SkyWest Airlines to Open Aircraft Maintenance Facility in Salina

SALINA, Kan. — SkyWest Airlines, the US' largest regional air carrier, will establish an aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport to service its fleet of more than 500 regional jets. The new facility will create several high-paying maintenance technician positions and is expected to be operational by early spring 2026, adding to the airport's existing customer service staff. The maintenance base will support aircraft currently operating United Express flights connecting Salina to Denver, Chicago and Houston.

The announcement aligns with Governor Laura Kelly's initiative to expand aviation maintenance operations across Kansas and received support from multiple state and local agencies, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, City of Salina and Salina Airport Authority. "SkyWest's decision to establish a maintenance base in Salina reflects Kansas' ability to compete and deliver for world-class aviation partners," said Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson. The facility represents deliberate investments in workforce development, infrastructure and airport readiness paying dividends for the state.

SkyWest's Salina operation will complement the city's growing aviation ecosystem, which includes Kansas State University's Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, Textron and Garmin facilities. The Utah-headquartered airline operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, carrying over 42 million passengers in 2024 to 258 destinations throughout North America. Job seekers interested in maintenance technician positions can apply at the company's website.

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