Image courtesy of the Salina Regional Airport

SkyWest Airlines, the world’s largest regional carrier, announced it has chosen Salina Regional Airport (SLN) for a new aircraft maintenance facility. The Kansas location will support maintenance for part of SkyWest’s fleet of over 500 regional jets, including those operating United Express flights to and from Salina. The new maintenance base is expected to create several high-paying jobs at the airport and become operational by early spring 2026.

The facility will help ensure reliable and safe service for business and leisure travelers, supporting daily United Express flights from Salina to Denver, Chicago, and Houston and providing connections to United Airlines’ global network.

SkyWest’s expansion in Salina aligns with Governor Laura Kelly’s efforts to grow aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations in Kansas and was made possible through collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, the City of Salina, Saline County, Salina Airport Authority, and the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. Salina Airport Authority executive director Pieter Miller said, “SkyWest adds to a growing aviation ecosystem that includes the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, Textron, and Garmin.” He added that, “the SkyWest Salina maintenance facility will support the development and growth of Salina flights to United Airlines’ hubs at Denver, Chicago, and Houston.”