KANSAS — SkyWest Airlines (OO) has chosen Salina Regional Airport (SLN) in Kansas, US, as the location for its newest aircraft maintenance facility. The world's largest regional air carrier is expected to open the new facility in early spring 2026, adding to a maintenance base portfolio that already exceeds a dozen locations that serve its CRJ series of regional jets.

“We are excited to establish a maintenance presence in Salina,” said Joe Sigg, SkyWest’s VP of Maintenance, in a Salina Airport press release. “We appreciate the local and statewide support and look forward to building a team of technicians dedicated to SkyWest’s standards of excellence here in Salina.”

The maintenance base will initially create several high-paying aviation technician positions, adding to SkyWest's existing customer service staff at the airport.

Public-Private Partnership Fuels Growth

Governor Laura Kelly's aviation expansion initiative helped secure this significant investment. The Kansas Department of Commerce worked alongside local partners to attract SkyWest. Support came from the City of Salina, Saline County, and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization.

“SkyWest’s decision to establish a maintenance base in Salina reflects Kansas’ ability to compete and deliver for world-class aviation partners,” Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “We’ve made deliberate investments in workforce, infrastructure, and airport readiness, and this announcement shows that those efforts are paying off. Salina is positioned to support SkyWest’s growth today and well into the future.”

SkyWest's decision strengthens Kansas's position as an aviation industry leader. The state's investments in workforce development and airport infrastructure made Salina competitive. Kansas now demonstrates its ability to deliver for world-class aviation partners.

Salina's Aerospace Ecosystem Expands

Airport Authority Executive Director Pieter Miller highlighted Salina's expanding aviation presence. He emphasized that the maintenance facility will support the development of United Airlines' hub connections. Miller noted that SkyWest joins a thriving ecosystem that includes Kansas State University, Textron, and Garmin.

SkyWest currently offers multiple daily flights from Salina under the United (UA) brand to Denver (DEN), Chicago  (ORD), and Houston (IAH). These routes connect Kansas travelers to United's extensive global network.

Salina's airport authority generates over 12,000 jobs and US$1.6 billion in economic activity. The new maintenance facility adds to this momentum while ensuring reliable passenger service. SkyWest's presence reinforces the region's reputation as an aviation industry hub.