationweek.com/mro/mro-industry-rolling-daily-updates-january-2026