Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20212022

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                              to                             

Commission file number 0-14719

SKYWEST, INC.

Incorporated under the laws of Utah

87-0292166

(I.R.S. Employer ID No.)

444 South River Road

St. George, Utah 84790

(435) 634-3000

(Address of principal executive offices and telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered

Common Stock, No Par Value

SKYW

The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class

Outstanding at October 29, 202128, 2022

Common stock, no par value

50,379,92350,598,413

Table of Contents

SKYWEST, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3

Consolidated Balance Sheets

3

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

5

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity

6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

8

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

9

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2321

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

4038

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

4039

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION:

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

4139

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

4139

Item 6.

Exhibits

4140

Signature

4241

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

2

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

ASSETS

September 30,

    

December 31,

September 30,

    

December 31,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2022

    

2021

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

271,831

$

215,723

$

38,850

$

258,421

Marketable securities

 

640,673

 

610,185

 

965,347

 

601,989

Receivables, net

 

56,320

 

34,462

 

72,836

 

65,348

Inventories, net

 

98,763

 

91,196

 

118,728

 

104,093

Other current assets

 

29,080

 

31,236

 

66,428

 

38,742

Total current assets

 

1,096,667

 

982,802

 

1,262,189

 

1,068,593

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Aircraft and rotable spares

 

7,529,226

 

7,527,555

 

8,262,736

 

7,848,100

Deposits on aircraft

 

121,293

 

31,625

 

47,229

 

124,964

Buildings and ground equipment

 

256,348

 

258,863

 

262,466

 

256,595

Total property and equipment, gross

 

7,906,867

 

7,818,043

 

8,572,431

 

8,229,659

Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(2,621,410)

 

(2,455,995)

 

(2,933,660)

 

(2,731,060)

Total property and equipment, net

 

5,285,457

 

5,362,048

 

5,638,771

 

5,498,599

OTHER ASSETS:

Operating lease right-of-use assets

248,576

282,362

192,709

238,516

Long-term receivables and other assets

 

309,802

 

260,410

 

360,535

 

320,239

Total other assets

 

558,378

 

542,772

 

553,244

 

558,755

Total assets

$

6,940,502

$

6,887,622

$

7,454,204

$

7,125,947

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents

SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

September 30,

    

December 31,

2021

    

2020

(unaudited)

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Current maturities of long-term debt

$

359,888

$

402,158

Accounts payable

 

427,903

 

278,677

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

 

146,947

 

125,944

Current maturities of operating lease liabilities

 

78,188

 

82,641

Taxes other than income taxes

 

30,333

 

26,183

Other current liabilities

 

94,496

 

26,119

Total current liabilities

 

1,137,755

 

941,722

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities

 

2,605,063

 

2,801,538

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES PAYABLE

 

657,067

 

625,931

NONCURRENT OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES

 

171,443

 

205,845

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

107,367

 

173,041

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized; NaN issued

 

 

Common stock, 0 par value, 120,000,000 shares authorized; 82,335,782 and 82,094,985 shares issued as of September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively

 

720,932

 

704,675

Retained earnings

 

2,159,584

 

2,052,006

Treasury stock, at cost, 31,955,991 and 31,913,635 shares as of September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively

 

(618,709)

 

(617,136)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

2,261,807

 

2,139,545

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

6,940,502

$

6,887,622

September 30,

    

December 31,

2022

    

2021

(unaudited)

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Current maturities of long-term debt

$

429,425

$

391,798

Accounts payable

 

381,400

 

496,333

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

 

195,082

 

150,583

Current maturities of operating lease liabilities

 

74,141

 

78,886

Taxes other than income taxes

 

36,213

 

28,869

Other current liabilities

 

43,634

 

48,152

Total current liabilities

 

1,159,895

 

1,194,621

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities

 

2,982,034

 

2,717,420

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES PAYABLE

 

683,828

 

663,236

NONCURRENT OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES

 

117,823

 

158,274

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

114,676

 

124,882

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

 

Common stock, no par value, 120,000,000 shares authorized; 82,591,558 and 82,335,970 shares issued as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively

 

736,406

 

722,310

Retained earnings

 

2,283,973

 

2,163,916

Treasury stock, at cost, 31,994,416 and 31,956,047 shares as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively

 

(619,862)

 

(618,712)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(4,569)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

2,395,948

 

2,267,514

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

7,454,204

$

7,125,947

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars and Shares in Thousands, Except per Share Amounts)

Three months ended

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

OPERATING REVENUES:

Flying agreements

$

719,084

$

445,048

$

1,863,242

$

1,490,912

Lease, airport services and other

 

25,699

 

12,445

 

73,086

 

46,557

Total operating revenues

 

744,783

 

457,493

 

1,936,328

 

1,537,469

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

265,603

 

194,516

 

718,868

 

613,895

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

209,795

 

150,148

 

604,501

 

431,654

Depreciation and amortization

 

109,597

 

121,467

 

329,089

 

364,813

Airport-related expenses

 

25,992

 

18,003

 

72,478

 

70,192

Aircraft fuel

 

32,561

 

13,641

 

77,622

 

45,875

Aircraft rentals

 

16,098

 

15,785

 

47,311

 

49,537

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

84,592

Payroll support grant

(115,352)

(190,200)

(422,669)

(342,138)

Other operating expenses

 

68,847

 

59,580

 

181,621

 

167,170

Total operating expenses

 

697,733

 

382,940

 

1,693,413

 

1,400,998

OPERATING INCOME

 

47,050

 

74,553

 

242,915

 

136,471

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest income

 

238

 

1,403

 

732

 

5,652

Interest expense

 

(28,980)

 

(30,150)

 

(94,274)

 

(91,280)

Other income (expense), net

 

(4,098)

 

405

 

(3,802)

 

1,205

Total other expense, net

 

(32,840)

 

(28,342)

 

(97,344)

 

(84,423)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

14,210

 

46,211

 

145,571

 

52,048

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

4,526

 

12,549

 

37,993

 

14,113

NET INCOME

$

9,684

$

33,662

$

107,578

$

37,935

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

$

0.19

$

0.67

$

2.14

$

0.76

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$

0.19

$

0.66

$

2.12

$

0.75

Weighted average common shares:

Basic

 

50,380

 

50,181

 

50,337

 

50,199

Diluted

 

50,725

 

50,622

 

50,726

 

50,445

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Net income

$

9,684

$

33,662

$

107,578

$

37,935

Net unrealized depreciation on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

 

(307)

 

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

$

9,684

$

33,355

$

107,578

$

37,935

Three months ended

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,

    

2022

    

2021

    

2022

    

2021

 

OPERATING REVENUES:

Flying agreements

$

763,514

$

719,084

$

2,245,351

$

1,863,242

Lease, airport services and other

 

25,929

 

25,699

 

78,329

 

73,086

Total operating revenues

 

789,443

 

744,783

 

2,323,680

 

1,936,328

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

307,727

 

265,603

 

896,347

 

718,868

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

183,182

 

209,795

 

506,478

 

604,501

Depreciation and amortization

 

97,433

 

109,597

 

297,427

 

329,089

Aircraft fuel

 

28,179

 

32,561

 

85,089

 

77,622

Airport-related expenses

 

17,501

 

25,992

 

54,196

 

72,478

Aircraft rentals

 

16,089

 

16,098

 

48,109

 

47,311

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

84,592

Payroll support grant

(115,352)

(422,669)

Other operating expenses

 

63,756

 

68,847

 

219,808

 

181,621

Total operating expenses

 

713,867

 

697,733

 

2,107,454

 

1,693,413

OPERATING INCOME

 

75,576

 

47,050

 

216,226

 

242,915

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest income

 

6,348

 

238

 

9,332

 

732

Interest expense

 

(33,283)

 

(28,980)

 

(92,308)

 

(94,274)

Other income (expense), net

 

8,112

 

(4,098)

 

21,011

 

(3,802)

Total other expense, net

 

(18,823)

 

(32,840)

 

(61,965)

 

(97,344)

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

56,753

 

14,210

 

154,261

 

145,571

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

8,381

 

4,526

 

34,204

 

37,993

NET INCOME

$

48,372

$

9,684

$

120,057

$

107,578

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE

$

0.96

$

0.19

$

2.38

$

2.14

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$

0.96

$

0.19

$

2.37

$

2.12

Weighted average common shares:

Basic

 

50,593

 

50,380

 

50,531

 

50,337

Diluted

 

50,636

 

50,725

 

50,636

 

50,726

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Net income

$

48,372

$

9,684

$

120,057

$

107,578

Net unrealized depreciation on marketable securities, net of taxes

 

(2,624)

 

 

(4,569)

 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

$

45,748

$

9,684

$

115,488

$

107,578

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

5

Table of Contents

SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands)

Common Stock

Retained

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Shares

Amount

Total

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

82,095

$

704,675

$

2,052,006

 

(31,914)

$

(617,136)

$

2,139,545

Net income

 

 

 

35,900

 

 

 

35,900

Exercise of common stock options and vested employee stock awards

 

177

606

 

 

 

 

606

Employee income tax paid on vested equity awards

(42)

(1,573)

(1,573)

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

30

1,139

 

 

 

 

1,139

Stock based compensation expense

2,613

2,613

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

 

 

3,291

 

 

 

 

3,291

Balance at March 31, 2021

 

82,302

$

712,324

$

2,087,906

 

(31,956)

$

(618,709)

$

2,181,521

Net income

 

 

 

61,994

 

 

61,994

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

2,877

 

 

 

2,877

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

 

 

2,513

 

 

 

 

2,513

Balance at June 30, 2021

 

82,302

$

717,714

$

2,149,900

 

(31,956)

$

(618,709)

$

2,248,905

Net income

 

 

 

9,684

 

 

9,684

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

34

1,401

 

 

 

 

1,401

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

1,817

 

 

 

1,817

Balance at September 30, 2021

 

82,336

$

720,932

$

2,159,584

 

(31,956)

$

(618,709)

$

2,261,807

Accumulated

Other

Common Stock

Retained

Treasury Stock

Comprehensive

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Shares

Amount

Loss

Total

Balance at December 31, 2021

 

82,336

$

722,310

$

2,163,916

 

(31,956)

$

(618,712)

$

$

2,267,514

Net income

 

 

 

17,734

 

 

 

 

17,734

Exercise of common stock options and vested employee stock awards

 

139

27

 

 

 

 

 

27

Employee income tax paid on vested equity awards

(37)

(1,123)

(1,123)

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

40

1,487

 

 

 

 

 

1,487

Stock based compensation expense

4,076

4,076

Balance at March 31, 2022

 

82,515

$

727,900

$

2,181,650

 

(31,993)

$

(619,835)

$

$

2,289,715

Net income

 

 

 

53,951

 

 

 

53,951

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

3,310

 

 

 

 

3,310

Net unrealized depreciation on marketable securities, net of tax of $628

(1,945)

(1,945)

Balance at June 30, 2022

 

82,515

$

731,210

$

2,235,601

 

(31,993)

$

(619,835)

$

(1,945)

$

2,345,031

Net income

 

 

 

48,372

 

 

 

48,372

Exercise of common stock options and vested employee stock awards

 

11

115

 

 

 

 

 

115

Employee income tax paid on vested equity awards

(1)

(27)

(27)

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

66

1,329

 

 

 

 

 

1,329

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

3,752

 

 

 

 

3,752

Net unrealized depreciation on marketable securities, net of tax of $843

(2,624)

(2,624)

Balance at September 30, 2022

 

82,592

$

736,406

$

2,283,973

 

(31,994)

$

(619,862)

$

(4,569)

$

2,395,948

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

Table of Contents

SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands)

Common Stock

Retained

Treasury Stock

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Shares

Amount

Income

Total

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

81,743

$

686,806

$

2,079,179

 

(31,420)

$

(590,971)

$

$

2,175,014

Change in accounting principle and other (see Note 3)

(11,639)

(11,639)

Balance at December 31, 2019, as adjusted

81,743

686,806

2,067,540

(31,420)

(590,971)

2,163,375

Net income

 

 

 

29,988

 

 

 

 

29,988

Exercise of common stock options and vested employee stock awards

 

287

38

 

 

 

 

 

38

Employee income tax paid on vested equity awards

(108)

(6,165)

(6,165)

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

24

1,494

 

 

 

 

 

1,494

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

1,727

 

 

 

 

 

1,727

Treasury stock purchases

 

 

 

 

(386)

(20,000)

 

(20,000)

Cash dividends declared ($0.14 per share)

 

 

 

(7,019)

 

 

 

 

(7,019)

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

82,054

$

690,065

$

2,090,509

 

(31,914)

$

(617,136)

$

$

2,163,438

Net loss

 

 

 

(25,715)

 

 

 

 

(25,715)

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

2,087

 

 

 

 

 

2,087

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

 

 

2,845

 

 

 

 

 

2,845

Net unrealized appreciation on marketable securities, net of tax of $99

 

 

 

 

 

307

 

307

Balance at June 30, 2020

 

82,054

$

694,997

$

2,064,794

 

(31,914)

$

(617,136)

$

307

$

2,142,962

Net income

 

 

 

33,662

 

 

 

 

33,662

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

41

1,287

 

 

 

 

 

1,287

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

2,093

 

 

 

 

 

2,093

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

 

 

5,403

 

 

 

 

 

5,403

Net unrealized depreciation on marketable securities, net of tax of $(99)

 

 

 

 

 

(307)

 

(307)

Balance at September 30, 2020

 

82,095

$

703,780

$

2,098,456

 

(31,914)

$

(617,136)

$

$

2,185,100

Common Stock

Retained

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Shares

Amount

Total

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

82,095

$

704,675

$

2,052,006

 

(31,914)

$

(617,136)

$

2,139,545

Net income

 

 

 

35,900

 

 

 

35,900

Exercise of common stock options and vested employee stock awards

 

177

606

 

 

 

 

606

Employee income tax paid on vested equity awards

(42)

(1,573)

(1,573)

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

30

1,139

 

 

 

 

1,139

Stock based compensation expense

2,613

2,613

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

 

 

3,291

 

 

 

 

3,291

Balance at March 31, 2021

 

82,302

$

712,324

$

2,087,906

 

(31,956)

$

(618,709)

$

2,181,521

Net income

 

 

 

61,994

 

 

61,994

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

2,877

 

 

 

2,877

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

 

 

2,513

 

 

 

 

2,513

Balance at June 30, 2021

 

82,302

$

717,714

$

2,149,900

 

(31,956)

$

(618,709)

$

2,248,905

Net income

 

 

 

9,684

 

 

9,684

Sale of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

 

34

1,401

 

 

 

 

1,401

Stock based compensation expense

 

 

1,817

 

 

 

1,817

Balance at September 30, 2021

 

82,336

$

720,932

$

2,159,584

 

(31,956)

$

(618,709)

$

2,261,807

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In Thousands)

Nine months ended

Nine months ended

September 30,

September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2022

    

2021

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

$

686,955

$

548,703

$

343,535

$

686,955

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchases of marketable securities

 

(1,071,637)

 

(848,897)

 

(1,758,125)

 

(1,071,637)

Sales of marketable securities

 

1,041,149

 

878,070

 

1,390,198

 

1,041,149

Acquisition of property and equipment:

Aircraft and rotable spare parts

 

(223,605)

 

(170,392)

 

(522,683)

 

(223,605)

Buildings and ground equipment

 

(10,473)

 

(9,398)

 

(11,365)

 

(10,473)

Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

 

7,104

 

1,612

 

8,494

 

7,104

Deposits on aircraft

(100,105)

(625)

(37,100)

(100,105)

Aircraft deposits applied towards acquired aircraft

10,987

9,220

115,085

10,987

Increase in other assets

 

(50,205)

 

(121,037)

 

(49,073)

 

(50,205)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(396,785)

 

(261,447)

 

(864,569)

 

(396,785)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

213,326

 

201,285

 

601,389

 

213,326

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(448,466)

 

(117,182)

 

(299,785)

 

(448,466)

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

3,146

 

2,819

 

2,958

 

3,146

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(20,000)

Employee income tax paid on vested equity awards

(1,573)

(6,165)

(1,150)

(1,573)

Payment of debt issuance cost

(495)

(3,932)

(1,949)

(495)

Payment of cash dividends

 

 

(13,059)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

(234,062)

 

43,766

 

301,463

 

(234,062)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

56,108

 

331,022

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(219,571)

 

56,108

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

215,723

 

87,206

 

258,421

 

215,723

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

271,831

$

418,228

$

38,850

$

271,831

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Acquisition of property and equipment

$

13,168

$

8,531

$

15,801

$

13,168

Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury

$

5,804

$

8,248

$

$

5,804

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest, net of capitalized amounts

$

96,397

$

95,999

$

92,230

$

96,397

Income taxes

$

6,374

$

371

$

356

$

6,374

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

(1) Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements of SkyWest, Inc. (“SkyWest” or the “Company”) and its operating subsidiary SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest Airlines”) and its leasing subsidiary SkyWest Leasing, Inc. (“SkyWest Leasing”) included herein have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the following disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the interim periods presented. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise disclosed. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. Due in part to the volatile effectsuncertain rate of recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic and workforce shortages, in addition to other factors, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2021.2022.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions.

