SkyWest, Inc. Names Russell "Chip" Childs President

ST. GEORGE, Utah, May 12, 2014 /PR Newswire/ — Sky West, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW), the holding company for Sky West Airlines, Inc. (“Sky West Airlines”) and Express Jet Airlines, Inc. (“Express Jet Airlines”), announces the promotion of Russell “Chip” Childs to President, effective May 12, 2014.

Mr. Childs has been serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Sky West Airlines. In his new role at Sky West, Inc., Mr. Childs will oversee all activities of the holding company, as well as those of the operating airlines, with a focus on improved profitability, quality and value for all Sky West, Inc. stakeholders. Jerry C. At kin will remain Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sky West, Inc.

“Chip brings an exceptional balance of operational experience, financial discipline and strong leadership to the role,” said At kin. “As we redefine key leadership roles at the company to encourage top operational performance, improved contract efficiency and profitability, Chip’s extensive operational and financial background will be critical to moving Sky West, Inc. forward, and to maintaining its leadership in a challenging and dynamic environment.”

“In a highly commodities industry, Sky West has achieved remarkable success with a commitment to strong vision, values and people,” said Childs. “I look forward to strengthening that legacy, and improving the company’s profitability and sustainability to provide value to all of our stakeholders.”

Mr. Childs has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Sky West Airlines since 2007, executing the development of new partnerships, establishing solid financial performance, providing ongoing operational reliability and quality, and working with the airline’s more than 10,000 employees to position the airline for leadership and success. Mr. Childs holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.

As part of the change in leadership, Bradford R. Rich will become Chief Commercial Officer of Sky West, Inc., allowing him to focus his efforts on contract development, management and development of business opportunities with network airlines, and fleet management, financing and purchasing. The Sky West, Inc. board of directors believes the newly-created role will be essential to achieving improved profitability and capitalizing on current and new opportunities within the industry for Sky West, Inc.

Wade Steel, currently Vice President – Controller of Sky West Airlines, has been promoted to serve as Executive Vice President of Sky West, Inc., also effective as of May 12, 2014. In this position, he will oversee all contract management and financial planning and analysis for the holding company. Mr. Steel has served as Vice President – Controller of Sky West Airlines since 2011, and as part of the airline’s leadership team since 2007. He spent seven years in public accounting, providing audit and advisory services to companies in the transportation, manufacturing, software and financial services industries. Mr. Steel is a certified public accountant with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

As Mr. Childs takes the helm at Sky West, Inc., Michael Thompson, currently Vice President of Market Development for Sky West Airlines, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Sky West Airlines, also effective May 12, 2014, with responsibility for oversight of the airline’s operations. Thompson has served as Vice President of Market Development of Sky West Airlines since 2007, where he has managed the airline’s pro-rate operations and helped the airline’s efforts to adapt to rapidly-changing network needs across the industry. He holds master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from Brigham Young University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering from Brigham Young University.

Brad Holt will remain President and Chief Operating Officer of Express Jet Airlines, reporting to Mr. Childs. Eric Woodward will remain Chief Accounting Officer for Sky West, Inc., and Mike Krupp will serve as Vice President and Treasurer of Sky West, Inc.