SKYWEST INC - Quarter Report: 2007 June (Form 10-Q)

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007

OR

o                                 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.

 

 

444 South River Road

St. George, Utah 84790

(435) 634-3000

Indicate by a 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 x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

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

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

 

 

SKYWEST, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I		FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
		Item 1.		Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2007 (unaudited) and December 31, 2006
				Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
				Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006
				Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
		Item 2.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
		Item 3.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
		Item 4.		Controls and Procedures
PART II		OTHER INFORMATION:
		Item 1.		Legal Proceedings
		Item 1A.		Risk Factors
		Item 2.		Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds
		Item 4.		Submission of matters to a vote of security holders
		Item 6.		Exhibits
				Signature
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

 

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Thousands)

		June 30, 2007			December 31, 2006
		(unaudited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	392,117		$	415,454
Marketable securities		268,283			220,076
Restricted cash		16,525			16,409
Income tax receivable		672			1,819
Receivables, net		58,888			29,431
Inventories		94,551			85,160
Prepaid aircraft rents		239,695			223,320
Deferred tax assets		69,269			58,134
Other current assets		33,964			45,651
Total current assets		1,173,964			1,095,454
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Aircraft and rotable spares		3,167,014			2,931,990
Deposits on aircraft		226			3,219
Buildings and ground equipment		201,386			189,096
		3,368,626			3,124,305
Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization		(644,799		)	(565,852		)
Total property and equipment, net		2,723,827			2,558,453
OTHER ASSETS
Intangible assets, net		29,623			30,748
Other assets		55,105			46,764
Total other assets		84,728			77,512
Total assets		$	3,982,519		$	3,731,419

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SKYWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

		June 30,			December 31,
		2007			2006
		(unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	115,732		$	108,505
Accounts payable		154,911			156,831
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits		66,405			64,451
Accrued aircraft rents		24,456			24,073
Taxes other than income taxes		24,392			16,882
Other current liabilities		43,615			37,689
Total current liabilities		429,511			408,431
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES		36,041			35,405
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities		1,792,481			1,675,626
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES PAYABLE		379,603			327,384
DEFERRED AIRCRAFT CREDITS		120,039			106,280
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—
Common stock, no par value, 120,000,000 shares authorized; 72,119,833 and 70,752,674 shares issued, respectively		526,993			491,405
Retained earnings		792,247			720,784
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,088,673 and 6,794,056 shares, respectively		(92,768		)	(32,551		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,628		)	(1,345		)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,224,844			1,178,293
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	3,982,519		$	3,731,419

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SKYWEST, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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

(Unaudited)

		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2007			2006			2007			2006
Operating revenues:
Passenger		$	846,356		$	784,332		$	1,626,923		$	1,518,758
Ground handling and other		8,692			6,072			17,092			14,501
		855,048			790,404			1,644,015			1,533,259
Operating expenses:
Flying operations		470,900			442,731			880,962			841,197
Customer service		107,774			99,390			225,226			199,066
Maintenance		96,463			73,779			190,952			152,090
Depreciation and amortization		52,175			47,262			102,453			92,751
General and administrative		38,881			37,621			75,993			75,671
		766,193			700,783			1,475,586			1,360,775
Operating income		88,855			89,621			168,429			172,484
Other income (expense):
Interest income		8,130			4,225			15,241			7,132
Interest expense		(31,731		)	(28,519		)	(62,302		)	(57,062		)
Other		278			13			467			(1,084		)
		(23,323		)	(24,281		)	(46,594		)	(51,014		)
Income before income taxes		65,532			65,340			121,835			121,470
Provision for income taxes		24,910			26,054			46,425			47,596
Net income		$	40,622		$	39,286		$	75,410		$	73,874
Basic earnings per share		$	0.64		$	0.62		$	1.18		$	1.21
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.62		$	0.62		$	1.15		$	1.19
Weighted average common shares:
Basic		63,811			62,970			64,045			61,044
Diluted		65,245			63,759			65,541			62,088
Dividends declared per share		$	0.03		$	0.03		$	0.06		$	0.06

 

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)

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2007			2006
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		$	212,949		$	175,304
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable securities		(382,716		)	(13,476		)
Sales of marketable securities		334,226			4,154
Acquisition / Disposition of property and equipment:
Aircraft and rotable spare parts		(255,592		)	(40,673		)
Deposits on aircraft		(8,704		)	(416		)
Buildings and ground equipment		(23,467		)	(6,761		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		11,290			7,322
Increase in other assets		(9,284		)	(12,571		)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(334,247		)	(62,421		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment on lines of credit		—			(90,000		)
Tax benefit from exercise of common stock options		199			1,328
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		177,792			7,093
Return of deposits on aircraft and rotable spare parts		11,697			7,573
Principal payments on long-term debt		(53,710		)	(46,270		)
Purchase of treasury stock		(60,217		)	—
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock		26,106			110,097
Payment of cash dividends		(3,906		)	(3,603		)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES		97,961			(13,782		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(23,337		)	99,101
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		415,454			140,614
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD		$	392,117		$	239,715
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, net of capitalized amounts		$	59,476		$	56,312
Income taxes		$	216		$	1,284

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SKYWEST, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

Note A — Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The condensed consolidated financial statements of SkyWest, Inc. (“SkyWest” or “the Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest Airlines”) and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc. (“ASA”) included herein have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although SkyWest 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. The Company suggests that these condensed consolidated financial statements 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, 2006.  The results of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 from those estimates and assumptions.