(2) Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19, which was declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, has had a significant, negative impact on the Company’s business and financial results beginning in March 2020 and has materially and adversely affected the Company’s revenues, particularly under its prorate agreements. The Company operated 137,493 flights during the third quarter of 2020, which increased to 210,251 flights, or 52.9%, during the third quarter of 2021. However, the Company operated 219,272 flights during the third quarter of 2019 and the Company has not returned to pre-COVID flight levels as of September 30, 2021. The rate of recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and whether such recovery will be sustained are uncertain as factors outside of the Company’s control, including the distribution and efficacy of vaccines, government-imposed vaccine mandates, new variants of the virus, and continued or new government travel restrictions, cannot be estimated.

Liquidity. At September 30, 2021, the Company had $953.5 million in total available liquidity, consisting of $912.5 million in cash and marketable securities, and $41.0 million available under SkyWest Airlines’ line of credit with a bank.

2021 Appropriations Act. In January 2021, SkyWest Airlines entered into a Payroll Support Program Extension Agreement (the “PSP Extension Agreement”) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“U.S. Treasury”) with respect to a payroll grant program under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“2021 Appropriations Act”). Pursuant to the PSP Extension Agreement, SkyWest Airlines received $268.1 million from U.S. Treasury during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

In connection with the receipt of financial assistance under the PSP Extension Agreement, SkyWest Airlines is required to comply with the relevant provisions of the 2021 Appropriations Act, many of which are substantially similar to the requirements placed on SkyWest Airlines by the Payroll Support Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) that the Company entered into with U.S. Treasury in April 2020.

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The PSP Extension Agreement payments received included $217.7 million in the form of a payroll grant and $50.4 million in the form of an unsecured 10-year loan. The loan bears interest at an annual rate of 1.00% for the first five years (through January 2026) and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 2.00% in the final five years. In return, the Company issued to U.S. Treasury warrants to purchase up to 124,773 shares of the Company’s common stock. These warrants have an exercise price of $40.41 per share and a five-year term from the date of issuance.

The relative fair value of the warrants is recorded within stockholder's equity and as a discount reducing the carrying value of the loan, which will be amortized as interest expense in the Company’s income statement over the term of the loan. The proceeds of the grant were recorded in cash and cash equivalents when received and were recognized as a reduction in expense in payroll support grant in the Company’s income statement over the periods that the funds were intended to compensate. The Company recorded $217.7 million of the PSP Extension Agreement payroll grant as an offset to operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. On April 23, 2021, SkyWest Airlines entered into a Payroll Support Program 3 Agreement (the “PSP 3 Agreement”) with U.S. Treasury with respect to a payroll grant program under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“American Rescue Plan Act”).Pursuant to the PSP 3 Agreement, SkyWest Airlines received from U.S. Treasury approximately $250.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

In connection with the receipt of financial assistance under the PSP 3 Agreement, SkyWest Airlines is required to comply with the relevant provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act, many of which are substantially similar to the requirements placed on SkyWest Airlines by the Payroll Support Program Agreement under the CARES Act and the PSP Extension Agreement under the 2021 Appropriations Act. The relevant provisions include the requirement that the funding be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries and benefits. Similar to the previous Payroll Support Programs, SkyWest Airlines and, in some cases, the Company is also subject to certain restrictions, including, but not limited to, limitations on involuntary terminations, pay rate reductions and furloughs through September 30, 2021, restrictions on the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares through September 30, 2022, and certain limitations on executive compensation through April 1, 2023.

The PSP 3 Agreement payments received through September 30, 2021, included $205.0 million in the form of a payroll grant and $45.0 million in the form of an unsecured 10-year loan. The loan bears interest at an annual rate of 1.00% for the first five years (through April 2026) and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 2.00% in the final five years. In return, the Company issued to U.S. Treasury warrants to purchase up to 78,317 shares of the Company’s common stock. These warrants have an exercise price of $57.47 per share and a five-year term from the date of issuance.

The relative fair value of the warrants is recorded within stockholder's equity and as a discount reducing the carrying value of the loan, which will be amortized as interest expense in the Company’s income statement over the term of the loan. The proceeds of the grant were recorded in cash and cash equivalents when received and were recognized as a reduction in expense in payroll support grant in the Company’s income statement over the periods that the funds are intended to compensate.The Company recorded $205.0 million of the PSP 3 Agreement payroll grant as an offset to operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company has recognized all of the payroll grants received from U.S. Treasury as an offset to operating expenses.

Treasury Secured Loan. In January 2021, the Company amended the secured loan agreement with U.S. Treasury to extend the deadline pursuant to which SkyWest Airlines could, at its discretion, borrow additional amounts under the facility from March 26, 2021, to May 28, 2021. The other terms of the secured loan agreement were not affected. On May 10, 2021, the Company repaid all amounts outstanding under the secured loan, and in connection with such repayment, terminated the secured loan agreement. The total repayment amount was $61.2 million, which included all outstanding principal and accrued interest under the secured loan. As a result of the repayment, the collateral securing the obligations of SkyWest Airlines under the loan agreement, consisting of aircraft engines and aircraft parts, was released.

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(3) Flying Agreements Revenue and Lease, Airport Services and Other Revenues

The Company recognizes flying agreements revenue and lease, airport services and other revenues when the service is provided under the applicable agreement. Under the Company’s fixed-fee arrangements (referred to as “capacity purchase agreements”) with United Airlines, Inc. (“United”), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”), American Airlines, Inc. (“American”) and Alaska Airlines, Inc. (“Alaska”) (each, a “major airline partner”), the major airline partner generally pays the Company a fixed-fee for each departure, flight hour (measured from takeoff to landing, excluding taxi time) or block hour (measured from takeoff to landing, including taxi time) incurred, and an amount per aircraft in service each month with additional incentives based on flight completion and on-time performance. The major airline partner also directly pays for or reimburses the Company for certain direct expenses incurred under the capacity purchase agreement, such as fuel, airport landing fees and airport rents. Under the capacity purchase agreements, the Company’s performance obligation is met when each flight is completed, measured in completed block hours, and is reflected in flying agreements revenue. The transaction price for the capacity purchase agreements is determined from the fixed-fee consideration, incentive consideration and directly reimbursed expenses earned as flights are completed over the agreement term. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 2020,2021, capacity purchase agreements represented approximately 83.9%88.0% and 86.8%83.9% of the Company’s flying agreements revenue, respectively.

Under the Company’s prorate arrangements (referred(also referred to as a “prorate” or “revenue-sharing” agreement), the major airline partner and the Company negotiate a passenger fare proration formula, pursuant to which the Company receives a percentage of the ticket revenues for those passengers traveling for one portion of their trip on a Company airline and the other portion of their trip on the major airline partner. Under the Company’s prorate flying agreements, the performance obligation is met, and revenue is recognized when each flight is completed based upon the portion of the prorate passenger fare the Company anticipates that it will receive for each completed flight. The transaction price for the prorate agreements is determined from the proration formula derived from each passenger ticket amount on each completed flight over the agreement term. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 2020,2021, prorate flying agreements represented approximately 16.1%12.0% and 13.2%16.1% of the Company’s flying agreements revenue, respectively.

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The following table represents the Company’s flying agreements revenue by type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021 (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

    

2022

    

2021

2022

    

2021

Capacity purchase agreements revenue: flight operations

$

308,273

$

175,753

$

792,501

$

674,222

$

376,596

$

308,273

$

1,112,526

$

792,501

Capacity purchase agreements revenue: aircraft lease and fixed revenue

 

282,498

 

208,516

 

770,548

 

619,354

 

292,174

 

282,498

 

864,178

 

770,548

Prorate agreements revenue

 

128,313

 

60,779

 

300,193

 

197,336

 

94,744

 

128,313

 

268,647

 

300,193

Flying agreements revenue

$

719,084

$

445,048

$

1,863,242

 

$

1,490,912

$

763,514

$

719,084

$

2,245,351

$

1,863,242

A portion of the Company’s compensation under its capacity purchase agreements is designed to reimburse the Company for certain aircraft ownership costs. The consideration for aircraft ownership costs varies by agreement but is intended to cover either the Company’s aircraft principal and interest debt service costs, its aircraft depreciation and interest expense or its aircraft lease expense costs while the aircraft is under contract. The consideration received for the use of the aircraft under the Company’s capacity purchase agreements is reflected as lease revenue, inasmuch as the agreements identify the “right of use” of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period of time. The lease revenue associated with the Company’s capacity purchase agreements is accounted for as an operating lease and is reflected as flying agreements revenue on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company has not separately stated aircraft rental income and aircraft rental expense in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income since the use of the aircraft is not a separate activity of the total service provided.

Under the Company’s capacity purchase agreements, the Company is paid a fixed amount per month per aircraft each month over the contract term. The Company recognizes revenue attributed to the fixed monthly payments proportionate to the number of block hours completed during each reporting period, relative to the estimated number of block hours the Company anticipates completing over the remaining contract term. Due to the lower number of flights operatedblock hours completed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to historical levels, the amount of cash collected for the fixed amount per aircraft

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exceeded the revenue recognized based on flightsblock hours completed. Accordingly, the Company deferred recognizing revenue on fixed monthly cash payments the Company received under its capacity purchase agreements frombeginning in 2020. Based on the second quarternumber of 2020 through the second quarter of 2021. During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized $19.2 million of previously deferred revenue due to an increase in flight schedules compared to deferring revenue of $29.6 millioncompleted block hours during the three months ended September 30, 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020,2022, the Company recognized $25.8 million of previously deferred revenue and $14.4 million of unbilled revenue, compared to deferring revenue of $7.7 million and $98.6 million, respectively, of fixed monthly cash paymentsduring the Company received under its capacity purchase agreements.nine months ended September 30, 2021. The Company’s deferred revenue balance was $118.4$78.1 million as of September 30, 2021,2022, including $70.5$1.7 million in other current liabilities and $47.9$76.4 million in other long-term liabilities. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s deferred revenue balance of $110.7 million was included in other long-term liabilities. The Company’s deferred revenue balance was $103.9 million as of December 31, 2021, including $24.5 million in other current liabilities and $79.4 million in other long-term liabilities. The Company’s unbilled revenue balance was $22.8 million as of September 30, 2022, including $13.2 million in other current assets and $9.6 million in other long-term assets. The Company’s unbilled revenue balance was $8.4 million as of December 31, 2021, and was included in other long-term assets. The Company’s deferred revenue and unbilled revenue balance will be recognized based on the number of block hours completed during each period relative to the estimated number of block hours the Company anticipates completing over the remaining contract term.

The Company’s capacity purchase and prorate agreements include weekly provisional cash payments from the respective major airline partner based on a projected level of flying each month. The Company and each major airline partner subsequently reconcile these payments to the actual completed flight activity on a monthly or quarterly basis.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company had 486530 aircraft in scheduled service or under contract under code-share agreements. The following table summarizes the significant provisions of each code-share agreement SkyWest Airlines has with each major airline partner:

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United Express Agreements

Agreement

    

Aircraft type

    

Number of
Aircraft

    

Term / Termination Dates

United Express Agreements

(capacityCapacity purchase agreement)

E175

CRJ 700

CRJ 200

90

19

70

Individual aircraft have scheduled removal dates from 20222024 to 2029

United Express Prorate Agreement

(prorateProrate agreement)

CRJ 200

4241

Terminable with 120-day notice

Total under United Express Agreements

221220

Delta Connection Agreements

Agreement

    

Aircraft type

    

Number of
Aircraft

    

Term / Termination Dates

Delta Connection Agreement

(capacityCapacity purchase agreement)

E175

CRJ 900

CRJ 700

CRJ 200

7180

4044

5

9

Individual aircraft have scheduled removal dates from 2022 to 20312032

Delta Connection Prorate Agreement

(prorateProrate agreement)

CRJ 200

2920

Terminable with 30-day notice

Total under Delta Connection Agreements

145158

American Capacity Purchase Agreement

Agreement

    

Aircraft type

    

Number of
Aircraft

    

Term / Termination Dates

American Agreement

(capacityCapacity purchase agreement)

E175

CRJ 900700

620

8290

Individual aircraft have scheduled removal dates from 20242022 to 2032

Total under American AgreementsAgreement

88110

Alaska Capacity Purchase Agreement

Agreement

    

Aircraft type

    

Number of
Aircraft

    

Term / Termination Dates

Alaska Agreement

(capacityCapacity purchase agreement)

E175

3242

Individual aircraft have scheduled removal dates infrom 2030 to 2034

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In addition to the contractual arrangements described above, as of September 30, 2021,2022, SkyWest Airlines has a capacity purchase agreement with AmericanDelta to place 14seven additional Embraer E175 dual-class regional jet aircraft (“E175”) into service. Theservice, with delivery dates for the 14 new E175 aircraft are currently scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021 and first half of 2022 and thethrough 2024. SkyWest Airlines has a capacity purchase agreement with Alaska to place one additional E175 aircraft are expected to be placed into service, in 2022.with a delivery date currently scheduled for 2025. SkyWest Airlines also has an agreement with American to place 1911 used Canadair CRJ700 regional jet aircraft (“CRJ700”) under a multi-year capacity purchase agreement with scheduled in service dates into 2023.

SkyWest Airlines has a capacity purchase agreement with Alaska to place 9 E175 aircraft into service. The delivery dates for the 9 new E175 aircraft are currently scheduled for 2022 and the first half of 2023, and the aircraft are expected to be placed into service in 2022 and 2023.

During the three months ended September 30, 2021, SkyWest Airlines reached an agreement with Delta to place 16 E175 aircraft into service under a capacity purchase agreement. The delivery dates for the 16 new E175 aircraft are currently scheduled for 2022, and the aircraft are expected to be placed into service in 2022. Under the terms of the agreement with Delta, Delta has the right to purchase the 16 E175 aircraft at the end of the contract term at a price estimated to be the fair value at the end of the contract. These 16 new E175 aircraft are expected to replace 16 CRJ900 regional jet aircraft (“CRJ900”) the Company is operating under a capacity purchase agreement with Delta (see Note 12 “Special Items – Impairment Charge,” for further discussion of the Company’s CRJ900 aircraft). Additionally, SkyWest Airlines entered into an agreement with Delta during the third quarter of 2021 to place 4 used CRJ900 aircraft under a short-term contract beginning in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Final delivery and in-service dates for aircraft to be placed under contract may be adjusted based on various factors.

When an aircraft is scheduled to be removed from a capacity purchase agreement,arrangement, the Company may, as practical under the circumstances, negotiate an extension with the respective major airline partner, negotiate the placement of the aircraft with another major airline partner, return the aircraft to the lessor if the aircraft is leased and the lease is expiring, place owned aircraft for sale, or pursue other uses for the aircraft. Other uses for the aircraft may include placing the aircraft in a prorate agreement, leasing the aircraft to a third party or parting out the aircraft to use the engines and parts as spare inventory or to lease the engines to a third party.

Lease, airport services and other revenues primarily consists of revenue generated from aircraft and spare engines leased to third parties and airport customer services, such as gate and ramp agent services at applicable airports where the Company has agreements with third parties. The following table represents the Company’s lease, airport services and other revenuerevenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021 (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

Operating lease revenue

$

17,746

$

7,136

$

49,154

$

27,162

Airport customer service and other revenue

7,953

5,309

23,932

19,395

Lease, airport services and other

$

25,699

$

12,445

 

$

73,086

$

46,557

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For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

    

2022

    

2021

2022

    

2021

Operating lease revenue

$

15,928

$

17,746

$

48,933

$

49,154

Airport customer service and other revenue

10,001

7,953

29,396

23,932

Lease, airport services and other

$

25,929

$

25,699

$

78,329

$

73,086

The following table summarizes future minimum rental income under operating leases primarily related to leased aircraft and engines that had remaining non-cancelable lease terms as of September 30, 20212022 (in thousands):

October 2021 through December 2021

    

$

11,388

2022

 

45,428

October 2022 through December 2022

    

$

11,918

2023

 

44,945

 

47,303

2024

 

42,530

 

45,279

2025

 

39,082

 

40,317

2026

 

34,758

Thereafter

 

155,089

 

121,524

$

338,462

$

301,099

Of the Company’s $5.3$5.6 billion of property and equipment, net, as of September 30, 2021, $256.72022, $234.7 million of regional jet aircraft and spare engines was leased to third parties under operating leases. The Company mitigatesCompany’s mitigation strategy for the residual asset risks of these assets byincludes leasing aircraft and engine types that can be operated by the Company in the event of a default. Additionally, the operating leases typically have specified lease return condition requirements paid by the

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lessee to the Company and the Company typically maintains inspection rights under the leases. Additionally, lease, airport services and other revenues includes airport agent services, such as gate and ramp agent services at applicable airports where the Company provides such services.

The transaction price for airport customer service agreements is determined from an agreed-upon rate by location applied to the applicable number of flights handled by the Company over the agreement term.

