CEDAR CITY, Utah — SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) and Southern Utah University (SUU) have partnered to establish a Tuition Reimbursement Program that will help support development of aspiring professional pilots. Through the new partnership, SkyWest may provide qualifying SUU student pilots up to $10,000 tuition reimbursement to help on their way to becoming one of SkyWest’s more than 4,000 professional pilots.
“This new partnership prepares a solid pathway for our fixed wing graduates to launch their commercial aviation career with the premier regional airline in the country,” said SUU President Scott L. Wyatt. “SkyWest Airlines provides exceptional training, quality of life and careers for professional pilots.”
“We’re pleased to partner with SUU to create opportunities for aspiring pilots who are ready to take control of their careers,” said Tracy Gallo, SkyWest Vice President of Flight Operations. “SUU has developed a solid aviation program and we look forward to working with them to develop exceptional professional pilots at SkyWest.”
The strategic alliance between SUU and SkyWest leverages the unique resources of each entity with the goal of creating industry-leading career options for prospective pilots. For qualified SUU students entering the Pathway, SkyWest Airlines will provide tuition reimbursement along with many other resources, including access to pilot mentors and advanced company seniority, on their way to beginning their career as a SkyWest Airlines first officer.
“The agreement cements SUU as a premier flight training school and helps us expand our program,” said Mike Mower, executive director of SUU Aviation. “It gives our students a great opportunity to come out of training with less student debt and with a great career path at SkyWest.”
SUU will continue to offer training in rotor wing (helicopter) and fixed wing (airplane) pilot components with the goal to expand the fixed wing program. The Professional Pilot Program offers licenses and ratings in areas ranging from Private Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor. Training will take place from the Cedar City Airport.
About SkyWest Airlines:
As a leading air service provider offering global access to millions of people each month, SkyWest partners with the world’s largest network carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. With a fleet of 358 aircraft today, SkyWest is adding more new aircraft than any other regional airline and provides an exceptional career for the industry’s best pilots. SkyWest’s more than 11,500 aviation professionals operate more than 1,800 flights each day to more than 200 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest is known for its industry-leading workforce, exceptional leadership team, and continued solid operational and economic performance. The airline is headquartered in St. George, Utah. Visit www.skywest.com and skywest.com/pilot-pathway for more information or follow @SkyWestAirlines on Twitter.
SkyWest Airlines
Corporate Communications 435.634.3553
corporate.communications@skywest.com
About Southern Utah University:
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated public liberal arts and sciences university, offering over 140 undergraduate programs and ten master’s degrees. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world. To learn more about the program, visit SUU’s Professional Pilot Aviation Program.
SUU Marketing Communication
Ellen Treanor, executive director of brand strategy ellentreanor@suu.edu