Note B — Passenger and Ground Handling Revenue

The Company recognizes passenger and ground handling revenues when the service is provided.  Under the Company’s contract and pro-rate flying agreements with Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”), United Air Lines, Inc. (“United”) and Midwest Airlines, Inc. (“Midwest”), revenue is considered earned when the flight is completed.

SkyWest Airlines and ASA have each entered into a Delta Connection Agreement with Delta, pursuant to which SkyWest Airlines and ASA provide contract flight services for Delta. Each of the Delta Connection Agreements provides for a fifteen-year term, subject to early termination by Delta,  SkyWest Airlines or ASA, as applicable, upon the occurrence of certain events.  Delta’s termination rights include (i) cross-termination rights between the two Delta Connection Agreements, (ii) the right to terminate each of the Delta Connection Agreements upon the occurrence of certain force majeure events, including certain labor-related events, that prevent SkyWest Airlines or ASA from performance for certain periods, and (iii) the right to terminate each of the Delta Connection Agreements if SkyWest Airlines or ASA fails to maintain competitive base rate costs, subject to certain adjustment rights.  In addition to the termination rights, Delta has the right to extend the term of the Delta Connection Agreements upon the occurrence of certain events or at the expiration of the initial term.  SkyWest Airlines and ASA have the right to terminate their respective Delta Connection Agreement upon the occurrence of certain breaches by Delta, including the failure to cure payment defaults.  SkyWest Airlines and ASA also have cross-termination rights between the two Delta Connection Agreements.

Under the terms of the SkyWest Airlines Delta Connection Agreement, Delta has agreed to compensate the Company for the direct costs associated with operating the Delta Connection flights, plus a payment based on block hours flown.  The SkyWest Airlines Delta Connection Agreement established a multi-year rate reset provision.  Under the terms of the ASA Delta Connection Agreement, Delta has agreed to compensate ASA for its direct costs associated with operating the Delta Connection flights, plus, if ASA completes a certain minimum percentage of its Delta Connection flights, an additional percentage of such costs.  Additionally, ASA’s Delta Connection Agreement provides for the payment of incentive compensation upon satisfaction of certain performance goals.  Under the ASA Delta Connection Agreement, excess margins over certain percentages must be returned or shared with Delta, depending on various conditions.  The parties to the Delta Connection Agreements make customary representations, warranties and covenants, and the agreements contain other provisions typical of agreements of this kind, including with respect to various operational, marketing and administrative matters.

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Effective July 31, 2003, SkyWest Airlines entered into the United Express Agreement, which sets forth the principal terms and conditions governing the Company’s United Express operations.  Under the terms of the United Express Agreement, SkyWest Airlines is compensated primarily on a fee-per-completed-block hour and departure basis and is reimbursed for fuel and other costs.  Additionally, SkyWest Airlines is eligible for incentive compensation upon the achievement of certain performance criteria.

SkyWest Airlines and Midwest are parties to an Airlines Services Agreement entered into on December 20, 2006 (the “Airline Services Agreement”). Under the terms of the Airlines Services Agreement, SkyWest Airlines has agreed to operate up to 25 Bombardier CRJ200 Regional Jets (“CRJ200s”) under Midwest’s code.  In exchange for providing the designated number of flights and performing other obligations under the Airlines Service Agreement, Midwest has agreed to pay SkyWest Airlines on a weekly basis a fixed-fee per completed block hour, fixed-fee per completed departure, a fixed-fee for overhead, and a one-time start-up payment for each aircraft delivered. The Airlines Services Agreement provides for incentives or penalties based upon SkyWest Airlines’ performance, including on-time arrival performance and completion percentage rates. Additionally, Midwest has agreed to reimburse certain of SkyWest Airlines’ operating costs, including costs related to fuel, landing fees, and catering.

The Company’s revenues could be impacted by a number of factors, including changes to the Company’s code-share agreements with Delta, United and Midwest, contract modifications resulting from contract re-negotiations and the Company’s ability to earn incentive payments contemplated under the Company’s code-share agreements.

Note C — Stock Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), using the modified-prospective-transition method.  Under the modified-prospective-transition method, compensation cost recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006 and granted or modified subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123.