The Company’s operating revenues could be impacted by several factors, including changes to the Company’s code-share agreements with its major airline partners, changes in flight schedules, contract modifications resulting from contract renegotiations, the Company’s ability to earn incentive payments contemplated under the Company’s code-share agreements and settlement of reimbursement disputes with the Company’s major airline partners.

Other ancillary revenues commonly associated with airlines, such as baggage fee revenue, ticket change fee revenue and the marketing component of the sale of mileage credits, are retained by the Company’s major airline partners on flights that the Company operates under its code-share agreements.

Allowance for credit losses

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“Topic 326”) on January 1, 2020. At adoption, the Company’s primary financial assets included trade receivables from its flying agreements, a note receivable from the sale of the Company’s subsidiary, ExpressJet Airlines, Inc., in 2019, and receivables from aircraft manufacturers and other third parties in the airline industry. The Company recorded a credit loss of $11.6 million net of income tax in conjunction with the adoption of Topic 326. The Company recorded this credit loss as a January 1, 2020, beginning balance sheet entry to retained earnings (net of income tax).

The Company monitors publicly available credit ratings for entities for which the Company has a significant receivable balance. As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company had gross receivables of $79.0$94.2 million in current assets and gross receivables of $222.8$227.6 million in other long-term assets. The Company has established credit loss reserves based on publicly available historic default rates issued by a third party for companies with similar credit ratings, factoring in the term of the respective accounts receivable or notenotes receivable. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, there were no significant changes in the outstanding accounts receivable or notes receivable or the credit ratings of the entities. The Company’s credit loss reserve was $44.6$38.0 million at September 30, 2021,2022, compared to $46.2$42.0 million at December 31, 2020.2021. The $1.6$4.0 million decrease in the credit loss reserve for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, was reflected as a reductiondecrease to the credit loss expense.

(4) Share-Based(3) Stock-Based Compensation and Stock Repurchases

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, the Company granted 44,77066,680 restricted stock units and 157,210225,345 performance shares to certain employees of the Company under the SkyWest, Inc. 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Both the restricted stock units and performance shares have a three-year vesting period, during which the recipient must remain employed with the Company. The number of performance shares awardable from the 20212022 grants can range from 0% to 250% of the original amount granted depending on the Company’s performance over a two-yearthree one-year measurement periodperiods against the pre-established targets. Upon vesting, each restricted stock unit and performance share

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will be replaced with 1one share of common stock. The weighted average fair value of these restricted stock units and performance shares on their date of grant was $44.87$32.76 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, the Company did not grant any options to purchase shares of common stock to employees. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, the Company granted 21,17524,423 fully vested shares of common stock to the Company’s directors at a grant date fair value of $44.87.$32.86.

The Company accounts for forfeitures of restricted stock units and performance shares when forfeitures occur. The estimated fair value of the restricted stock units and performance shares is amortized over the applicable vesting periods. Stock-based compensation expense for the performance shares is based on the Company’s anticipated outcome of achieving the performance metrics. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 2020,2021, the Company recorded pre-tax share-basedstock-based compensation expense of $11.1 million and $7.3 million, and $5.9 million, respectively.

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company paid $1.6 million for the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards and issued the net, after-tax shares to employees. The Company did 0t repurchase any shares of its common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company repurchased 385,606 shares of its common stock for $20.0 million and paid $6.2 million for the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards and issued the net, after-tax shares to employees.

Under the terms of the PSP 3 Agreement, the Company is restricted from repurchasing shares of its common stock through September 30, 2022.

(5)(4) Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share (“Basic EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share (“Diluted EPS”) reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The computation of Diluted EPS does not assume exercise or conversion of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect on net income per common share. Securities that could potentially dilute Basic EPS in the future, and which were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS because inclusion of such share would be anti-dilutive, are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2022

2021

 

2022

2021

PSP1 and Treasury Loan Warrants (1)

582

388

PSP2 Warrants (2)

125

125

PSP3 Warrants (3)

78

78

78

78

Employee Stock Awards

308

124

Total antidilutive securities

 

1,093

 

78

 

715

 

78

(1)Pursuant to the payroll support program established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (“PSP1”) and Loan and Guarantee Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“U.S. Treasury”), SkyWest issued to Treasury warrants to purchase shares of SkyWest common stock for an exercise price of $28.38 per share.
(2)Pursuant to the payroll support program established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “2021 Appropriations Act”) (“PSP2”), SkyWest issued to U.S. Treasury warrants to purchase shares of SkyWest common stock for an exercise price of $40.41 per share.
(3)Pursuant to the payroll support program established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the “American Rescue Plan Act”) (“PSP3”), SkyWest issued to U.S. Treasury warrants to purchase shares of SkyWest common stock for an exercise price of $57.47 per share.

Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, 334,000 performance shares (at target performance) were excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS since the Company had not achieved the minimum target thresholds as of September 30, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, 230,000 performance shares (at target performance) were excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS since the Company had not achieved the minimum target thresholds as of September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 200,000 performance shares (at target performance) were excluded from the computation

13

Table of Diluted EPS since the Company had not achieved the minimum target thresholds as of September 30, 2020. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, warrants to purchase 78,000 shares of common stock at $57.47 per share were excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS since the warrants' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the quarters ended June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2021.Contents

The calculation of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for Basic EPS and Diluted EPS for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data) is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

September 30,

2021

2020

 

2021

2020

2022

2021

 

2022

2021

Numerator:

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Net income

$

9,684

$

33,662

$

107,578

$

37,935

$

48,372

$

9,684

$

120,057

$

107,578

Denominator:

Basic earnings per share weighted average shares

 

50,380

 

50,181

 

50,337

 

50,199

 

50,593

 

50,380

 

50,531

 

50,337

Dilution due to stock options and restricted stock units

 

345

 

441

 

389

 

246

Dilutive effect of employee stock awards and warrants

 

43

 

345

 

105

 

389

Diluted earnings per share weighted average shares

 

50,725

 

50,622

 

50,726

 

50,445

 

50,636

 

50,725

 

50,636

 

50,726

Basic earnings per share

$

0.19

$

0.67

$

2.14

$

0.76

$

0.96

$

0.19

$

2.38

$

2.14

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.19

$

0.66

$

2.12

$

0.75

$

0.96

$

0.19

$

2.37

$

2.12

(6)(5) Segment Reporting

The Company’s 2two reporting segments consist of the operations of SkyWest Airlines and SkyWest Leasing activities.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker analyzes the profitability of operating new aircraft financed through the issuance of debt, including the Company’s E175 fleet, separately from the profitability of the Company’s capital deployed for ownership and financing of such aircraft. The SkyWest Airlines segment includes revenue earned under the applicable capacity purchase agreements attributed to operating such aircraft and the respective operating costs. The SkyWest Leasing segment includes applicable revenue earned under the applicable capacity purchase agreements attributed to the ownership of new aircraft acquired through the issuance of debt and the respective depreciation and interest expense of such aircraft. The SkyWest Leasing segment also includes the activity of leasing regional jet aircraft and spare engines to third parties and other activities. The SkyWest Leasing segment’s total assets and capital expenditures include new aircraft acquired through the issuance of debt and assets leased to third parties.

The following represents the Company’s segment data for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

Three months ended September 30, 2022

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

651,494

$

137,949

$

789,443

Operating expense

 

649,466

 

64,401

 

713,867

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

43,787

 

53,646

 

97,433

Interest expense

 

4,067

 

29,216

 

33,283

Segment profit (loss) (2)

 

(2,039)

 

44,332

 

42,293

Total assets (as of September 30, 2022)

 

2,973,223

 

4,480,981

 

7,454,204

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

12,419

 

208,667

 

221,086

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regional jet aircraft and spare engines to third parties. The SkyWest Leasing segment’s total assets and capital expenditures include new aircraft acquired through the issuance of debt and assets leased to third parties.

The following represents the Company’s segment data for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 (in thousands):

Three months ended September 30, 2021

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

614,377

$

130,406

$

744,783

Operating expense

 

633,169

 

64,564

 

697,733

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

53,401

 

56,196

 

109,597

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

84,592

Interest expense

 

2,138

 

26,842

 

28,980

Segment profit (loss) (2)

 

(20,930)

 

39,000

 

18,070

Total assets (as of September 30, 2021)

 

2,989,600

 

3,950,902

 

6,940,502

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

26,622

 

136,677

 

163,299

Three months ended September 30, 2020

Three months ended September 30, 2021

SkyWest

SkyWest

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

337,975

$

119,518

$

457,493

$

614,377

$

130,406

$

744,783

Operating expense

 

303,141

 

79,799

 

382,940

 

633,169

 

64,564

 

697,733

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

59,659

 

61,808

 

121,467

 

53,401

 

56,196

 

109,597

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

84,592

Interest expense

 

2,868

 

27,282

 

30,150

 

2,138

 

26,842

 

28,980

Segment profit (2)

 

31,966

 

12,437

 

44,403

Total assets (as of September 30, 2020)

 

2,836,069

 

3,922,525

 

6,758,594

Segment profit (loss) (2)

 

(20,930)

 

39,000

 

18,070

Total assets (as of September 30, 2021)

 

2,989,600

 

3,950,902

 

6,940,502

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

4,937

 

 

4,937

 

26,622

 

136,677

 

163,299

(1)Prorate revenue and airport customer service revenue are primarily reflected in the SkyWest Airlines segment.
(2)Segment profit (loss) is equal to operating income less interest expense.

The following represents the Company’s segment data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021 (in thousands):

Nine months ended September 30, 2021

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

1,548,422

$

387,906

$

1,936,328

Operating expense

 

1,498,227

 

195,186

 

1,693,413

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

156,878

 

172,211

 

329,089

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

84,592

Interest expense

 

11,486

 

82,788

 

94,274

Segment profit (2)

 

38,709

 

109,932

 

148,641

Total assets (as of September 30, 2021)

 

2,989,600

 

3,950,902

 

6,940,502

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

83,650

 

163,596

 

247,246

Nine months ended September 30, 2020

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

1,172,625

$

364,844

$

1,537,469

Operating expense

 

1,173,152

 

227,846

 

1,400,998

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

170,855

 

193,958

 

364,813

Interest expense

 

8,847

 

82,433

 

91,280

Segment profit (loss) (2)

 

(9,374)

 

54,565

 

45,191

Total assets (as of September 30, 2020)

 

2,836,069

3,922,525

 

6,758,594

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

73,063

115,258

 

188,321

Nine months ended September 30, 2022

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

1,918,746

$

404,934

$

2,323,680

Operating expense

 

1,906,739

 

200,715

 

2,107,454

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

136,463

 

160,964

 

297,427

Interest expense

 

8,506

 

83,802

 

92,308

Segment profit (2)

 

3,501

 

120,417

 

123,918

Total assets (as of September 30, 2022)

 

2,973,223

 

4,480,981

 

7,454,204

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

65,125

 

484,724

 

549,849

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Nine months ended September 30, 2021

SkyWest

SkyWest

    

Airlines

    

Leasing

    

Consolidated

Operating revenues (1)

$

1,548,422

$

387,906

$

1,936,328

Operating expense

 

1,498,227

 

195,186

 

1,693,413

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

156,878

 

172,211

 

329,089

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

84,592

Interest expense

 

11,486

 

82,788

 

94,274

Segment profit (2)

 

38,709

 

109,932

 

148,641

Total assets (as of September 30, 2021)

 

2,989,600

3,950,902

 

6,940,502

Capital expenditures (including non-cash)

 

83,650

163,596

 

247,246

(1)Prorate revenue and airport customer service revenue are primarily reflected in the SkyWest Airlines segment.
(2)Segment profit (loss) is equal to operating income less interest expenseexpense.

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(6) Assets Held for Sale

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company committed to a formal plan to sell four CRJ-700 aircraft. The aircraft are expected to be disposed of via sale within the next 12 months. Accordingly, the Company determined the aircraft met the criteria to be classified as assets held for sale. The Company presented the $13.5 million of assets held for sale at the lower of their current carrying value or their fair market value less costs to sell and included the amount in “Other current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The fair values are based upon observable and unobservable inputs, including market trends and conditions. The assumptions used to determine the fair value of the assets held for sale are subject to inherent uncertainty and could produce a wide range of outcomes which the Company will continue to monitor in future periods as new information becomes available. Prior to the ultimate sale of the assets, subsequent changes in the estimate of the fair value of the assets held for sale will be recorded as a gain or loss with a corresponding adjustment to the assets’ carrying value. In connection with the classification of these assets as held for sale, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $15.2 million, which is included in “Other operating expenses” on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income and in the SkyWest Leasing segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

(7) Leases, Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies

The Company leases property and equipment under operating leases. For leases with durations longer than 12 months, the Company recorded the related operating lease right-of-use asset and operating lease liability at the present value of lease payments over the term. The Company used its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement.

Aircraft

As of September 30, 2021,2022, excluding aircraft financed by the Company’s major airline partners that the Company operates for them under contract, the Company hadwas the lessee of 43 aircraft under long-term lease agreements with remaining terms ranging from threetwo years to nineeight years.

Airport facilities

The Company has operating leases for facility space including airport terminals, office space, cargo warehouses and maintenance facilities. The Company generally leases this space from government agencies that control the use of the various airports. The remaining lease terms for facility space vary from one month to 35 years.34 years. The Company’s operating leases with lease rates that are variable based on airport operating costs, use of the facilities or other variable factors are excluded from the Company’s right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities in accordance with accounting guidance.

Leases

As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company’s right-of-use assets were $248.6$192.7 million, the Company’s current maturities of operating lease liabilities were $78.2$74.1 million, and the Company’s noncurrent lease liabilities were $171.4$117.8 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, the Company paid $63.1$56.9 million in operating leases reflected as a reduction from operating cash flows.

The table below presents lease related terms and discount rates as of September 30, 2021.2022.

As of September 30, 20212022

Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases

6.36.4 years

Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases

6.0%

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The Company’s lease costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021 included the following components (in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

For the three months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

    

2022

    

2021

    

2022

    

2021

Operating lease cost

$

23,370

$

23,538

$

67,582

$

72,696

$

21,697

$

23,370

$

65,360

$

67,582

Variable and short-term lease cost

 

976

 

950

 

3,256

 

3,501

 

765

 

976

 

2,588

 

3,256

Sublease income

(1,888)

(1,587)

(4,717)

(4,718)

(1,845)

(1,888)

(5,492)

(4,717)

Total lease cost

$

22,458

$

22,901

 

$

66,121

$

71,479

$

20,617

$

22,458

 

$

62,456

$

66,121

As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company leased aircraft, airport facilities, office space, and other property and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which are generally on a long-term, triple-net lease basis pursuant to which the Company pays taxes, maintenance, insurance and certain other operating expenses applicable to the leased property. The Company expects that, in the normal course of business, such operating leases that expire may be renewed or replaced by other leases, or the property may be purchased rather than leased. The following table summarizes future minimum rental payments primarily related to leased aircraft required under operating leases that had initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms as of September 30, 20212022 (in thousands):

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October 2021 through December 2021

    

$

22,346

2022

 

80,467

July 2022 through December 2022

    

$

22,328

2023

 

74,119

 

76,223

2024

 

30,426

 

33,452

2025

 

17,824

 

17,590

2026

 

15,491

Thereafter

 

84,253

 

72,872

$

309,435

$

237,956

As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company had a firm purchase commitment for 39eight E175 aircraft from Embraer, S.A. (“Embraer”) with anticipated delivery dates through the first half of 2023 and a firm purchase commitment for 7 used CRJ700 aircraft from a third party with anticipated delivery dates by the end of 2021.2025.

The following table summarizes the Company’s commitments and obligations as noted for each of the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):

    

Total

    

Oct - Dec 2021

    

2022

    

2023

    

2024

    

2025

    

Thereafter

    

Total

    

Oct - Dec 2022

    

2023

    

2024

    

2025

    

2026

    

Thereafter

Operating lease payments for aircraft and facility obligations

$

309,435

$

22,346

$

80,467

$

74,119

$

30,426

$

17,824

$

84,253

$

237,956

$

22,328

$

76,223

$

33,452

$

17,590

$

15,491

$

72,872

Firm aircraft and spare engine commitments

 

1,062,834

327,446

708,909

26,480

 

244,425

104,088

85,670

26,896

27,771

Interest commitments (1)

 

480,115

28,177

106,024

90,452

74,768

59,766

120,928

 

565,683

32,824

126,265

108,355

88,733

69,670

139,836

Principal maturities on long-term debt

 

2,996,573

92,341

378,855

386,035

380,475

395,673

1,363,194

 

3,441,734

110,392

437,798

438,782

522,388

498,757

1,433,617

Total commitments and obligations

$

4,848,958

$

470,310

$

1,274,255

$

577,086

$

485,669

$

473,263

$

1,568,375

$

4,489,798

$

269,632

$

725,956

$

607,485

$

656,482

$

583,918

$

1,646,325

(1)At September 30, 2021,2022, the Company’s long-term debt had fixed interest rates.

