SkyWest Charter Seeks Commuter Carrier Certification
SkyWest Charter, based at St. George Municipal, is urging the United States Department of Transportation to finalize its commuter air carrier authorization, despite opposition from several unions. The airline has defended its application, arguing that the concerns raised by labor organizations over safety risks, regulatory gaps, and oversight challenges are not relevant to its fitness to operate as a scheduled commuter carrier.
In February 2025, the DOT acknowledged that SkyWest Charter was fit to conduct scheduled passenger operations under a commuter air carrier certificate. However, the final order granting the certification has not yet been issued. In response to the DOT, SkyWest Charter contends that the unions are attempting to limit competition rather than address genuine safety concerns. The airline pointed to another charter carrier, Aero based in San Francisco, which received its commuter carrier certificate under similar conditions without facing significant opposition.
Unions such as Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, representing FAA oversight employees, have argued that the FAA lacks the necessary staffing and resources to properly monitor SkyWest Charter’s operations. They also claim that there is insufficient clear guidance for scheduled commuter operations under Part 135, which could lead to regulatory ambiguity. The Air Line Pilots Association further argued that Part 135 has less stringent requirements than Part 121, the set of regulations typically used for scheduled passenger airlines. ALPA has expressed concerns that allowing SkyWest Charter to operate larger aircraft, up to 30 seats, under Part 135 could create an uneven safety playing field and circumvent existing pilot labor agreements.
Despite these objections, SkyWest Charter has committed to exceeding the minimum operating requirements of Part 135. The company intends to implement additional safety measures, including deploying dual captains with Airline Transport Pilot certificates and adhering to Part 117 rest and fatigue rules. It will also operate only from TSA-screened airports and introduce comprehensive Safety Management Systems along with Advanced Qualification Program training. The DOT has acknowledged these measures, which SkyWest Charter says will ensure that its operations remain safe and reliable while expanding its service offerings.
SkyWest Charter plans to launch its operations as a commuter air carrier with one aircraft in its first month and then gradually add three to four more aircraft. Over the first year, the carrier aims to serve 25 destinations, with a focus on small and underserved communities, including areas that were previously served under the Essential Air Service program. Many of these markets lost service from its parent company, SkyWest Airlines, which operated under Part 121 until pilot shortages and financial challenges forced a reduction in routes.
Currently, SkyWest Charter operates a fleet of eighteen CRJ200 aircraft. The company’s strategy is to capture new market opportunities by offering reliable scheduled services to regions that have seen declining connectivity. By obtaining the commuter carrier certification, SkyWest Charter intends to address a growing demand for regional air service, improve connectivity for smaller communities, and foster competition in markets that were previously underserved.
As the DOT deliberates on its final order, SkyWest Charter remains optimistic about its prospects. The company argues that its robust operational measures and commitment to safety will not only ensure regulatory compliance but also provide consumers with the high-quality service they expect. The final decision by the DOT is eagerly awaited by industry stakeholders, as it could pave the way for significant changes in how regional air services are provided across the United States.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com