The fair value of stock options has been estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the Company granted options to purchase 383,601 and 21,628 shares of common stock, respectively, to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries under the SkyWest, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Incentive Plan”).  The following table shows the assumptions used and weighted average fair value for grants in the six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the Company granted 309,506 and 2,067 shares of restricted stock, respectively, to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries under the 2006 Incentive Plan. The restricted stock has a three-year vesting period, during which the recipient must remain employed with SkyWest or one of SkyWest’s subsidiaries.  Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the Company granted 16,714 and 1,109 fully-vested shares of common stock, respectively, to the Company’s directors.  The weighted average fair value of the stock on the date of grant was $26.85 per share.

As required by SFAS 123(R), the Company records share-based compensation expense only for those options that are expected to vest.  The estimated fair value of the stock options is amortized over the vesting period of the respective stock option grants.  During the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded pre-tax equity-based compensation expense of $3.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively.   During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded pre-tax equity-based compensation expense of $7.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

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Note D — 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. During the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, options to acquire 22,000 and 1,265,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS as their impact was anti-dilutive.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, options to acquire 192,000  and 633,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS as their impact was anti-dilutive.

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

		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2007			2006			2007			2006
		(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Numerator
Net Income		$	40,622		$	39,286		$	75,410		$	73,874
Denominator
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		63,811			62,970			64,045			61,044
Effect of outstanding stock compensation		1,434			789			1,496			1,044
Weighted average number of shares for Diluted net income per common share		65,245			63,759			65,541			62,088
Basic earnings per share		$	0.64		$	0.62		$	1.18		$	1.21
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.62		$	0.62		$	1.15		$	1.19

 

Note E — Comprehensive Income

The Company reports comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. Comprehensive income includes charges and credits to stockholders’ equity that are not the result of transactions with shareholders.  Also, comprehensive income consisted of net income plus changes in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on marketable securities, net of tax, for the periods indicated (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2007			2006			2007			2006
		(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Net Income		$	40,622		$	39,286		$	75,410		$	73,874
Unrealized depreciation on marketable securities, net of tax		(345		)	(206		)	(283		)	(437		)
Comprehensive income		$	40,277		$	39,080		$	75,127		$	73,437

 

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Note F — Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following for the periods indicated (in thousands):

		June 30, 2007			December 31,  2006
		(Unaudited)
Notes payable to banks, due in semi-annual installments, variable interest based on LIBOR, or with interest rates ranging from 5.41% to 7.87% through 2012 to 2020, secured by aircraft		$	600,480		$	623,071
Notes payable to a financing company, due in semi-annual installments, variable interest based on LIBOR, or with interest rates ranging from 5.59% to 7.52% through 2007 to 2021, secured by aircraft		628,066			643,826
Notes payable to banks, due in semi-annual installments plus interest at 6.06% to 7.18% through 2021, secured by aircraft		273,927			281,999
Notes payable to a financing company, due in semi-annual installments plus interest at 5.78% to 6.23% through 2019, secured by aircraft		83,522			86,375
Notes payable to a financing company, due in monthly installments plus interest at 6.47% to 8.18% through 2025, secured by aircraft		276,998			101,254
Notes payable to banks, due in monthly installments plus interest of 6.05% to 7.37% through 2020, secured by aircraft		28,640			29,545
Notes payable to banks, due in semi-annual installments, plus interest at 3.72% to 3.86%, net of the benefits of interest rate subsidies through the Brazilian Export financing program, through 2011, secured by aircraft		9,849			11,105
Notes payable to a bank, due in monthly installments interest based on LIBOR through 2012, interest rate at 7.9% secured by building		6,731			6,956
Long-term debt		$	1,908,213		$	1,784,131
Less current maturities		(115,732		)	(108,505		)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		$	1,792,481		$	1,675,626

 

At June 30, 2007, the three-month and six-month LIBOR rates were 5.36% and 5.39%, respectively.   At December 31, 2006, the three-month and six-month LIBOR rates were 5.36% and 5.37%, respectively.

Note G — Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases 285 aircraft, as well as airport facilities, office space, and various other property and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases which are generally on a long-term net rent basis where 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, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases.  The following table summarizes future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of June 30, 2007 (in thousands):

 

On November 21, 2006, the Company announced that SkyWest Airlines had been selected by Delta to operate 12 new CRJ700s previously operated by Comair Inc.  Ten of the 12 CRJ700s were delivered by June 30, 2007 and the remaining two CRJ700s are scheduled to be delivered by September 2007.  On December 21, 2006, the Company announced that SkyWest Airlines was selected by Midwest to enter into an Airline Services Agreement, under which SkyWest Airlines intends to operate up to 25 CRJ200s.  Twelve of the initial 15 CRJ200s to be operated for Midwest were delivered as of June 30, 2007.  As of June 30, 2007, the Company had total firm aircraft orders and commitments to operate three CRJ200s to be acquired through third-party lease arrangements and two CRJ700’s to be subleased from Delta. Total expenditures for these aircraft and related flight equipment, including amounts for contractual price escalations are estimated to be approximately $38.5 million through October 2007.