Guarantees

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company agreed to guarantee $19.8 million of debt for a 14 CFR Part 135 air carrier. The debt is secured by the Part 135 air carrier’s aircraft and engines and has a five-year term. The purpose of the arrangement is to increase the potential number of commercial pilots in the Company’s hiring pipeline. In exchange for providing the guarantee, the Company received 6.5% of the guaranteed amount as consideration, payable in common stock of the Part 135 air carrier, which will be recorded in “Other income, net” on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income over the term of the guarantee. The Company also recorded the estimated credit loss associated with the guarantee in “Other long-term liabilities” on the Company’s

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consolidated balance sheet based on publicly available historical default rates issued by a third party for companies with similar credit ratings, factoring the collateral and guarantee term.

Note 8 —(8) Fair Value Measurements

The Company holds certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP. The Company determined the fair value of these assets based on the following three levels of inputs:

Level 1

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2

Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Some of the Company’s marketable securities primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities.

Level 3

Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 2020,2021, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. AssetsThe Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2021

Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2022

    

Total

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

Marketable Securities

Bonds and bond funds

$

49,129

$

$

49,129

$

$

645,346

$

$

645,346

$

Commercial paper

 

591,544

 

 

591,544

 

 

320,001

 

 

320,001

 

$

640,673

$

$

640,673

$

$

965,347

$

$

965,347

$

Investments in Other Companies

26,112

9,240

16,872

Cash and Cash Equivalents

271,831

271,831

38,850

38,850

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value

$

912,504

$

271,831

$

640,673

$

$

1,030,309

$

48,090

$

965,347

$

16,872

Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020

Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2021

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Marketable Securities

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Bonds and bond funds

$

117,928

$

$

117,928

$

$

54,673

$

$

54,673

$

Commercial paper

 

492,257

 

 

492,257

 

 

547,316

 

 

547,316

 

$

610,185

$

$

610,185

$

$

601,989

$

$

601,989

$

Cash and Cash Equivalents

215,723

215,723

258,421

258,421

Total Assets Measured at Fair Value

$

825,908

$

215,723

$

610,185

$

$

860,410

$

258,421

$

601,989

$

The Company’s “marketable securities” classified as Level 2 securities primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities. See Note 10 “Investments in Other Companies” regarding the Company’s investment in other companies, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The Company did not make any significant transfers of securities between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.2022. The Company’s policy regarding the recording of transfers between levels is to record any such transfers at the end of the reporting period.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 2020,2021, the Company classified $640.7$965.3 million and $610.2$602.0 million of marketable securities, respectively, as short-term since it had the intent to maintain a liquid portfolio and the ability to redeem the securities within one year. As of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 2020,2021, the cost of the Company’s total cash and cash equivalents and available for salemarketable securities was $912.5$1,010.2 million and $825.9$860.4 million, respectively.

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt classified as Level 2 debt was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current estimated incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on current rates offered to the Company for similar debt and was estimated to be $3.0 billion as of September 30, 2021, and $3.2 billion as of

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December 31, 2020, as compared to the carrying amount of $3.0 billion as of September 30, 2021, and $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2020.

(9) Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 20202021 (in thousands):

September 30, 2021

December 31, 2020

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Current portion of long-term debt

$

363,379

$

406,005

$

433,283

$

395,371

Current portion of unamortized debt issue cost, net

(3,491)

(3,847)

(3,858)

(3,573)

Current portion of long-term debt, net of debt issue costs

$

359,888

$

402,158

$

429,425

$

391,798

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

$

2,633,194

$

2,829,997

$

3,008,451

$

2,745,567

Long-term portion of unamortized debt issue cost, net

(28,131)

(28,459)

(26,417)

(28,147)

Long-term debt, net of current maturities and debt issue costs

$

2,605,063

$

2,801,538

$

2,982,034

$

2,717,420

Total long-term debt (including current portion)

$

2,996,573

$

3,236,002

$

3,441,734

$

3,140,938

Total unamortized debt issue cost, net

(31,622)

(32,306)

(30,275)

(31,720)

Total long-term debt, net of debt issue costs

$

2,964,951

$

3,203,696

$

3,411,459

$

3,109,218

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, the Company took delivery of 621 new E175 aircraft that the Company financed through $117.9$430.9 million of long-term debt. The debt associated with the 6 E175 aircraft has a5- to 12-year term,terms, is due in monthly or quarterly installments, with fixed annual interest rates ranging from 2.7% to 2.8% and is secured by the E175 aircraft.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, in connection with the PSP Extension Agreement and the PSP 3 Agreement,2022, the Company issued to U.S. Treasuryexecuted promissory notes for an aggregate principal amount$167.9 million. The promissory notes have three- to four-year terms, are due in monthly installments with fixed annual interest rates of $95.4 million3.6% to 4.7% and issued warrants to purchase up to 203,090 sharesare secured by spare engines.

As of the Company’s common stock. The Company has recorded the value of the promissory noteboth September 30, 2022, and warrants on a relative fair value basis as $95.4 million of long-term debt and $5.8 million in common stock, respectively. The warrants have a five-year term from the date of issuance and 124,773 of the warrants have an exercise price of $40.41 per share and 78,317 of the warrants have an exercise prices of $57.47 per share. See Note 2, “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” for further discussion of the terms of the payroll support program loan and warrants.

During the second quarter ofDecember 31, 2021, the Company repaid all amounts outstanding under the secured loan with U.S. Treasury, and in connection with such repayment, terminated the secured loan agreement. The total repayment amount was $61.2had $61.4 million which included all outstanding principal and accrued interest under the secured loan. As a result of the repayment, the collateral securing the obligations of SkyWest Airlines under the secured loan agreement, consisting of aircraft engines and aircraft parts, was released.

During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company repaid $80.1 million of debt related to aircraft early.

As of September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company had $59.5 million and $61.1 million, respectively, in letters of credit and surety bonds outstanding with various banks and surety institutions.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, SkyWest Airlines had a $75$100 million line of credit.credit with an expiration date of March 25, 2025. The line of credit includes minimum liquidity and profitability covenants and is secured by certain assets. As of September 30, 2021,2022, SkyWest Airlines had 0no amount outstanding under the facility. However, at September 30, 2021,2022, SkyWest Airlines had $34.0$31.4 million in letters of credit issued under the facility, which reduced the amount available under the facility to $41.0$68.6 million. During

The Company’s debt agreements are not traded on an active market and are recorded at carrying value on the three months endedCompany’s consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on current rates offered to the Company for similar debt. Debt is primarily classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company extended the expiration date of the line of credit to January 1, 2022.were as follows (in thousands):

20

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Carrying value

$

3,441,734

$

3,140,938

Fair value

$

3,298,578

$

3,132,072

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(10) — Investment(10) Investments in Other Companies

Equity Method Investment

During 2019, the Company created a joint venture with Regional One, Inc. (“Regional One”) by investing $22.3 million for a 75% ownership interest in Aero Engines, LLC. (“Aero Engines”). The Company invested an additional $1.0 million into Aero Engines in 2020 and $3.3 million during the first quarter of 2022 and retained a 75% ownership interest. The primary purpose of Aero Engines is to lease engines to third parties. Aero Engines requires unanimous approval from the Company and Regional One for its engine purchases, dispositions, lease agreements with third parties and all other material transactions. The Company determined Aero Engines is a variable interest entity as the Company

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has a 75% ownership interest in Aero Engines and all material decisions require unanimous approval from the Company and Regional One, resulting in disproportionate ownership rights relative to voting rights. As unanimous approval is required for all Aero Engines’ material activities,activities. Aero Engines has no primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for its investment in Aero Engines under the equity method. The Company’s exposure in its investment in Aero Engines primarily consists of the Company’s portion of income or loss from Aero Engines’ engine lease agreements with third parties and the Company’s ownership percentage in Aero Engines’ engines book value. The Company invested an additional $1.0 million into Aero Engines in 2020. Aero Engines had 0no debt outstanding as of September 30, 2021.2022. As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company’s investment balance in Aero Engines was $19.7$24.7 million. The Company’s investment in Aero Engines has been recorded in “Other Assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s portion of the lossearnings generated by Aero Engines for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, was $5.8$1.2 million, which is recorded in “Other Income (Expense)”income, net” on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Aero Engines’ net loss was primarily due

Fair Value Method Investments

In 2021, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Eve UAM, LLC (“Eve UAM”), to discrete engine overhaul events that were expensed duringdevelop a network of deployment for Eve UAM’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft. The Company signed a non-binding letter of intent to purchase 100 eVTOL aircraft.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021.2022, the Company acquired 1,000,000 shares of common stock of Eve Holding, Inc. (“Eve”) and a warrant giving the Company the right to acquire 1,500,000 shares of common stock of Eve at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Company also received a put option from an Eve shareholder for the 1,000,000 shares of common stock of Eve payable in aircraft parts credits. The intent of the put option is to reduce the Company’s investment risk in Eve. The warrant expires in May 2032, and the put option expires in December 2031. The Company acquired the shares of common stock, warrant and put option (collectively the “Eve Investments”) for $10.0 million. The Company evaluated the Eve Investments under Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 321, “Investments – Equity Securities” and ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” and recorded the Eve Investments based on their pro rata share of the consideration paid using the fair value of the Eve Investments on the acquisition date, with subsequent changes in the fair value reported in earnings. The shares of common stock of Eve are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy as Eve stock is actively traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and the value is determined using quoted market prices for the equity security. The warrant and put option are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, and the Company used the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model to determine the estimated fair market value of the warrant and put option, including an expected volatility of 49%, which is a significant unobservable input that was derived from historical volatility of comparable companies. The table below shows the reconciliation of the Level 3 warrant and put option Eve Investments (in thousands):

Balance at March 31, 2022

    

$

Purchases

 

6,551

Unrealized gains

 

6,773

Balance at June 30, 2022

$

13,324

Unrealized gains

 

3,548

Balance at September 30, 2022

$

16,872

The Company recognized unrealized gains of $16.1 million in “Other income, net” on the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, related to the Eve Investments. As of September 30, 2022, the fair value of the Eve Investments was $26.1 million and was recorded in “Other Assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

(11) Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022 was 31.9%14.8%. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022 varied from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to a benefit from the release of $7.4 million of a previously recorded uncertain tax position liability with the benefit partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, and a greaterthe impact related toof non-deductible expenses, relativeand the recording of a valuation allowance on state net operating losses anticipated to the Company’s pre-tax earnings during the period.expire prior to utilization.

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The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 was 26.1%22.2%. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 varied from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to a benefit from the release of $7.4 million of a previously recorded uncertain tax position liability with the benefit partially offset by the provision for state income taxes, the impact of non-deductible expenses, and the recording of a valuation allowance on state net operating losses anticipated to expire prior to utilization.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 was 31.9% and 26.1%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 varied from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the provision for state income taxes and the impact of non-deductible expenses.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020, was 27.2%. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020, varied from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the provision for state income taxes, the impact of non-deductible expenses, and an adjustment to the deferred state tax rate.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was 27.1%. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, varied from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the provision for state income taxes. the impact of non-deductible expenses and an adjustment to the deferred state tax rate, partially offset by a $1.4 million discrete tax benefit from excess tax deductions generated from employee equity transactions that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and discrete tax benefits related to prior year state income tax filings.

(12) Special Items – Impairment Charge

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Deltarecorded a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million to purchase and operate 16 new E175 aircraft under a multi-year capacity purchase agreement. The 16 new E175 aircraft will replace 16 SkyWest-owned or financedwrite-down certain CRJ900 aircraft currently under its Delta contract with expirations ranging fromto their estimated fair value. In 2021, the second half of 2022 to early 2023. As of September 30, 2021, SkyWest Airlines only operated the CRJ900 aircraft under a flying agreement with its major airline partner Delta. As a result of this fleet transition beginning in 2022 and the uncertainty about the Company’s ability to redeploy the CRJ900 aircraft with another major airline partner, the Company concluded that indicators of impairment existed and therefore, evaluated its CRJ900 fleet and related CRJ900 assets for impairment. Pursuant to ASC 360-10, “Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company determined that the asset group for the CRJ900 aircraft existed at the major airline partner level. A recoverability test was performed utilizing estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the CRJ900 aircraft pursuant to applicable agreements with Deltacapacity purchase agreement terms and forecasted cash flow including the estimated value the Company would realize upon disposal of aircraft. This was compared to the carrying value of the related assets resulting in a cash flow deficiency indicating

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that an impairment existed. The impairment analysis required the Company to perform an assessment of the fair value of its long-lived assets related to the CRJ900 aircraft within the asset groups utilized in the recoverability test. The Company engaged a third party to assist in determining the fair value of these aircraft. These values were estimated based on listed market values or recent third-party market transactions for similar assets, adjusted by the related maintenance status of the fleet. All fair values are considered to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The amounts the Company may ultimately realize from the disposal of its CRJ900 long-lived assets may vary from the fair value assessments. On September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million to write-down the CRJ900 aircraft operating under the Delta contracts to their estimated fair value. This special item impairment charge is reflected in the SkyWest Airlines operating expenses under Note 6,5, “Segment Reporting.”Reporting” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. The Company did not have a similar impairment charge at the fleet level during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

(13) Legal Matters

The Company is subject to certain legal actions which it considers routine to its business activities. As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company’s management believed, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such legal matters was not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

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ITEM 2:MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis presents factors that had a material effect on the results of operations of SkyWest, Inc. (“SkyWest” “we” or “us”) during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 2020.2021. Also discussed is our financial condition as of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 2020.2021. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section of this Report entitled “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” for discussion of uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements contained in this Report should be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “should,” “hope,” “likely,” and “continue” and similar terms used in connection with statements regarding our outlook, anticipated operations, the revenue environment, our contractual relationships, and our anticipated financial performance. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our

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business, results of operations and financial condition and the impact of any measures, including travel restrictions, taken to mitigate the effect of the pandemic, our future growth and development plans, including our future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. Readers should keep in mind that all forward-looking statements are based on our existing beliefs about present and future events outside of our control and on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. If one or more risks identified in this Report materializes, or any other underlying assumption proves incorrect, our actual results will vary, and may vary materially, from those anticipated, estimated, projected, or intended for a number of reasons, including but not limited to: the uncertainty of the duration, scope and impact of COVID-19; a further spread or worsening of COVID-19;COVID-19 or other potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases or other health concerns; the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic to global economic conditions, the travel industry and our major airline partners in general and our financial condition and results of operations in particular; the challenges of competing successfully in a highly competitive and rapidly changing industry; developments associated with fluctuations in the economy and the demand for air travel, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;pandemic and due to inflationary pressures; the financial stability of United Airlines, Inc. (“United”), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”), American Airlines, Inc. (“American”) and Alaska Airlines, Inc. (“Alaska”) (each, a “major airline partner”) and any potential impact of their financial condition on our operations; fluctuations in flight schedules, which are determined by the major airline partners for whom SkyWest conducts flight operations; variations in market and economic conditions; significant aircraft lease and debt commitments; realization of manufacturer residual value guarantees on applicable SkyWest aircraft; residual aircraft values and related impairment charges; the impact of global instability; labor relations and costs; the ability to attract and retain qualified pilots; potential fluctuations in fuel costs and potential fuel shortages; the impact of global instability, including the ongoing military conflict between Russia and the Ukraine; the impact of weather-related or other natural disasters on air travel and airline costs; and new aircraft deliveries; and the ability to attract and retain qualified pilots,deliveries, as well as the other factors identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020,2021, under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A of this Report, elsewhere in this Report, in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and other unanticipated factors.

There may be other factors that may affect matters discussed in forward-looking statements set forth in this Report, which factors may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Additionally, the risks, uncertainties and other factors set forth above or otherwise referred to in the reports that we have filed with the SEC may be further amplified by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting these statements other than as required by applicable law.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19, which was declared a global health pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, has had a significant, negative impact on our business and financial results beginning in March 2020 and has materially

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and adversely affected our revenues, particularly under our prorate agreements. We operated 137,493 flights during the third quarter of 2020, which increased to 210,251 flights, or 52.9%, during the third quarter of 2021. However, we operated 219,272 flights during the third quarter of 2019 and we have not returned to pre-COVID flight levels as of September 30, 2021. The rate of recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and whether such recovery will be sustained are uncertain as factors outside of our control, including the distribution and efficacy of vaccines, government-imposed vaccine mandates, new variants of the virus, and continued or new government travel restrictions, cannot be estimated.

Liquidity. At September 30, 2021, we had $953.5 million in total available liquidity, consisting of $912.5 million in cash and marketable securities and $41.0 million available under SkyWest Airlines’ line of credit.

