SkyWest

SkyWest Airlines has maintained a strong emphasis on safety since its inception in 1972, operating under a "Safety First" motto. The airline has an exceptional safety record, which it attributes to extensive training, advanced technology, and innovative safety programs.

Historically, SkyWest has experienced several incidents, primarily in its earlier years, including mid-air collisions and runway incidents, with causes attributed to factors like private pilot error or air traffic controller error. However, more recently, SkyWest Airlines has had a clean record with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since mid-2022. Minor incidents reported in 2024 and 2025 include a lightning strike, a bird strike, smoke on board, and gear disagreements.

SkyWest adheres to rigorous Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and manufacturer maintenance requirements for its fleet, employing A&P certified mechanics who undergo continuous training. The airline utilizes safety features such as Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). SkyWest is also implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) with programs like the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) to proactively identify and prevent potential problems.

However, an August 2025 report by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General indicated that the FAA's oversight of SkyWest's maintenance practices had not fully complied with agency guidance, with persistent issues unresolved since 2021. Concerns raised included inappropriate deferral of maintenance, dispatching aircraft without required inspections, and using pilots for unapproved maintenance tasks. The FAA has committed to addressing these recommendations by July 2026. In WalletHub's 2025 report, SkyWest Airlines received a safety score of 25.02 out of 30, placing it among the top U.S. airlines for safety. The airline's maintenance department was also awarded the 2010 AMT Employer Gold Award of Excellence by the FAA and received its third Bombardier Airline Reliability Award in the same year.