Note H — Legal Matters

The Company is subject to certain legal actions which the Company considers routine to its business activities.  As of June 30, 2007, the Company’s management believed, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such legal matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Note I — Stock Repurchase

On March 8, 2007, the Company announced that is has been authorized by its Board of Directors to repurchase up to 5 million shares of outstanding stock.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock for approximately $60.2 million at a weighted average price per share of $26.22.

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

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 SkyWest’s outlook, the revenue environment, SkyWest’s contract relationships, and SkyWest’s expected financial performance.  These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about SkyWest’s future growth and development plans, including SkyWest’s future financial and operating results, SkyWest’s plans for SkyWest Airlines and ASA, SkyWest’s objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts.  You should also keep in mind that all forward-looking statements are based on SkyWest’s existing beliefs about present and future events outside of SkyWest’s 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, SkyWest’s actual results will vary, and may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected, or intended.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described below in Item 1A., Risk Factors, and the following:

·                                         SkyWest is subject to risks associated with its development of  a new code sharing relationship with Midwest;

·                                         SkyWest may be negatively impacted by the troubled financial condition and restructurings of Delta and United; and

·                                         other factors as set forth in SkyWest’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in SkyWest’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

There may be other factors not identified above of which SkyWest is not currently aware that may affect matters discussed in the forward-looking statements, and may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed.  SkyWest assumes 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 law.

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

Overview

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 six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006. Also discussed is our financial position as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our

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consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Report.  This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the sections of this Report entitled “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

Overview

Through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest Airlines”) and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Inc. (“ASA”), we operate the largest regional airline in the United States.  As of June 30, 2007, SkyWest Airlines and ASA offered scheduled passenger and air freight service with approximately 2,700 total daily departures to 240 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Additionally, we provide ground handling services for approximately ten other airlines.  As of June 30, 2007, our consolidated fleet consisted of 434 aircraft, including 243 Bombardier CRJ200 Regional Jets (“CRJ200s”) (65 assigned to United Air Lines, Inc. (“United”), 166 assigned to Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”) and 12 assigned to Midwest Airlines, Inc. (“Midwest”)), 102 Bombardier CRJ700 Regional Jets (“CRJ700s”) (52 assigned to United and 50 assigned to Delta), 17 Bombardier CRJ900 Regional Jets (“CRJ900s”) (all assigned to Delta), 60 Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia turboprops (“Brasilia turboprops”) (48 assigned to United and 12 assigned to Delta), and 12 Avions de Transport 72-210 turboprops (“ATR-72 turboprops”) (all assigned to Delta).  We believe our success in attracting multiple contractual relationships with major airline partners is attributable to our delivery of high-quality customer service with an all cabin-class fleet at a competitive cost structure.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007, approximately 60% of our aggregate capacity was operated under the Delta code, approximately 39% was operated under the United code and approximately 1% was operated under the Midwest code.

SkyWest Airlines has been a partner with Delta in Salt Lake City and United in Los Angeles since 1987 and 1997, respectively.  In 1998, SkyWest Airlines expanded its relationship with United to provide service in Portland, Seattle/Tacoma, San Francisco and additional Los Angeles markets.  In 2004, SkyWest Airlines expanded its United Express operations to provide service in Chicago.  As of June 30, 2007, SkyWest Airlines operated as a Delta Connection carrier in Salt Lake City and Atlanta, and as United Express carrier in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, operating approximately 1,850 total daily flights.

ASA has been a code-share partner with Delta in Atlanta since 1984.  ASA expanded its operations as a Delta Connection carrier to also include Cincinnati and Salt Lake City in September 2002 and April 2003, respectively.  ASA operates approximately 870 daily flights, all in the Delta Connection system.

We provide a substantial majority of regional airline service for Delta in Atlanta and Salt Lake City.  In connection with our acquisition of ASA in September 2005, we established new, separate, but substantially similar, long-term fixed-fee Delta Connection Agreements with Delta for both SkyWest Airlines and ASA.  We also obtained the right to use 29 gates in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport located in Atlanta, from which we currently provide service to Delta.  Delta has also agreed that, starting in 2008, if Delta solicits requests for proposals to fly Delta Connection regional aircraft, ASA will be permitted to bid to maintain the same percentage of total Delta Connection regional jet flights that it flies during 2007, and, if ASA does not achieve the winning bid for the proposed flying, ASA will be permitted to match the terms of the winning bid to the extent necessary for ASA to maintain its percentage of Delta Connection regional jet flying that it operated during 2007.