Overview

We have the largest regional airline operation in the United States through our operating subsidiary SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest Airlines”). As of September 30, 2021,2022, we offered scheduled passenger service with approximately 2,2502,100 total daily departures to destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.Mexico. Our fleet of Embraer E175 regional jet aircraft (“E175”), Canadair CRJ900 regional jet aircraft (“CRJ900”) and Canadair CRJ700 regional jet aircraft (“CRJ700”) have a multiple-class seat configuration, whereas our Canadair CRJ200 regional jet aircraft (“CRJ200”) aircraft have a single-class seat configuration. As of September 30, 2021,2022, we had 615642 total aircraft in our fleet, including 486530 aircraft in scheduled service or under contract under our code-share agreements, summarized as follows:

    

E175

    

CRJ900

    

CRJ700

    

CRJ200

    

Total

    

E175

    

CRJ900

    

CRJ700

    

CRJ200

    

Total

United

 

90

19

112

221

 

90

19

111

220

Delta

71

40

5

29

145

80

44

5

29

158

American

 

6

82

88

 

20

90

110

Alaska

 

32

32

 

42

42

Aircraft in scheduled service or under contract

199

40

106

141

486

232

44

114

140

530

Leased to third parties

 

5

34

39

 

5

35

40

Other*

 

4

22

64

90

 

18

54

72

Total Fleet

 

199

49

162

205

615

 

232

49

167

194

642

*As of September 30, 2021,2022, other aircraft include:included: supplemental spare aircraft supporting our code-share agreements and

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that may be used in future code-share or leasing arrangements, aircraft transitioning between code-share agreements with our major airline partners, aircraft held-for-sale, or aircraft that are in the process of being parted out.scheduled to be disassembled for use as spare parts.

Our business model is based on providing scheduled regional airline service under code-share agreements (commercial agreements, typically in the form of capacity purchase agreements or prorate agreements, between airlines that, among other things, allow one airline to use another airline’s flight designator codes on its flights) with our major airline partners. Our success is principally dependent on our ability to meet the needs of our major airline partners throughby providing a reliable and safe operation at attractive economics. From September 30, 2020,2021, to September 30, 2021,2022, we made several changes to our fleet count under our flying agreements, includingprimarily consisting of the addition of ten33 new E175 aircraft 20and 8 used CRJ700 aircraft, one new CRJ900 aircraft, and seven used CRJ200 aircraft. Additionally, from September 30, 2020, to September 30, 2021, we increased the number of CRJ700 aircraft we leased to third parties from 13 aircraft to 34 aircraft and leases on four CRJ200 aircraft with third parties terminated.

We anticipate our fleet will continue to evolve, as we are scheduled to add 14seven new E175 aircraft with Delta by the end of 2024 and one new E175 aircraft with Alaska by the end of 2025. We also anticipate adding 11 used CRJ700 aircraft with American by the end of 2022, nine new E175 aircraft with Alaska by the first half of 2023, 16 new E175 aircraft with Delta by the first half of 20232023. Anticipated delivery and 19 used CRJ700 aircraft with American by 2023. The 16 E175 aircraft with Delta will replace 16 older SkyWest-owned or financed CRJ900 aircraft currently operating under contract with Delta. Under the terms of the contract with Delta, Delta has the right to purchase the 16 E175 aircraft at the end of the contract term at a price estimated to be the fair value at the end of the contract. Timing of these anticipated deliveriesin-service dates may be subject to change as we are coordinating timing with our major airline partners in response to the COVID-19 demand recovery or other factors.partners. Our primary objective in the fleet changes is to improve our profitability by adding new E175 aircraft and used CRJ aircraft to capacity purchase agreements, and potentially removing older aircraft from service that typically require higher maintenance costs.

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As of September 30, 2021,2022, approximately 45.5%41.5% of our aircraft in scheduled service or under contract were operated for United, approximately 29.8% were operated for Delta, approximately 18.1%20.8% were operated for American and approximately 6.6%7.9% were operated for Alaska.

Historically, multiple contractual relationships with major airlines have enabled us to reduce our reliance on any single major airline code and to enhance and stabilize operating results through a mix of fixed-fee arrangements (referred to as “capacity purchase agreements”) and revenue-sharing arrangements (referred to as “prorate” agreements). For the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, capacity purchase revenue and prorate revenue represented approximately 83.9%88.0% and 16.1%12.0%, respectively, of our total flying agreements revenue. On contractcapacity purchase routes, the major airline partner controls scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories and we are compensated by the major airline partner at contracted rates based on completed block hours (measured from takeoff to landing, including taxi time), flight departures, the number of aircraft under contract and other operating measures. On prorate routes, we have more control over scheduling, pricing and seat inventories, and we share passenger fares with our major airline partners according to prorate formulas. Our prorate revenue and profitability may fluctuate based on ticket prices and passenger loads, and we are responsible for the operating costs of the prorate flights, including fuel and airport costs.

Third Quarter Summary

We had total operating revenues of $789.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, a 6.0% increase compared to total operating revenues of $744.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a 62.8% increase compared to total operating revenues2021. We had net income of $457.5$48.4 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020. We had2022, compared to net income of $9.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to net income of $33.7 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021. The significant items affecting our revenue and operating expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, are outlined below:

Revenue

The number of aircraft we have in scheduled service or under contract under our code-share agreements and the number of block hours we incur on our flights are primary drivers toof our flying agreements revenue under our capacity purchase agreements. The number of flights we operate and the corresponding number of passengers we carry are the primary drivers of our revenue under our prorate flying agreements. As a result of higher passenger demand compared to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, theThe number of aircraft we operatedhave in scheduled service or under contract under code-share agreements increased from 448 as of September 30, 2020, to 486 as of September 30, 2021;2021 to 530 as of September 30, 2022; and the number of block hours increaseddecreased from 222,561 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, to 370,462 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 or by 66.5%; and the number of passengers we carried increased from 4.9 millionto 323,742 for the three months ended September 30, 2020,2022, or by 12.6%, due to 10.9a reduction in scheduled daily utilization of our aircraft primarily caused by pilot availability constraints.

Our capacity purchase revenue increased $78.0 million, or by 120.9%.

As a result of increased flight schedules and additional aircraft operating under our capacity purchase agreements for13.2%, from the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020,2022, primarily as a result of temporary rate reductions we provided to

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our major airline partners under our capacity purchase revenue increased $206.5 million, or 53.7%. Additionally, we recognized $19.2 million of previously deferred revenueagreements during the three months ended September 30, 2021, comparedin response to deferring revenue of $29.6 million of fixed monthly payments received underthe COVID-19 demand reduction experienced by our capacity purchase agreements formajor airline partners in 2021. We did not provide our major airline partners temporary rate reductions during the three months ended September 30, 2020, as further described2022. Additionally, our capacity purchase agreement revenue increased during the three months ended September 30, 2022, due to more aircraft under contract, partially offset by a reduction in completed block hours compared to the section of this report entitled “Results of Operations.”three months ended September 30, 2021. As a result of increased flight schedulesfewer departures under our prorate agreements and fewer passengers carried on our prorate routes, our prorate revenue increased $67.5decreased $33.6 million, or 111.1%26.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Operating Expenses

Our total operating expenses increased $314.8$16.1 million, or 82.2%2.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to an increase in salaries, wages, and benefits, offset by a decrease in maintenance expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022, as a result of the timing of heavy maintenance events for the three months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021. Our operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021 comparedalso included a $115.4 million grant benefit from the payroll support program reflected as a reduction to our operating expenses, partially offset by an $84.6 million, non-cash impairment charge. We did not have a similar payroll grant benefit or impairment during the three months ended September 30, 2020. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of flights we operated and a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021.2022. Departures increaseddecreased from 137,493 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, to 210,251 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 or by 52.9%. Duringto 194,683 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million to write-down CRJ900 aircraft operating under Delta capacity purchase agreements to their estimated fair value.2022, or by 7.4%. Additional details regarding the increase in our operating expenses are described in the section of this Report entitled “Results of Operations.”

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Fleet Activity

The following table summarizes our fleet scheduled for service or under contract as of:

Aircraft in Service or Under Contract

    

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

    

September 30, 2020

E175s

 

199

 

193

 

189

CRJ900s

 

40

 

39

 

39

CRJ700s

 

106

 

90

 

86

CRJ200s

 

141

 

130

 

134

Total

 

486

 

452

 

448

Subsequent IT Outage

In October 2021, we identified malware on our system resulting from a cyberattack. We quarantined the malware without disruption to our operations and implemented remedial measures. In connection with these remedial measures, we experienced a server outage that resulted in approximately 1,700 flight cancelations. We estimate the adverse impact of these cancelations on our financial results for the three months ending December 31, 2021, will be $15 million to $20 million (pre-tax).

Aircraft in Service or Under Contract

    

September 30, 2022

    

December 31, 2021

    

September 30, 2021

E175s

 

232

 

211

 

199

CRJ900s

 

44

 

44

 

40

CRJ700s

 

114

 

114

 

106

CRJ200s

 

140

 

140

 

141

Total

 

530

 

509

 

486

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020,2021 and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021. Critical accounting policies are those policies that are most important to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and require management’s subjective and complex judgments due to the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, aircraft leases, long-lived assets, self-insurance and income tax. The application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results will likely differ, and may differ materially, from such estimates. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021

Operational Statistics

The following table sets forth our major operational statistics and the associated percentage changes for the periods identified below. The increasedecrease in block hours, departures and passengers carried during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, was primarily due to the increase in demand related to the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we completed 219,272 flights and incurred 375,933 block hours during the three months ended September 30, 2019, indicating our flight schedules have not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.labor constraints,

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For the three months ended September 30,

Block hours by aircraft type:

    

2021

    

2020

    

% Change

E175s

 

169,143

117,342

44.1

%

CRJ900s

34,031

12,861

164.6

%

CRJ700s

78,788

45,807

72.0

%

CRJ200s

 

88,500

46,551

90.1

%

Total block hours

370,462

222,561

66.5

%

 

 

Departures

 

210,251

137,493

52.9

%

Passengers carried

 

10,862,343

4,916,403

120.9

%

Passenger load factor

 

79.1

%  

54.1

%  

25.0

pts

Average passenger trip length (miles)

 

537

503

6.8

%

including the number of available captains, offset by additional E175 aircraft operating under our capacity purchase agreements.

For the three months ended September 30,

Block hours by aircraft type:

    

2022

    

2021

    

% Change

E175s

 

169,679

169,143

0.3

%

CRJ900s

25,134

34,031

(26.1)

%

CRJ700s

62,540

78,788

(20.6)

%

CRJ200s

 

66,389

88,500

(25.0)

%

Total block hours

323,742

370,462

(12.6)

%

 

 

Departures

 

194,683

210,251

(7.4)

%

Passengers carried

 

10,715,415

10,862,343

(1.4)

%

Passenger load factor

 

84.6

%  

79.1

%  

5.5

pts

Average passenger trip length (miles)

 

488

537

(9.0)

%

Operating Revenues

The following table summarizes our operating revenue for the periods indicated (dollar amounts in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30,

For the three months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

    

% Change

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Flying agreements

$

719,084

$

445,048

$

274,036

61.6

%

$

763,514

$

719,084

$

44,430

6.2

%

Lease, airport services and other

 

25,699

 

12,445

 

13,254

106.5

%

 

25,929

 

25,699

 

230

0.9

%

Total operating revenues

$

744,783

$

457,493

$

287,290

 

62.8

%

$

789,443

$

744,783

$

44,660

 

6.0

%

Flying agreements revenue primarily consists of revenue earned on flights we operate under our capacity purchase agreements and prorate agreements with our major airline partners. Lease, airport services and other revenues consist of revenue earned from leasing aircraft and spare engines to third parties separate from our capacity purchase agreements and providing airport counter, gate and ramp services.

We disaggregate our flying agreements revenue into the following categories (dollar amounts in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30,

For the three months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

    

% Change

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Capacity purchase agreements revenue: flight operations

 

$

308,273

 

$

175,753

 

$

132,520

 

75.4

%

 

$

376,596

 

$

308,273

 

$

68,323

 

22.2

%

Capacity purchase agreements revenue: aircraft lease and fixed revenue

282,498

208,516

73,982

35.5

%

292,174

282,498

9,676

3.4

%

Prorate agreements revenue

 

128,313

 

60,779

 

67,534

 

111.1

%

 

94,744

 

128,313

 

(33,569)

 

(26.2)

%

Flying agreements revenue

 

$

719,084

 

$

445,048

 

$

274,036

 

61.6

%

 

$

763,514

 

$

719,084

 

$

44,430

 

6.2

%

The increase in “Capacity purchase agreements revenue: flight operations” of $132.5$68.3 million was primarily due to an increase in scheduled flights we operated under our contracts with our major airline partners as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 demand recovery. Our completed departures increased 52.9% and completed block hours increased 66.5% during the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020. We provided temporary rate reductions we provided to our major airline partners under our capacity purchase agreements during the three months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 in response to the COVID-19 demand disruption impact toreduction experienced by our partners.major airline partners in 2021. We did not provide our major airline partners temporary rate reductions during the three months ended September 30, 2022.

The increase in “Capacity purchase agreements revenue: aircraft lease and fixed revenue” of $74.0$9.7 million was primarily due to recognizing previously deferred revenue duringa result of the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, combined with aircraft lease and fixed rate revenue generated from ten33 E175 aircraft added to our fleet since September 30, 2020.2021, offset by a decrease in deferred revenue and unbilled revenue recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021. Under our capacity purchase agreements, we are paid a fixed amount per month per aircraft over the contract term. We recognize the fixed amount per aircraft as revenue proportionately to the number of flightsblock hours we complete our performance obligation, for each reporting period. During the three months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in our flight schedules resulted in recognizing $19.2 million of previously deferred revenue. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, we deferred recognizing revenue on $29.6 million of fixed monthly cash payments we received underUnder our capacity purchase agreements. Our deferred revenueagreements, the performance obligation of each completed flight is measured in block hours incurred for each completed flight. Based on the number of

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completed block hours during the three months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized $8.2 million of previously deferred revenue and $5.1 million of unbilled revenue on our capacity purchase agreements. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, we recognized $19.2 million of previously deferred revenue. Our deferred revenue and unbilled revenue related to the fixed payments will adjust over the remaining contract term for each capacity purchase agreement based on the number of flightsblock hours we complete each reporting period relative to the number of flightsblock hours we anticipate completing over the remaining contract term of each capacity purchase agreement. The deferred revenue balance applicable to each contract will be recorded as revenue by the end of each respective contract term. Our total deferred revenue balance was $118.4and unbilled revenue balances were $78.1 million and $22.8 million as of September 30, 2021.2022, respectively.

The increasedecrease in prorate agreements revenue of $67.5$33.6 million was primarily due to the increasedecrease in prorate passengersdepartures and passenger revenue we received on routes we operated under our prorate agreements during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, due2021. Due to labor constraints, including the number of available captains, we operated fewer aircraft under our prorate agreements during the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the ongoing COVID-19 demand recovery.three months ended September 30, 2021.

The increase in lease, airport services and other revenues of $13.3$0.2 million was primarily due an increase in the number of aircraft leased to third parties from 22 aircraft at September 30, 2020, to 39 aircraft at September 30, 2021, and an increase in airport service revenue due to the increase in the number of flights operated at locations where we were contracted to provide airport customer service during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Operating Expenses

Individual expense components attributable to our operations are set forth in the following table (dollar amounts in thousands):

For the three months ended September 30,

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Salaries, wages and benefits

$

265,603

$

194,516

$

71,087

36.5

%  

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

209,795

 

150,148

 

59,647

 

39.7

%  

Depreciation and amortization

 

109,597

 

121,467

 

(11,870)

 

(9.8)

%  

Airport-related expenses

 

25,992

 

18,003

 

7,989

 

44.4

%  

Aircraft fuel

 

32,561

 

13,641

 

18,920

 

138.7

%  

Aircraft rentals

 

16,098

 

15,785

 

313

 

2.0

%  

Special items - impairment charges

 

84,592

 

 

84,592

 

NM

Payroll support grant

(115,352)

(190,200)

74,848

(39.4)

%  

Other operating expenses

 

68,847

 

59,580

 

9,267

 

15.6

%  

Total operating expenses

$

697,733

$

382,940

$

314,793

 

82.2

%  

Interest expense

 

28,980

 

30,150

 

(1,170)

 

(3.9)

%  

Total airline expenses

$

726,713

$

413,090

$

313,623

 

75.9

%  

NM = Not Meaningful

For the three months ended September 30,

2022

2021

$ Change

% Change

Salaries, wages and benefits

$

307,727

$

265,603

$

42,124

15.9

%  

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

183,182

 

209,795

 

(26,613)

 

(12.7)

%  

Depreciation and amortization

 

97,433

 

109,597

 

(12,164)

 

(11.1)

%  

Aircraft fuel

 

28,179

 

32,561

 

(4,382)

 

(13.5)

%  

Airport-related expenses

 

17,501

 

25,992

 

(8,491)

 

(32.7)

%  

Aircraft rentals

 

16,089

 

16,098

 

(9)

 

(0.1)

%  

Special items - impairment charges

 

 

84,592

 

(84,592)

 

100.0

%  

Payroll support grant

(115,352)

115,352

(100.0)

%  

Other operating expenses

 

63,756

 

68,847

 

(5,091)

 

(7.4)

%  

Total operating expenses

$

713,867

$

697,733

$

16,134

 

2.3

%  

Interest expense

 

33,283

 

28,980

 

4,303

 

14.8

%  

Total airline expenses

$

747,150

$

726,713

$

20,437

 

2.8

%  

Salaries, wages and benefits. The $71.1$42.1 million, or 36.5%15.9%, increase in salaries, wages and benefits was due to the increase in direct laborincreased costs that resulted from a significantly higher number of flights we operatedto attract and retain aviation professionals during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs. The $59.6$26.6 million, or 39.7%12.7%, increasedecrease in aircraft maintenance expense was primarily due to an increase in direct maintenancereliability improvement costs incurred on a portion of SkyWest Airlines’ CRJ700 and CRJ200 fleets, intended to extend the operational performance and reliability of its older aircraft, including increased engine maintenance expense, duringthroughout the 2021 year, including the three months ended September 30, 2021. As a result of the maintenance work completed in 2021, our maintenance events were lower for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Depreciation and amortization. The $11.9$12.2 million, or 9.8%11.1%, decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to certain CRJ200 aircraft that became fully depreciated since September 30, 2020.2021. This reduction in depreciation on our CRJ200 fleet was partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense due to the acquisition of ten33 new E175 aircraft and spare engines since September 30, 2020, as well as the acquisition of 30 used CRJ700 aircraft since September 30, 2020.2021.