Historically, multiple contractual relationships have enabled us to reduce reliance on any single major airline code and to enhance and stabilize operating results through a mix of contract flying and our controlled or “pro-rate” flying.  For the six months ended June 30, 2007, contract flying revenue and pro-rate revenue represented approximately 95% and 5%, respectively, of our total passenger revenue. On contract 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 the completed block hours, flight departures and other operating measures.  On pro-rate flights, we control scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories and receive a pro-rated portion of passenger fares.  As of June 30, 2007, essentially all of our Brasilia turboprops flown for Delta were flown under pro-rate arrangements, while approximately 63% of our Brasilia turboprops flown in the United system were flown under contractual arrangements, with the remaining 37% flown under pro-rate arrangements.

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Financial Highlights

We had revenues of $855.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, an 8.2% increase, compared to $790.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  We had net income of $40.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, an increase of 3.4%, or $0.62 per diluted share compared to $39.3 million of net income or $0.62 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

We had revenues of $1.64 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2007, a 7.2% increase, compared to $1.53 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  We had net income of $75.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, an increase of 2.1%, or $1.15 per diluted share compared to $73.9 million of net income or $1.19 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Total ASMs for the six months ended June 30, 2007  increased 13.6%, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of an increase in our fleet size to 434 aircraft as of June 30, 2007, from 397 aircraft as of June 30, 2006.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we took delivery of eight new CRJ900s and acquired ten used CRJ700s and eight used CRJ 200s from another operator.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we generated 11.10 billion ASMs, compared to 9.77 billion ASMs during the same period of 2006.

At June 30, 2007, we had approximately $676.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities, compared to approximately $651.9 million as of December 31, 2006.  Of the eight new CRJ900s we acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2007, we financed seven aircraft under long-term debt arrangements and one aircraft under a lease arrangement.  The ten CRJ700s we acquired during the six months ended June 30, 2007 were acquired under sublease arrangements with a major partner at nominal monthly amounts. Of the eight CRJ200s, we financed seven aircraft under  lease arrangements and one was purchased with cash.

Outlook

From July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, we intend to take delivery of three CRJ 200s (which we intend to assign to Midwest) and two CRJ 700s (assigned to Delta).

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which are presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2007.  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 maintenance, aircraft leases, impairment of long-lived assets and intangibles and stock-based compensation expense. 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 differ, and could differ materially from such estimates.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006

     Operating Statistics.   The following table sets forth our major operational statistics and the percentage-of-change for the quarters identified below.

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		For the three months ended June 30,
		2007		2006		% Change
Passengers carried		8,932,439		8,144,992		9.7	%
Revenue passenger miles (000)		4,661,303		4,054,908		15.0	%
Available seat miles (000)		5,803,018		5,070,300		14.5	%
Passenger load factor		80.3	%	80.0	%	0.3	pts
Passenger breakeven load factor		74.9	%	73.8	%	1.10	pts
Yield per revenue passenger mile		18.2	¢	19.3	¢	(5.7	)%
Revenue per available seat mile		14.7	¢	15.6	¢	(5.8	)%
Cost per available seat mile		13.8	¢	14.4	¢	(4.2	)%
Fuel cost per available seat mile		4.8	¢	5.2	¢	(7.7	)%
Average passenger trip length (miles)		522		498		4.8	%

 

Revenue Passenger Miles and Available Seat Miles.  Our total revenue passenger miles, or RPMs, generated during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 increased 15.0% from the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  Our total available seat miles, or ASMs, generated during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 increased 14.5% from the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in RPMs and ASMs was primarily a result of increasing the size of our aircraft fleet from 397 as of June 30, 2006 to 434 as of June 30, 2007.  Additionally, our average passenger trip length increased from 498 miles as of June 30, 2006 to 522 miles as of June 30, 2007, primarily due to the increased number of CRJ700s and CRJ900s placed into service since June 30, 2006, which typically operate over longer stage lengths.

Passengers Carried and Passenger Load Factor.  Our passenger load factor increased to 80.3% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from 80.0% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, approximately 98% of our ASMs were generated by our contract flying, where Delta, United or Midwest controls scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories.  Our contract-flying routes primarily supplement Delta, United and Midwest mainline service in previously established and developed markets.  Changes made by Delta, United and Midwest in their respective ticket pricing, scheduling and seat inventories impact our load factor.

Revenue per Available Seat Mile.  Our revenue per ASM decreased to 14.7¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from 15.6¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  Under our contract flying arrangements with Delta and United, we are compensated for our direct fuel expenses, which we record as revenue.  The average cost per gallon of fuel increased to $2.37 per gallon during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from $2.01 during the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  Beginning in January 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of Chicago.  Additionally, beginning June 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of San Francisco and Los Angeles, which reduced our fuel costs and related compensation (reflected as passenger revenue) compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

Our operating revenues increased 8.2% to $855.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $790.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to the increase in our fleet size from 397 aircraft as of June 30, 2006 to 434 aircraft as of June 30, 2007.

Our passenger revenues, which represented 99.0% of our consolidated operating revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, increased 7.9% to $846.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from $784.3 million, or 99.2% of consolidated operating revenues, for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  Our passenger revenues, excluding fuel reimbursements from major partners, increased 9.0% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in passenger revenues excluding fuel was primarily due to a 14.5% increase in ASMs, principally as a result of our increase in operating aircraft to 434 aircraft as of June 30, 2007, from 397 aircraft as of June 30, 2006.  The increase in passenger revenues excluding fuel was less than the increase in ASMs, primarily due to operating efficiencies obtained from increased stage lengths flown by our regional jets.

Our total ground handling and other revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 increased approximately 43.1% from the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily related to higher volume of flights serviced under ground handling contracts with United and Delta, whereby we perform ground handling services for ten other airlines.

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Cost per Available Seat Mile.  Our cost per ASM decreased to 13.8¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from 14.4¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the decrease in our cost of fuel per ASM to 4.8¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from 5.2¢  for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, as discussed above.  Changes in the components of our other operating expenses are discussed in the table below.

The following table sets forth information regarding our operating expense components for the quarters ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. Individual expense components are also expressed as cents per ASM.

		Three months ended June 30,
		2007							2006
		Amount			Percentage of Revenue		Cents per ASM		Amount			Percentage of Revenue		Cents Per ASM
		(in thousands)							(in thousands)
Salaries, wages and employee benefits		$	183,589		21.5	%	3.2		$	165,850		21.0	%	3.3
Aircraft costs		125,000			14.6	%	2.2		117,587			14.9	%	2.3
Maintenance		71,635			8.4	%	1.2		51,576			6.5	%	1.0
Fuel		276,155			32.3	%	4.8		263,868			33.4	%	5.2
Other airline expenses		109,814			12.8	%	1.9		101,903			12.8	%	2.0
Interest		31,731			3.7	%	0.5		28,518			3.6	%	0.6
Total airline expenses		$	797,924				13.8		$	729,302				14.4

 

Salary Wages and Employee Benefits.  The cost per ASM for salaries, wages and employee benefits decreased to 3.2¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to 3.3¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The average number of full-time equivalent employees increased 11.7% to 14,892 for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from 13,335 for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in number of employees was primarily due the additional personnel required to operate the additional aircraft placed into service between June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007, and related ground handling operations.

Aircraft Costs.  The cost per ASM for aircraft costs, including aircraft rent and depreciation, decreased to 2.2¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from 2.3¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the addition of ten CRJ700s and 17 CRJ900s between June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007. CRJ 700s and CRJ 900s have lower ownership costs per ASM than our CRJ200 and turboprop fleets.

Maintenance.  The cost per ASM for maintenance expense increased to 1.2¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to 1.0¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily related to the timing of engine overhaul events on aircraft operated under the Delta code and other direct maintenance events during the quarter ended June 30, 2007.  Under our United Express Agreement, specific amounts are included in the rates and charges for mature maintenance on regional jet engines that we record as revenue.  However, consistent with the direct expense maintenance policy, we record maintenance expense on our CRJ200 engines as it is incurred.  As a result, during the quarter ended June 30, 2007, we collected and recorded as revenue $7.5 million (pretax) under the United Express Agreement to compensate us for future engine maintenance overhauls, with no corresponding expense relative to CRJ200 engine maintenance overhauls.  Because the “Maintenance” line in the table above does not include salaries, wages and employee benefits associated with our maintenance operations (those costs are included in the “Salary, wages and employee benefits” line in the table above), the “Maintenance” expense line in the above table differs from the “Maintenance” line in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

Fuel.  The cost per ASM for fuel decreased 7.7% to 4.8¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from 5.2¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The average cost per gallon of fuel increased to $2.37 per gallon during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 from $2.33 during the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  Beginning in January 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of Chicago.  Additionally, beginning June 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of San Francisco and Los Angles, which reduced our fuel costs and related compensation (reflected as passenger revenue) compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

Other airline expenses.  The cost per ASM for other airline expenses, primarily consisting of landing fees, station rentals, computer reservation system fees and hull and liability insurance, decreased 5.0% to 1.9¢ for the quarters ended June 30,

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2007, from 2.0¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the increased operating efficiencies obtained from increased stage lengths flown by our regional jets.

Interest.  The cost per ASM for interest expense decreased 16.7% to 0.5¢ for the quarters ended June 30, 2007, from 0.6¢ for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the addition of  17 CRJ900s between June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007. CRJ 900s have lower ownership costs per ASM than CRJ200 and turboprop fleets.

Total Airline Expenses. Total airline expenses (consisting of total operating and interest expenses) increased 9.4% to $797.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $729.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in total airline expense was primarily due the 14.5% increase in ASMs (which resulted principally from the increase in our fleet and the increase in the average passenger trip length).  As a percentage of total operating revenues, total airline expenses increased to 93.3% for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, from 92.3% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in total airline expenses as a percentage of consolidated operating revenues was primarily due to increases in salaries, wages and benefits and maintenance costs as described above.