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Aircraft fuel. The $4.4 million, or 13.5%, decrease in fuel cost was primarily due to a decrease in the number of flights we operated under our prorate arrangements and the corresponding decrease in gallons of fuel we purchased, offset by an increase in our average fuel cost per gallon from $2.55 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, to $4.39 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. We purchase and incur expense for all fuel on flights operated under our prorate agreements. All fuel costs incurred under our capacity purchase agreements are either purchased directly by our major airline partner, or if purchased by us, we record the direct reimbursement as a reduction to our fuel expense. The following table summarizes the gallons of fuel we purchased under our prorate agreements, for the periods indicated:

For the three months ended September 30,

(in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

% Change

Fuel gallons purchased

6,422

12,779

(49.7)

%

Fuel expense

$

28,179

$

32,561

 

(13.5)

%

Airport-related expenses. Airport-related expenses include airport-related customer service costs such as outsourced airport gate and ramp agent services, airport security fees, passenger interruption costs, deicing, landing fees and station rents. For clarity, our employee airport customer service labor costs are reflected in salaries, wages and benefits and the customer service labor costs we outsource to third parties are included in airport-related expenses. The $8.0$8.5 million, or 44.4%32.7%, increasedecrease in airport-related expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021, was primarily due to an increasea decrease in our prorate passengers.

Aircraft fuel. The $18.9 million, or 138.7%, increase in fuel cost was primarily due to an increasesubcontracted airport services and landing fees as a result of a decrease in the number of flights we operated under our prorate agreements, corresponding increasearrangements and a decrease in gallonsstation rents as a result of fuelexiting certain prorate markets.

Aircraft rentals. Aircraft rentals primarily includes aircraft and engines we purchased and an increase in our average fuel cost per gallonlease from $1.75 forthird parties. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, to $2.55 for2021, and the three months ended September 30, 2021. We purchase and incur expense for all fuel on flights operated under our prorate agreements. All fuel costs incurred under our capacity purchase contracts are either purchased directly by our major airline partner, or if purchased by us, we record the direct reimbursement as a reduction2022, there were no significant changes to our fuel expense. The following table summarizes the gallons of fuel we purchased under our prorate agreements, for the periods indicated:

For the three months ended September 30,

(in thousands)

    

2021

    

2020

    

% Change

Fuel gallons purchased

12,779

7,785

64.1

%

Fuel expense

$

32,561

$

13,641

 

138.7

%

Aircraft rentals. The $0.3 million, or 2.0%, increase inleased aircraft rentals was primarily related to two additional aircraft leased from third parties since September 30, 2020.and engines.

Special items - impairment chargescharges.. Special items for the three months ended September 30, 2021, consisted of a non-cash impairment charge on certain SkyWest Airlines’ CRJ900 aircraft of $84.6 million. DuringWe did not have a comparable non-cash impairment charge during the three months ended September 30, 2021, SkyWest reached an agreement with Delta to place 16 new E175 aircraft under contract beginning in 2022. These E175 aircraft will replace 16 older SkyWest-owned or financed CRJ900 aircraft currently operating under contract with Delta. We do not anticipate extending the contract term with Delta on these 16 CRJ900 aircraft. These factors, combined with the market value of SkyWest’s CRJ900 fleet, resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million.

Payroll support grant.In April 2021, we entered into an agreement with U.S. Treasury and received $250.0 million in emergency relief through the American Rescue Plan Act payroll support program, of which $205.0 million was in the form of payroll support grants that were recognized as a reduction in labor expense over the periods the grants intended to compensate. We recognized $115.4 million in payroll support grant proceeds we received as a reduction to our operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021. We recognized $190.2 million indid not have a comparable payroll support grant proceeds we received under similar agreements with U.S. Treasury as a reduction to our operating expenses forduring the three months ended September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2021, we have recognized the full payroll support grant benefits received from the U.S. Treasury as a reduction to our operating expenses.2022.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses primarily consist of property taxes, hull and liability insurance, simulator costs, crew per diem, crew hotel costs and credit loss reserves. The $9.3$5.1 million, or 15.6%7.4%, increasedecrease in other operating expenses was primarily related to an increasea reduction in other operating costs that correspond to the higherdecrease in the number of flights we operated during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, such as crew per diem and crew hotel costs and simulator costs.

Interest Expense. The $1.2$4.3 million, or 3.9%14.8%, decreaseincrease in interest expense was primarily related to an overall lower effectivethe interest rate during the three months endedexpense associated with 33 new E175 aircraft added to our fleet subsequent to September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.

which were debt financed.

Total airline expenses. Our total airline expenses, comprised of our total operating expenses and interest expense, increased $313.6$20.4 million, or 75.9%2.8%, primarily due to the payroll support program grant reflected as an increaseoffset to operating expenses, partially offset by a non-cash impairment charge for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and a decrease in direct operating costs attributed to the higherlower number of completed flights, offset by an increase in direct labor costs during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, and due to the non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million on SkyWest operated CRJ900 aircraft during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

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Table of Contents

As our interest expense is primarily attributed to debt associated with financing aircraft under our capacity purchase agreements and as revenue earned under our capacity purchase agreements is intended to compensate us for our

27

Table of Contents

aircraft ownership costs, including interest expense, we believe our total airline expense is a meaningful expense measure for management discussion and analysis purposes.

Summary of interest income, other income (expense) and provision for income taxes:

Interest income. Interest income decreased $1.2increased $6.1 million, or 83.0%, duringfrom $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020.2022. The decreaseincrease in interest income was primarily related to a decreasean increase in average interest rates attributed to our marketable securities subsequent to September 30, 2020.2021.

Other income (expense), net. Other income increased $12.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021. The increase in other income was primarily consisteda result of lossan increase in the fair market value of our equity investments and income related to our investment in a joint venture with a third party. The loss was due to discrete engine overhaul expenses incurred by the joint venture party during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

Provision for income taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 2020,2021, our effective income tax rates were 31.9%14.8% and 27.2%31.9%, respectively, which include the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% and other reconciling income tax items, including state income taxes and the impact of non-deductible expenses. The increasedecrease in the effective tax rate primarily relates to a greater impact relatedrelease of $7.4 million of a previously recorded uncertain tax position liability with the benefit partially offset by the recording of a valuation allowance on state net operating losses anticipated to non-deductible expenses forexpire prior to utilization that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020, as a result of lower pre-tax earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same period of 2020.2021.

Net income. Primarily due to the factors described above, we generated net income of $48.4 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to net income of $9.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to net income $33.7 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021

Operational Statistics

The following table sets forth our major operational statistics and the associated percentage changes for the periods identified below. The increase in block hours, departures and passengers carried during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, was primarily due to additional aircraft operating under our capacity purchase agreements and the increasecontinued demand recovery from reduced flight schedules in demand related to the ongoing recovery2021 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which began to negatively impact our operational statisticspartially offset by labor constraints, including the number of available captains in the month of March 2020. We completed 627,799 flights and incurred 1,096,104 block hours during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, indicating our flight schedules have not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels.2022.

For the nine months ended September 30,

Block hours by aircraft type:

    

2021

    

2020

    

% Change

E175s

 

446,867

311,476

43.5

%

CRJ900s

87,750

45,214

94.1

%

CRJ700s

215,263

144,547

48.9

%

CRJ200s

 

220,809

204,573

7.9

%

Total block hours

970,689

705,810

37.5

%

 

 

Departures

 

550,643

427,531

28.8

%

Passengers carried

 

25,872,805

15,583,236

66.0

%

Passenger load factor

 

72.0

%  

56.7

%  

15.3

pts

Average passenger trip length (miles)

 

536

495

8.3

%

For the nine months ended September 30,

Block hours by aircraft type:

    

2022

    

2021

    

% Change

E175s

 

481,080

446,867

7.7

%

CRJ900s

78,468

87,750

(10.6)

%

CRJ700s

202,538

215,263

(5.9)

%

CRJ200s

 

207,402

220,809

(6.1)

%

Total block hours

969,488

970,689

(0.1)

%

 

 

Departures

 

570,572

550,643

3.6

%

Passengers carried

 

30,627,250

25,872,805

18.4

%

Passenger load factor

 

82.9

%  

72.0

%  

10.9

pts

Average passenger trip length (miles)

 

498

536

(7.1)

%

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Table of Contents

Operating Revenues

The following table summarizes our operating revenue for the periods indicated (dollar amounts in thousands):

For the nine months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

    

% Change

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Flying agreements

$

1,863,242

$

1,490,912

$

372,330

25.0

%

$

2,245,351

$

1,863,242

$

382,109

20.5

%

Lease, airport services and other

 

73,086

 

46,557

 

26,529

57.0

%

 

78,329

 

73,086

 

5,243

7.2

%

Total operating revenues

$

1,936,328

$

1,537,469

$

398,859

 

25.9

%

$

2,323,680

$

1,936,328

$

387,352

 

20.0

%

Flying agreements revenue primarily consists of revenue earned on flights we operate under our capacity purchase agreements and prorate agreements with our major airline partners. Lease, airport services and other revenues consist of revenue earned from leasing aircraft and spare engines to third parties separate from our capacity purchase agreements and providing airport counter, gate and ramp services.

We disaggregate our flying agreements revenue into the following categories (dollar amounts in thousands):

For the nine months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

2022

2021

$ Change

% Change

Capacity purchase agreements revenue: flight operations

    

$

792,501

    

$

674,222

    

$

118,279

    

17.5

%

    

$

1,112,526

    

$

792,501

    

$

320,025

    

40.4

%

Capacity purchase agreements revenue: aircraft lease and fixed revenue

 

770,548

 

619,354

 

151,194

 

24.4

%

 

864,178

 

770,548

 

93,630

 

12.2

%

Prorate agreements revenue

 

300,193

197,336

102,857

 

52.1

%

 

268,647

300,193

(31,546)

 

(10.5)

%

Flying agreements revenue

$

1,863,242

$

1,490,912

$

372,330

 

25.0

%

$

2,245,351

$

1,863,242

$

382,109

 

20.5

%

The increase in “Capacity purchase agreements revenue: flight operations” of $118.3$320.0 million was primarily due to an increase in scheduled flightsthe number of E175 aircraft we operated under our contracts with our major airline partners as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 demand recovery. Our completed departures increased 28.8% and completed block hours increased 37.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. We2021. From September 30, 2021, to September 30, 2022, we added 33 E175 aircraft under capacity purchase agreements. Our completed departures increased 3.6%, our E175 aircraft completed block hours increased 7.7%, and total completed block hours were similar during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 demand reduction experienced by our major airline partners in 2021, we provided temporary rate reductions to our major airline partners under our capacity purchase agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 in response to2021. We did not provide our major airline partners temporary rate reductions during the COVID-19 demand disruption impact to our partners.nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The increase in “Capacity purchase agreements revenue: aircraft lease and fixed revenue” of $151.2$93.6 million was primarily due to a reduction inrecognizing previously deferred revenue forand unbilled revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, combined with an increase in aircraft lease and fixed rate revenue generated from ten E175 aircraft added to our fleet since September 30, 2020.2021. Under our capacity purchase agreements, we are paid a fixed amount per month per aircraft over the contract term. We recognize the fixed amount per aircraft as revenue proportionately to the number of flightsblock hours we complete our performance obligation, for each reporting period. We operated a materially lowerUnder our capacity purchase agreements, the performance obligation of each completed flight is measured in block hours incurred for each completed flight. Based on the number of flightscompleted block hours during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, we recognized $25.8 million of previously deferred revenue and 2020 compared to historical levels due to a reduction in flight schedules resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the significantly reduced flight activity during$14.4 million of unbilled revenue on our capacity purchase agreements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, and based on an anticipated increase in future monthly flight volumes over the remaining contract terms, we determined the fixed amount per month per aircraft received during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 was disproportionately high relative to the volume of flights operated during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020. Accordingly, we deferred recognizing revenue ofon $7.7 million and $98.6 million of fixed monthly cash payments we received under our capacity purchase agreements for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,agreements. Our deferred revenue and September 30, 2020, respectively. Our deferredunbilled revenue related to the fixed payments will adjust over the remaining contract term for each capacity purchase agreement based on the number of flightsblock hours we complete each reporting period relative to the number of flightsblock hours we anticipate completing over the remaining contract term of each capacity purchase agreement. The deferred revenue balance applicable to each contract will be recorded as revenue by the end of each respective contract term. Our total deferred revenue balance was $118.4and unbilled revenue balances were $78.1 million and $22.8 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2022. Additionally, our aircraft lease and fixed rate revenue increased as a result of the 33 E175 aircraft added to our fleet since September 30, 2021.

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The increasedecrease in prorate agreements revenue of $102.9$31.5 million was primarily due to the increasedecrease in prorate passengers and passenger revenue we received on routes we operated under our prorate agreements. Due to labor constraints, including the number of available captains, we operated fewer aircraft under our prorate agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, due to the COVID-19 demand recovery.2021.

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The increase in lease, airport services and other revenues of $26.5$5.2 million was primarily due an increase in the number of aircraft leased to third parties from 22 aircraft at September 30, 2020, to 39 aircraft at September 30, 2021, and an increase in airport service revenue due to the increase in the number of flights operated at locations where we were contracted to provide airport customer service during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Operating Expenses

Individual expense components attributable to our operations are set forth in the following table (dollar amounts in thousands):

For the nine months ended September 30,

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

Salaries, wages and benefits

$

718,868

$

613,895

$

104,973

17.1

%  

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

604,501

 

431,654

 

172,847

 

40.0

%  

Depreciation and amortization

 

329,089

 

364,813

 

(35,724)

 

(9.8)

%  

Airport-related expenses

 

72,478

 

70,192

 

2,286

 

3.3

%  

Aircraft fuel

 

77,622

 

45,875

 

31,747

 

69.2

%  

Aircraft rentals

 

47,311

 

49,537

 

(2,226)

 

(4.5)

%  

Special items - impairment charges

 

84,592

 

 

84,592

 

NM

Payroll support grant

(422,669)

(342,138)

(80,531)

23.5

%  

Other operating expenses

 

181,621

 

167,170

 

14,451

 

8.6

%  

Total operating expenses

$

1,693,413

$

1,400,998

$

292,415

 

20.9

%  

Interest expense

 

94,274

 

91,280

 

2,994

 

3.3

%  

Total airline expenses

$

1,787,687

$

1,492,278

$

295,409

 

19.8

%  

NM = Not Meaningful

For the nine months ended September 30,

2022

2021

$ Change

% Change

Salaries, wages and benefits

$

896,347

$

718,868

$

177,479

24.7

%  

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

506,478

 

604,501

 

(98,023)

 

(16.2)

%  

Depreciation and amortization

 

297,427

 

329,089

 

(31,662)

 

(9.6)

%  

Aircraft fuel

 

85,089

 

77,622

 

7,467

 

9.6

%  

Airport-related expenses

 

54,196

 

72,478

 

(18,282)

 

(25.2)

%  

Aircraft rentals

 

48,109

 

47,311

 

798

 

1.7

%  

Special items - impairment charges

 

 

84,592

 

(84,592)

 

100.0

%  

Payroll support grant

(422,669)

422,669

(100.0)

%  

Other operating expenses

 

219,808

 

181,621

 

38,187

 

21.0

%  

Total operating expenses

$

2,107,454

$

1,693,413

$

414,041

 

24.5

%  

Interest expense

 

92,308

 

94,274

 

(1,966)

 

(2.1)

%  

Total airline expenses

$

2,199,762

$

1,787,687

$

412,075

 

23.1

%  

Salaries, wages and benefits. The $105.0$177.5 million, or 17.1%24.7%, increase in salaries, wages and benefits was due to the increase inincreased costs to attract and retain aviation professionals and increased direct labor costs that resultedresulting from athe higher number of flights we operated during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs. The $172.8$98.0 million, or 40.0%16.2%, increasedecrease in aircraft maintenance expense was primarily due to an increase in direct maintenancereliability improvement costs incurred on a portion of SkyWest Airlines’ CRJ700 and CRJ200 fleets, intended to extend the operational performance and reliability of these older aircraft, including increasedsuch as engine maintenance expense, duringthroughout the 2021 year, including the nine months ended September 30, 2021. As a result of the maintenance work completed in 2021, our maintenance events were lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Depreciation and amortization. The $35.7$31.7 million, or 9.8%9.6%, decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to certain CRJ200 aircraft that became fully depreciated during 2020.since September 30, 2021. This reduction in depreciation on our CRJ200 fleet was partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense due to the acquisition of ten33 new E175 aircraft and spare engines since September 30, 2020, as well as the acquisition of 30 used CRJ700 aircraft since September 30, 2020.

Airport-related expenses. Airport-related expenses include airport-related customer service costs such as outsourced airport gate and ramp agent services, airport security fees, passenger interruption costs, deicing, landing fees and station rents. For clarity, our employee airport customer service labor costs are reflected in salaries, wages and benefits and customer service labor costs we outsource to third parties are included in airport-related expenses. The $2.3 million, or 3.3%, increase in airport-related expenses was primarily due to an increase in our prorate passengers.2021.

Aircraft fuel. The $31.7$7.5 million, or 69.2%9.6%, increase in fuel cost was primarily due to an increase in our average fuel cost per gallon from $2.37 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, to $4.13 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, offset by a decrease in the number of flights we operated under our prorate agreementsarrangements and the corresponding increasedecrease in gallons of fuel we purchased, and an increase in our average fuel cost per gallon from $1.92 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, to $2.37 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.purchased. We purchase and incur expense for all fuel on flights operated under our prorate agreements. All fuel costs incurred under our capacity purchase contractsagreements are either purchased directly by our major

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airline partner, or if purchased by us, we record the direct reimbursement as a reduction to our fuel expense. The following table summarizes the gallons of fuel we purchased under our prorate agreements, for the periods indicated:

For the nine months ended September 30,

(in thousands)

    

2021

    

2020

    

% Change

Fuel gallons purchased

32,771

23,892

37.2

%

Fuel expense

$

77,622

$

45,875

 

69.2

%

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For the nine months ended September 30,

(in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

% Change

Fuel gallons purchased

20,618

32,771

(37.1)

%

Fuel expense

$

85,089

$

77,622

 

9.6

%

Airport-related expenses. Airport-related expenses include airport-related customer service costs such as outsourced airport gate and ramp agent services, airport security fees, passenger interruption costs, deicing, landing fees and station rents. The $18.3 million, or 25.2%, decrease in airport-related expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was primarily due to a decrease in subcontracted airport services, landing fees, and deicing events as a result of a decrease in the number of flights we operated under our prorate arrangements and a decrease in station rents as a result of exiting certain prorate markets.

Aircraft rentals. The $2.2$0.8 million, or 4.5%1.7%, decreaseincrease in aircraft rentals was primarily relateddue to a reduction of our fleet size that was financed through leases from third parties as a result of scheduled lease expirations subsequent toan increase in aircraft and engines we leased during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Special items - impairment chargescharges.. Special items for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, consisted of a non-cash impairment charge on certain SkyWest Airlines’ CRJ900 aircraft of $84.6 million. DuringWe did not have a comparable non-cash impairment charge during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, SkyWest reached an agreement with Delta to place 16 new E175 aircraft under contract beginning in 2022. These E175 aircraft will replace 16 older SkyWest-owned or financed CRJ900 aircraft currently operating under contract with Delta. We do not anticipate extending the contract term with Delta on these 16 CRJ900 aircraft. These factors, combined with the market value of SkyWest’s CRJ900 fleet, resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million.

Payroll support grant. In January 2021, we entered into an agreement with U.S. Treasury and received $233.1 million in emergency relief through the 2021 Appropriations Act payroll support program, of which $193.2 million was in the form of payroll support grants that were recognized as a reduction in labor expense over the periods the grants intended to compensate. Additionally, in April 2021, the Company received an additional $35.0 million in proceeds under the PSP Extension Agreement, of which $24.5 million was in the form of payroll support grants that were recognized as a reduction of labor expense during the period the grant was intended to compensate. In April 2021, we also entered into an agreement with U.S. Treasury and received $250.0 million in emergency relief through the American Rescue Plan Act payroll support program, of which $205.0 million was in the form of payroll support grants that were recognized as a reduction in labor expense over the periods the grants intended to compensate. We recognized $422.7 million in payroll support grant proceeds we received as a reduction to our operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $342.1 million in2021. We did not have a comparable payroll support grant proceeds we received under similar agreements with U.S. Treasury as a reduction to our operating expenses forduring the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2022.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses primarily consist of property taxes, hull and liability insurance, simulator costs, crew per diem, crew hotel costs and credit loss reserves. The $14.5$38.2 million, or 8.6%21.0%, increase in other operating expenses was primarily related to an increase in other operating costs that correspond to the higher number of flights we operated during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, such as crew per diem, crew hotel costs and simulator costs.costs, as well as an asset held for sale write-down of $15.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Interest Expense. The $3.0$2.0 million, or 3.3%2.1%, increasedecrease in interest expense was primarily related to $3.6 million of deferred loan costs expense attributed to the payoff and termination of the secured loan agreement with U.S. Treasury during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, offset by an overall lower effective interest rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

2021, offset by an increase in long-term debt since September 30, 2021.

Total airline expenses. Our total airline expenses, comprised of our total operating expenses and interest expense, increased $295.4$412.1 million, or 19.8%23.1%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due the payroll support program grant reflected as an offset to operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and an increase in direct operating costs attributed to the higher number of completed flights during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and due to the non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 million on SkyWest operated CRJ900 aircraft during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, offset by an increase in the payroll support grant benefit we recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the benefit recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

As our interest expense is primarily attributed to debt associated with financing aircraft under our capacity purchase agreements and as revenue earned under our capacity purchase agreements is intended to compensate us for our

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aircraft ownership costs, including interest expense, we believe our total airline expense is meaningful expense measure for management discussion and analysis purposes.flights.

Summary of interest income, other income (expense) and provision for income taxes:

Interest income. Interest income decreased $4.9increased $8.6 million, or 87.0%, duringfrom $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2022. The decreaseincrease in interest income was primarily related to a decreasean increase in average interest rates attributed to our marketable securities subsequent to September 30, 2020.2021.

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Other income (expense), net. Other income increased $24.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The increase in other income was primarily consisteda result of an increase in the fair market value of our equity investments and income related to our investment in a joint venture with a third party. The loss was due to discrete engine overhaul expenses incurred by the joint venture party during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Provision for income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, our effective income tax provision rates were 26.1%22.2% and 27.1%26.1%, respectively, which include the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% and other reconciling income tax items, including state income taxes, and the impact of non-deductible expenses.expenses and the discrete tax expense or benefit on employee equity transactions. The decrease in the effective tax rate primarily relates to a lesser impact related to non-deductible expenses forrelease of $7.4 million of a previously recorded uncertain tax position liability with the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020, as a result of higher pre-tax earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the same period of 2020,benefit partially offset by the recording of a $1.4 million discrete tax benefit from excess tax deductions generated from employee transactionsvaluation allowance on state net operating losses anticipated to expire prior to utilization that occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2022, compared the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Net income. Primarily due to the factors described above, we generated net income of 107.6$120.1 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to net income of $107.6 million, or $2.12 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to net income of $37.9 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

Our Business Segments

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021

For the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, we had two reportable segments, which were the basis of our internal financial reporting: SkyWest Airlines and SkyWest Leasing. Our segment disclosure relates to components of our business for which separate financial information is available to, and regularly evaluated by, our chief operating decision maker.

For the three months ended September 30,

For the three months ended September 30,

(dollar amounts in thousands)

(dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

    

% Change

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Operating Revenues:

SkyWest Airlines operating revenue

$

614,377

$

337,975

$

276,402

 

81.8

%

$

651,494

$

614,377

$

37,117

 

6.0

%

SkyWest Leasing operating revenues

 

130,406

 

119,518

 

10,888

 

9.1

%

 

137,949

 

130,406

 

7,543

 

5.8

%

Total Operating Revenues

$

744,783

$

457,493

$

287,290

 

62.8

%

$

789,443

$

744,783

$

44,660

 

6.0

%

Airline Expenses:

SkyWest Airlines airline expense

$

635,307

$

306,009

$

329,298

 

107.6

%

$

653,533

$

635,307

$

18,226

 

2.9

%

SkyWest Leasing airline expense

 

91,406

 

107,081

 

(15,675)

 

(14.6)

%

 

93,617

 

91,406

 

2,211

 

2.4

%

Total Airline Expenses (1)

$

726,713

$

413,090

$

313,623

 

75.9

%

$

747,150

$

726,713

$

20,437

 

2.8

%

Segment profit:

SkyWest Airlines segment profit (loss)

$

(20,930)

$

31,966

$

(52,896)

 

NM

Segment profit (loss):

SkyWest Airlines segment loss

$

(2,039)

$

(20,930)

$

18,891

 

(90.3)

%

SkyWest Leasing profit

 

39,000

 

12,437

 

26,563

 

213.6

%

 

44,332

 

39,000

 

5,332

 

13.7

%

Total Segment Profit

$

18,070

$

44,403

$

(26,333)

 

(59.3)

%

$

42,293

$

18,070

$

24,223

 

134.1

%

Interest Income

 

238

 

1,403

 

(1,165)

 

(83.0)

%

 

6,348

 

238

 

6,110

 

2,567.2

%

Other Income (Expense), net

 

(4,098)

 

405

 

(4,503)

 

NM

 

8,112

 

(4,098)

 

12,210

 

(298.0)

%

Consolidated Income Before Taxes

$

14,210

$

46,211

$

(32,001)

 

(69.2)

%

$

56,753

$

14,210

$

42,543

 

299.4

%

NM = Not Meaningful

(1)Total Airline Expenses includes operating expense and interest expenseexpense.

SkyWest Airlines Segment Loss. SkyWest Airlines segment loss decreased $18.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021.

SkyWest Airlines block hour production decreased to 323,742, or 12.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2022, from 370,462 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, primarily due to reduced flight schedules as a result of labor constraints, including the number of available captains. Significant items contributing to the SkyWest Airlines segment loss are set forth below.

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SkyWest Airlines Segment Profit (Loss). SkyWest Airlines segment profit decreased $52.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.

SkyWest Airlines block hour production increased to 370,462, or 66.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2021, from 222,561 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, primarily due to demand recovery from reduced flight schedules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant items contributing to the SkyWest Airlines segment profit (loss) are set forth below.

SkyWest Airlines operating revenues increased $276.4$37.1 million, or 81.8%6.0%, from the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, to the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, primarily due to increased flight schedules, increased passenger demand under our prorate agreements, and more flights we handled under our airport service agreements, collectively as a result of the demand recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, during the three months ended September 30, 2021,temporary rate reductions SkyWest Airlines recognized $19.2 million of previously deferred revenue received under our capacity purchase agreements compared to deferring revenue of $29.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2020. SkyWest Airlines also provided temporary rate reductions to our major airline partners under our capacity purchase agreements during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.in response to the COVID-19 demand reduction experienced by our major airline partners in 2021. SkyWest Airlines did not provide similar rate reductions to our major airline partners in 2022. The increase in revenue was partially offset by a decrease in prorate revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021.

SkyWest Airlines airline expense increased $329.3$18.2 million, or 107.6%2.9%, from the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, to the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, due to the following primary factors:

SkyWest Airlines’ salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $71.2$42.0 million, or 36.8%15.9%, primarily due to an increase in direct laborincreased costs that resulted from a significantly higher number of flights we operatedto attract and retain aviation professionals during the three months ended September 30, 2021, as a result of2022, compared to the ongoing COVID-19 demand recovery.three months ended September 30, 2021.
SkyWest Airlines’ aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs expense increaseddecreased by $54.8$26.0 million, or 36.7%12.7%, primarily due to an increase in direct maintenancereliability improvement costs incurred on a portion of SkyWest Airlines’ CRJ700 and CRJ200 fleets intended to extendthroughout the operational performance and reliability of its older aircraft, including increased2021 year, such as engine maintenance expense, forincluded in the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020.2021.
SkyWest Airlines’ depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $6.3$9.6 million, or 10.5%18.0%, primarily due to certain CRJ200 aircraft that became fully depreciated during 2020,since September 30, 2021, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to the acquisition of used CRJ700 aircraft since September 30,, 2020. 2021.
SkyWest Airlines’ fuel expense increased $18.9decreased $4.4 million, or 138.7%13.5%, due to an increasea decrease in the number of flights we operated under our prorate agreementsarrangements and athe corresponding increasedecrease in gallons of fuel we purchased, andoffset by an increase in our average fuel cost per gallon from $1.75 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, to $2.55 for the three months ended September 30, 2021.2021, to $4.39 for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
SkyWest Airlines recorded a non-cash impairment charge on its CRJ900 aircraft of $84.6 million. See the Operating Expenses section of “Results of Operations – Three months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020” for further discussion on the impairment charge recordedmillion for the three months ended September 30, 2021. SkyWest Airlines did not have a comparable non-cash impairment charge for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
SkyWest Airlines recognized $115.4 million in payroll support grant proceeds as a reduction to our operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $190.2 million recognized2021. SkyWest Airlines did not have a comparable grant for the three months ended September 30, 2020.2022.
SkyWest Airlines’ remaining airline expenses increased $31.2decreased $14.6 million, or 39.0%13.1%, primarily related to an increasea decrease in other operating costs that correspond to the higherlower number of flights we operated for the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, such as crew per diem and crew hotel costs and simulator costs.

SkyWest Leasing Segment Profit. SkyWest Leasing profit increased $26.6$5.3 million, or 213.6%13.7%, during the three months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2020,2021, primarily due to the

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increase in aircraft leased to third parties and the acquisition of ten33 new E175 aircraft added to our fleet subsequent to September 30, 2020.2021.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 20202021

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, we had two reportable segments, which were the basis of our internal financial reporting: SkyWest Airlines and SkyWest Leasing. Our segment disclosure relates to components of our business for which separate financial information is available to, and regularly evaluated by, our chief operating decision maker.

For the nine months ended September 30,

(dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Operating Revenues:

SkyWest Airlines operating revenue

$

1,548,422

$

1,172,625

$

375,797

 

32.0

%

SkyWest Leasing operating revenues

 

387,906

 

364,844

 

23,062

 

6.3

%

Total Operating Revenues

$

1,936,328

$

1,537,469

$

398,859

 

25.9

%

Airline Expenses:

SkyWest Airlines airline expense

$

1,509,713

$

1,181,999

$

327,714

 

27.7

%

SkyWest Leasing airline expense

 

277,974

 

310,279

 

(32,305)

 

(10.4)

%

Total Airline Expenses (1)

$

1,787,687

$

1,492,278

$

295,409

 

19.8

%

Segment profit:

SkyWest Airlines segment profit (loss)

$

38,709

$

(9,374)

$

48,083

 

NM

SkyWest Leasing profit

 

109,932

 

54,565

 

55,367

 

101.5

%

Total Segment Profit

$

148,641

$

45,191

$

103,450

 

228.9

%

Interest Income

 

732

 

5,652

 

(4,920)

 

(87.0)

%

Other Income (Expense), net

 

(3,802)

 

1,205

 

(5,007)

 

NM

Consolidated Income Before Taxes

$

145,571

$

52,048

$

93,523

 

179.7

%

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For the nine months ended September 30,

(dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Operating Revenues:

SkyWest Airlines operating revenue

$

1,918,746

$

1,548,422

$

370,324

 

23.9

%

SkyWest Leasing operating revenues

 

404,934

 

387,906

 

17,028

 

4.4

%

Total Operating Revenues

$

2,323,680

$

1,936,328

$

387,352

 

20.0

%

Airline Expenses:

SkyWest Airlines airline expense

$

1,915,245

$

1,509,713

$

405,532

 

26.9

%

SkyWest Leasing airline expense

 

284,517

 

277,974

 

6,543

 

2.4

%

Total Airline Expenses (1)

$

2,199,762

$

1,787,687

$

412,075

 

23.1

%

Segment profit:

SkyWest Airlines segment profit

$

3,501

$

38,709

$

(35,208)

 

(91.0)

%

SkyWest Leasing profit

 

120,417

 

109,932

 

10,485

 

9.5

%

Total Segment Profit

$

123,918

$

148,641

$

(24,723)

 

(16.6)

%

Interest Income

 

9,332

 

732

 

8,600

 

1,174.9

%

Other Income (Expense), net

 

21,011

 

(3,802)

 

24,813

 

(652.6)

%

Consolidated Income Before Taxes

$

154,261

$

145,571

$

8,690

 

6.0

%

NM = Not Meaningful

(1)Total Airline Expenses includes operating expense and interest expenseexpense.

SkyWest Airlines Segment Profit. SkyWest Airlines segment profit increased $48.1decreased $35.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021.