Total Airline Expenses Excluding Fuel.  Total airline expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, excluding fuel charges (which are substantially reimbursable by our major partners), increased approximately 12.1% from the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily a result of a 14.5% increase in ASMs (which resulted principally from the increase in our fleet and the increase in the average passenger trip length).  Total operating expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 increased at a lower rate than ASM growth, primarily due to the increased operating efficiencies obtained from increased stage lengths flown by our regional jets.

Net Income.  Net income increased to $40.6 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to $39.3 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.  Factors relating to the change in net income are discussed above.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 and 2006

Operating Statistics.   The following table sets forth our major operational statistics and the percentage-of-change for the periods identified below.

		For the six months ended June 30,
		2007		2006		% Change
Passengers carried		16,755,545		15,553,706		7.7	%
Revenue passenger miles (000)		8,685,859		7,701,308		12.8	%
Available seat miles (000)		11,096,920		9,772,278		13.6	%
Passenger load factor		78.3	%	78.8	%	(0.5	) pts
Passenger breakeven load factor		73.2	%	72.9	%	0.3	pts
Yield per revenue passenger mile		18.7	¢	19.7	¢	(5.1	)%
Revenue per available seat mile		14.8	¢	15.7	¢	(5.7	)%
Cost per available seat mile		13.9	¢	14.5	¢	(4.1	)%
Fuel cost per available seat mile		4.5	¢	5.0	¢	(10.0	)%
Average passenger trip length (miles)		518		495		4.6	%

 

Revenue Passenger Miles and Available Seat Miles.  Our total RPMs generated during the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased 12.8% from the six months ended June 30, 2006.  Our total ASMs generated during the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased 13.6% from the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in RPMs and ASMs was primarily a result of increasing the size of our aircraft fleet from 397 as of June 30, 2006 to 434 as of June 30, 2007.  Additionally, our average passenger trip length increased from 495 miles as of June 30, 2006 to 518 miles as of June 30, 2007, primarily due to the increased number of CRJ700s and CRJ900s placed into service since June 30, 2006, which typically operate over longer stage lengths.

Passengers Carried and Passenger Load Factor.  Our passenger load factor decreased to 78.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 78.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007, approximately 98% of our ASMs were generated by our contract flying, where Delta, United or Midwest controls scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat inventories.  Our contract-flying routes primarily supplement Delta, United and Midwest mainline

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service in previously established and developed markets.  Changes made by Delta, United and Midwest in their respective ticket pricing, scheduling and seat inventories impact our load factor.

Revenue per Available Seat Mile.  Our revenue per ASM decreased to 14.8¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 15.7¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  Under our contract flying arrangements with Delta and United, we are compensated for our direct fuel expenses, which we record as revenue.  The average cost per gallon of fuel decreased to $2.20 per gallon during the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $2.21 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. Beginning in January 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of Chicago. Additionally, beginning June 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of San Francisco and Los Angles, which reduced our fuel costs and related compensation (reflected as passenger revenue) compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Our operating revenues increased 7.2% to $1,644.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $1,533.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to the increase in our fleet size from 397 aircraft as of June 30, 2006 to 434 aircraft as of June 30, 2007.

Our passenger revenues, which represented 99.0% of our consolidated operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007, increased 7.1% to $1,626.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from $1,518.8 million, or 99.1% of consolidated operating revenues, for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  Our passenger revenues, excluding fuel reimbursements from major partners, increased 9.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in passenger revenues excluding fuel was primarily due to a 13.6% increase in ASMs, principally as a result of our increase in operating aircraft to 434 aircraft as of June 30, 2007, from 397 aircraft as of June 30, 2006.  The increase in passenger revenues excluding fuel was less than the increase in ASMs, primarily due to operating efficiencies obtained from increased stage lengths flown by our regional jets.

Our total ground handling and other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased approximately 17.9% from the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily related to higher volume of flights serviced under ground handling contracts with United and Delta, whereby we perform ground handling services for ten other airlines.

Cost per Available Seat Mile.  Our cost per ASM decreased to 13.9¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from 14.5¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the decrease in our cost of fuel per ASM to 4.5¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 5.0¢  for the six months ended June 30, 2006, as discussed above.  Changes in the components of our other operating expenses are discussed in the table below.

The following table sets forth information regarding our operating expense components for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. Individual expense components are also expressed as cents per ASM.