SkyWest Airlines block hour production increaseddecreased slightly to 970,689,969,488, or 37.5%0.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, from 705,810970,689 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, primarily due to demand recovery from reduced flight schedules in response tolabor constraints, including the COVID-19 pandemic.number of available captains. Significant items contributing to the SkyWest Airlines segment profit are set forth below.

SkyWest Airlines operating revenues increased $375.8$370.3 million, or 32.0%23.9%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, to the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, due to increased flight schedules, increased passenger demand under our prorate agreements, and more flights we handled under our airport service agreements, collectively as a result of the demand recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. SkyWest Airlines deferred revenue of $7.7 million of payments receivedadditional aircraft operating under our capacity purchase agreements, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to deferred revenue of $98.6 million recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.as well as temporary rate reductions SkyWest Airlines also provided temporary rate reductions to our major airline partners under our capacity purchase agreements during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, andin response to the COVID-19 demand reduction experienced by our major airline partners in 2021. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2022, SkyWest Airlines recognized $25.8 million of previously deferred revenue and $14.4 million of unbilled revenue on our capacity purchase agreements, compared to deferring revenue of $7.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

SkyWest Airlines airline expense increased $327.7$405.5 million, or 27.7%26.9%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, to the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, due to the following primary factors:

SkyWest Airlines’ salaries, wages and benefits expense increased by $105.4$177.4 million, or 17.2%24.7%, primarily due to an increase inincreased costs to attract and retain aviation professionals and increased direct labor costs that resultedresulting from a significantlythe higher number of flights we operated during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as a result of2022, compared to the ongoing COVID-19 demand recovery.nine months ended September 30, 2021.

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SkyWest Airlines’ aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs expense increaseddecreased by $165.6$95.4 million, or 39.2%16.2%, primarily due to an increase in direct maintenancereliability improvement costs incurred on a portion of SkyWest Airlines’ CRJ700 and CRJ200 fleets intended to extendthroughout the operational performance and reliability of these older aircraft, including increased2021 year, such as engine maintenance expense, forincluded in the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021.
SkyWest Airlines’ depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $14.0$20.4 million, or 8.2%13.0%, primarily due to certain CRJ200 aircraft that became fully depreciated during 2020,since September 30, 2021, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to the acquisition of used CRJ700 aircraft since September 30,, 2020. 2021.

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SkyWest Airlines’ fuel expense increased $31.7$7.5 million, or 69.2%9.6%, due to an increase in our average fuel cost per gallon from $2.37 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, to $4.13 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, offset by a decrease in the number of flights we operated under our prorate agreementsarrangements and athe corresponding increasedecrease in gallons of fuel we purchased and an increase in our average fuel cost per gallon from $1.92 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, to $2.37 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.purchased.
SkyWest Airlines recorded a non-cash impairment charge on its CRJ900 aircraft of $84.6 million. See the Operating Expenses section of “Results of Operations – Nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020” for further discussion on the impairment charge recordedmillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. SkyWest Airlines did not have a comparable non-cash impairment charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
SkyWest Airlines recognized $422.7 million in payroll support grant proceeds as a reduction to our operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $342.1 million recognized2021. SkyWest Airlines did not have a comparable grant for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2022.
SkyWest Airlines’ remaining airline expenses increased $34.8decreased $1.7 million, or 12.7%0.5%, primarily related to an increasea decrease in other operating costs that correspond to the higher number of flights we operateda decrease in our prorate operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, such as crew per diem, crew hotel costssubcontracted airport services, landing fees, and simulator costs.deicing events.

SkyWest Leasing Segment Profit. SkyWest Leasing profit increased $55.4$10.5 million, or 101.5%9.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, primarily due to the increase in aircraft leased to third parties and the acquisition of ten33 new E175 aircraft added to our fleet subsequent to September 30, 2020.2021, offset by the $15.2 million impairment charge related to the write down of assets held for sale.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2021,2022, we had $912.5 million$1.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. As of September 30, 2021,2022, we had $41.0$68.6 million available for borrowings under our line of credit. Given our available liquidity as of September 30, 2021,2022, and given the measures we have implemented to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our financial position and operations, we believe the working capital currently available to us will be sufficient to meet our present financial requirements, including planned capital expenditures, scheduled lease payments, and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months.

Our total cash and marketable securities increased from $825.9 million as December 31, 2020, to $912.5 million as of September 30, 2021, or by $86.6 million. Our total long-term debt, including current maturities decreased from $3,203.7$860.4 million as of December 31, 2020,2021, to $2,965.0 million$1.0 billion as of September 30, 2021,2022, or by $238.7 million. Thus, our total long-term debt, net of cash and marketable securities, decreased from $2,377.8 million as of December 31, 2020, to $2,052.5 million as of September 30, 2021, or $325.3$143.8 million. At September 30, 2021,2022, our total capital mix was 46.5%44.6% equity and 53.5%55.4% long-term debt, compared to 43.3%45.5% equity and 56.7%54.5% long-term debt at December 31, 2020.2021.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 2020,2021, we had $59.5$61.4 million and $61.1 million, respectively, in letters of credit and surety bonds outstanding with various banks and surety institutions. We had no restricted cash as of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 2020.2021.

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Sources and Uses of Cash

Cash Position and Liquidity. The following table provides a summary of the net cash provided by (used in) our operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022 and 2020,2021, and our total cash and marketable securities positions as of September 30, 2021,2022, and December 31, 20202021 (in thousands):

For the nine months ended September 30,

For the nine months ended September 30,

    

2021

    

2020

    

$ Change

    

% Change

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

686,955

$

548,703

$

138,252

25.2

%

$

343,535

$

686,955

$

(343,420)

(50.0)

%

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(396,785)

 

(261,447)

 

(135,338)

 

51.8

%

 

(864,569)

 

(396,785)

 

(467,784)

 

117.9

%

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(234,062)

 

43,766

 

(277,828)

 

(634.8)

%

 

301,463

 

(234,062)

 

535,525

 

(228.8)

%

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

    

    

 

    

September 30,

    

December 31,

    

    

 

2021

2020

$ Change

% Change

2022

2021

$ Change

% Change

Cash and cash equivalents

$

271,831

$

215,723

$

56,108

 

26.0

%

$

38,850

$

258,421

$

(219,571)

 

(85.0)

%

Marketable securities

 

640,673

 

610,185

 

30,488

 

5.0

%

 

965,347

 

601,989

 

363,358

 

60.4

%

Total

$

912,504

$

825,908

$

86,596

 

10.5

%

$

1,004,197

$

860,410

$

143,787

 

16.7

%

Cash Flows provided by Operating Activities

Our cash flows provided by operating activities was $343.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $687.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $548.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021. Our operating cash flows are typically impacted by various factors including our net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses and gains such as depreciation expense, stock-based compensation expense, and gains or losses on the disposal of assets; and timing of cash payments and cash receipts attributed to our various current asset and liability accounts, such as accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenue and deferred payroll support grant proceeds.unbilled revenue.

The increasedecrease in our cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, was primarily due to an increase in netimpairment charge of $84.6 million reflected as a non-cash reconciling addition to income from $37.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, to $107.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and a non-cash impairment charge of $84.6 recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The cash provided by these operating activities were partially offset by a reduction in depreciation expense and deferred revenue, and changes in our current asset and liability accounts, primarily due to the timing of cash payments on our current liability accounts and cash receiptschanges in our deferred revenue and unbilled revenue accounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The operating cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020 also included the benefit from the payroll support grant of $422.7 million and $342.1 million, respectively, partially offset by temporary rate reductions provided to our major airline partners during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020.2021.

Cash Flows used in Investing Activities

Our cash flows used in investing activities was $864.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $396.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to cash flows used in investing activities of $261.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021. Our investing cash flows are typically impacted by various factors including our capital expenditures, such as the acquisition of aircraft and spare engines; deposit payments and refunds of previously made deposits on new aircraft; purchase and sales of marketable securities; proceeds from the sale of assets; and timing of cash payments and cash receipts attributed to our various long-term asset and long-term liability accounts.

The increase in our cash flowCash used in investing activitiesfor the acquisition of property and equipment, net of aircraft deposits applied towards acquired aircraft, increased by $195.9 million from $223.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $419.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, was2022, primarily due to an increase in cashthe purchase of 21 new E175 aircraft during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the purchase of six new E175 aircraft and 10 used CRJ700 aircraft during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Cash used for purchases of marketable securities, net of sales of marketable securities, ofincreased by $337.4 million from $30.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, from $29.2 million in cash provided by sales of marketable securities, net of purchases of marketable securities, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, an increase in deposits on aircraft from $0.6to $367.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2022, resulting from the transfer of cash into marketable securities accounts. Additionally, we reduced cash used on new aircraft deposits to $37.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $100.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, offset by a decrease in our long-term assets resulting frombased on the timing of payments received from our major airline partners attributed to our long-termnew aircraft orders.

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receivables. In 2020, we amended certain debt agreements on our aircraft which suspended our obligation to make debt service payments for an approximately six-month period during 2020. Concurrently, we suspended required aircraft ownership payments due to us from our major airline partners under our capacity purchase agreements during the same period. We anticipate collecting the payments on these long-term receivables from our major airline partners over the remaining contract terms.

Cash Flows provided by (used in) Financing Activities

Our cash flows provided by financing activities was $301.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to cash used in financing activities wasof $234.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $43.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.2021. Our financing cash flows are typically impacted by various factors including proceeds from issuance of debt, principal payments on debt obligations, repurchases of our common stock and payment of cash dividends.

The $277.8$535.5 million increase in cash used inprovided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020,2021, was primarily due to an increase of $331.3$388.1 million in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt primarily related to the acquisition of 21 E175 aircraft and an increase in debt secured by engines during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Additionally, cash used for principal payments on long-term debt decreased $148.7 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2021, to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to paying off a portion of our long-term debt during the additional E175 aircraft acquired subsequent tonine months ended September 30, 2020, repayment of the $60 million U.S. Treasury secured loan, and early repayment of $80.1 million in aircraft debt. The increase was offset by a reduction in cash used to purchase treasury stock and payment of dividends by $20.0 million and $13.1 million, respectively, due to restrictions under our loan agreements with U.S. Treasury.2021.

Significant Commitments and Obligations

General

See Note 7, "Leases, Commitments and Contingencies," to the condensed consolidated financial statements for our commitments and obligations for each of the next five years and thereafter.

Purchase Commitments and Options

As of September 30, 2021,2022, we had a firm purchase commitment for 39eight new E175 aircraft from Embraer with delivery dates anticipated into the first half of 2023. We also have a firm purchase commitment to purchase seven used CRJ700 aircraft with anticipated delivery dates by the end of 2021.2025.

At the time of each aircraft acquisition, we evaluate the financing alternatives available to us, and select one or more of these methods to fund the acquisition. In recent years, we have issued long-term debt to finance our new aircraft. At present, we intend to fund our aircraft purchase commitments through cash on hand and debt financing. Based on current market conditions and discussions with prospective leasing organizations and financial institutions, we currently believe that we will be able to obtain financing for our committed acquisitions, as well as additional aircraft. We intend to finance the firm purchase commitment for 39eight E175 aircraft with approximately 80-85% debt and the remaining balance with cash.

Aircraft Lease and Facility Obligations

We intendalso have significant long-term lease obligations, primarily relating to fundour aircraft fleet. Excluding aircraft financed by our major airline partners that we operate for them under contract, we had 43 aircraft under lease with remaining terms ranging from two years to eight years as of September 30, 2022. Future minimum lease payments due under all long-term operating leases were approximately $238.0 million at September 30, 2022. Assuming a 6.0% discount rate, which is the purchaseaverage incremental borrowing rate we anticipate we would have incurred on debt obtained over a similar term to acquire these assets, the present value of the seven used CRJ700 aircraft through cash on hand.these lease obligations would have been equal to approximately $192.0 million at September 30, 2022.

Long-term Debt Obligations

As of September 30, 2021,2022, we had $2.8$3.1 billion of long-term debt obligations related to the acquisition of aircraft and certain spare engines.aircraft. The average effective interest rate on those long-term debt obligations was approximately 4.0% at September 30, 2021.2022. We also had $200.6 million of long-term debt obligations under the Payroll Support Program Agreement, PSP Extension Agreement,PSP1, PSP2 and Payroll Support Program 3 AgreementPSP3 programs with U.S. Treasury.Treasury and $160.5 million of long-term debt secured by spare engines.

Under our capacity purchase agreements, the major airline partners compensate us for our costs of owning or leasing the aircraft on a monthly basis. The aircraft compensation structure varies by agreement, but is intended to cover either our aircraft principal and interest debt service costs, our aircraft depreciation and interest expense or our aircraft lease expense costs while the aircraft is under contract.

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Guarantees

We have guaranteed the obligations of SkyWest Airlines under the United Express Agreement and the Delta Connection Agreement for the E175 aircraft. In addition, we have guaranteed certain other obligations under SkyWest Airlines’ aircraft financing and leasing agreements.

SeasonalityWe have guaranteed $19.8 million in promissory notes of a third party in event the third party defaults on its payments. The third party’s loans are secured by aircraft and engines.

Seasonality

Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for an entire year, since the airline industry is subject to seasonal fluctuations and general economic conditions. Our operations are somewhat favorably affected by increased travel on our prorate routes, historically occurring during the summer months, and unfavorably affected by decreased travel during the months of November through February and by inclement weather, which may occasionally or frequently, depending on the severity of the inclement weather in any given winter, result in cancelled flights during the winter months. The COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to continue to negatively impact our schedule compared to 2019 schedules (pre-COVID period). The magnitude of the impact will depend on various factors including passenger demand and the related flight schedules we are requested to operate by our major airline partners under our capacity purchase agreements.

ITEM 3:QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Aircraft Fuel

Prior to COVID-19,In the past, we didhave not experience significantexperienced sustained material difficulties with fuel availability. Recently, some of our fuel service providers have experienced logistical challenges transporting fuel to certain airports, that resulted in isolated levels of disruption to our operations. Although there is no assurance such challenges will not get worse in the future,availability, and we currently anticipate we willexpect to be able to obtain fuel at prevailing prices in quantities sufficient to meet our future needs. Pursuant to our contract flying arrangements, United, Delta, American and Alaska have agreed to bear the economic risk of fuel price fluctuations on our contracted flights. We bear the economic risk of fuel price fluctuations on our prorate operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, approximately 16.1%12.0% of our total flying agreements revenue was derived from prorate agreements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, the average price per gallon of aircraft fuel was $2.37.$4.13. For illustrative purposes only, we have estimated the impact of the market risk of fuel price fluctuations on our prorate operations using a hypothetical increase of 25% in the price per gallon we purchase. Based on this hypothetical assumption, we would have incurred an additional $19.4$21.3 million in fuel expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.2022.

Interest Rates

As of September 30, 2021,2022, our long-term debt had fixed interest rates. We currently intend to finance the acquisition of new aircraft through manufacturer financing or long-term borrowings. Changes in interest rates may impact the actual cost to us to acquire future aircraft. To the extent we place new aircraft in service under our capacity purchase agreements with United, Delta, American, Alaska or other carriers, our capacity purchase agreements currently provide that reimbursement rates will be adjusted to reflect the interest rates effective at the closing of the respective aircraft financing.A hypothetical 50 basis point change in market interest rates would not have a material effect on our financial results.

Labor and Inflation Risk

If our costs become subject to significant inflationary pressures, we may not be able to fully offset such higher costs through price increases under our capacity purchase agreements. Salaries, wages and benefits expense represented 42.5% of our total operating expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. For illustrative purposes, a hypothetical increase of 25% in our salaries, wages and benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, would have increased our operating expenses by approximately $224.1 million. In September 2022, we amended our collective bargaining agreement with our pilots, which was in effect for only a portion of our results for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The amended collective bargaining agreement is anticipated to result in an increase to our pilot costs. For illustrative purposes, under SkyWest Airlines’ amended collective bargaining agreement, the first-year pay rate for first officers increased from approximately $46/flight hour to $90/flight hour and the first-year CRJ and E175 captain pay rate increased from approximately $76/flight hour and $81/flight hour, respectively, to $140/flight hour for both CRJ and E175 captains. Our inability or failure to offset a material increase in costs due to inflation and/or labor

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costs could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results. Additionally, in the event we are unable to hire and retain qualified pilots or other operational personnel, including flight attendants and maintenance technicians, we may be unable to operate requested flight schedules under our capacity purchase agreements, which could result in a reduction in revenue and operating inefficiencies, such as incremental new-hire training costs, and could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which have been designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of September 30, 2021,2022, those controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports

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we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021,2022, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to certain legal actions which we consider routine to our business activities. As of September 30, 2021,2022, our management believed, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such legal matters was not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020,2021, and in our other filings with the SEC, which factors could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The risks described in our reports filed with the SEC are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021,2022, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on November 4, 2021.2022.

SKYWEST, INC.

By

/s/ Robert J. Simmons

Robert J. Simmons

Chief Financial Officer

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