		Six months ended June 30,
		2007							2006
		Amount			Percentage of Revenue		Cents per ASM		Amount			Percentage of Revenue		Cents Per ASM
		(in thousands)							(in thousands)
Salaries, wages and employee benefits		$	368,787		22.4	%	3.3		$	331,175		21.6	%	3.3
Aircraft costs		247,493			15.1	%	2.2		231,424			15.1	%	2.4
Maintenance		141,558			8.6	%	1.3		106,754			7.0	%	1.1
Fuel		494,207			30.1	%	4.5		488,531			31.9	%	5.0
Other airline expenses		223,541			13.6	%	2.0		202,892			13.2	%	2.1
Interest		62,302			3.8	%	0.6		57,061			3.7	%	0.6
Total airline expenses		$	1,537,888				13.9		$	1,417,837				14.5

 

Salary Wages and Employee Benefits.  The cost per ASM for salaries, wages and employee benefits remained constant at 3.3¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  The average number of full-time equivalent employees increased 13.9% to 15,038 for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 13,207 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase

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in number of employees was primarily due the additional personnel required to operate the additional aircraft placed into service between June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007, and related ground handling operations.

Aircraft Costs.  The cost per ASM for aircraft costs, including aircraft rent and depreciation, decreased to 2.2¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from 2.4¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the addition of ten CRJ700s and 17 CRJ900s between June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007. CRJ700s and CRJ900s have lower ownership costs per ASM than our existing CRJ200 and turboprop fleets.

Maintenance.  The cost per ASM for maintenance expense increased to 1.3¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 1.1¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily related to the timing of engine overhaul events on aircraft operated under the Delta code and other direct maintenance events during the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Under our United Express Agreement, specific amounts are included in the rates and charges for mature maintenance on regional jet engines that we record as revenue.  However, consistent with the direct expense maintenance policy, we record maintenance expense on our CRJ200 engines as it is incurred.  As a result, during the six months ended June 30, 2007, we collected and recorded as revenue $14.8 million (pretax) under the United Express Agreement to compensate us for future engine maintenance overhauls, with no corresponding expense relative to CRJ200 engine maintenance overhauls.  Because the “Maintenance” line in the table above does not include salaries, wages and employee benefits associated with our maintenance operations (those costs are included in the “Salary, wages and employee benefits” line in the table above), the “Maintenance” expense line in the above table differs from the “Maintenance” line in our condensed consolidated statements of income.

Fuel.  The cost per ASM for fuel decreased 10.0% to 4.5¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 5.0¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The average cost per gallon of fuel decreased to $2.20 per gallon during the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $2.21 during the six months ended June 30, 2006. Beginning in January 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of Chicago.  Additionally, beginning June 2007, United began to purchase fuel directly from a fuel vendor for our aircraft operated out of San Francisco and Los Angles, which reduced our fuel costs and related compensation (reflected as passenger revenue) compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Other airline expenses.  The cost per ASM for other airline expenses, primarily consisting of landing fees, station rentals, computer reservation system fees and hull and liability insurance, decreased 4.8% to 2.0¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 2.1¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The decrease in cost per ASM was primarily due to the increased operating efficiencies obtained from increased stage lengths flown by our regional jets.

Interest.  The cost per ASM for interest expense remained constant at 0.6¢ for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.

Total Airline Expenses. Total airline expenses (consisting of total operating and interest expenses) increased 8.5% to $1.537.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $1,417.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in total airline expense was primarily due the 13.6% increase in ASMs (which resulted principally from the increase in our fleet and the increase in the average passenger trip length).  As a percentage of total operating revenues, total airline expenses increased to 93.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, from 92.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase in total airline expenses as a percentage of consolidated operating revenues was primarily due to increases in salaries, wages and benefits and maintenance costs as described above.

Total Airline Expenses Excluding Fuel.  Total airline expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007, excluding fuel charges (which are substantially reimbursable by our major partners), increased approximately 12.3% from the six months ended June 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily a result of a 13.6% increase in ASMs (which resulted principally from the increase in our fleet size and the increase in the average passenger trip length).  Total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2007 increased at a lower rate than ASM growth, primarily due to the increased operating efficiencies obtained from increased stage lengths flown by our regional jets.

Net Income.  Net income increased to $75.4 million, or $1.15 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2007,  compared to $73.9 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2006.  Factors relating to the change in net income are discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We had working capital of $744.5 million and a current ratio of 2.7:1 at June 30, 2007, compared to working capital of $687.0 million and a current ratio of 2.7:1 at December 31, 2006. The increase in working capital was principally attributable

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to the cash generated from our operations during the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The principal sources of cash during the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $177.8 million in proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, $212.9 million provided by operating activities, $26.1 million from the sale of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options under our stock option and employee stock purchase plans, $11.7 million from returns on aircraft deposits, $11.3 million of proceeds from the sale of property and equipment and $0.2 million in tax benefit from exercise options to purchase shares of common stock.  We invested $255.6 million in flight equipment, made principal payments on long-term debt of $53.7 million, invested $9.3 million in other assets, spent $23.5 million for buildings and ground equipment,  paid $8.7 million in deposits for aircraft, purchased $48.5 million of marketable securities, repurchased $60.2 million of outstanding shares of our common stock and paid $3.9 million in cash dividends.  These factors resulted in a $23.3 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the six months ended June 30, 2007.

We believe that in the absence of unusual circumstances, the working capital currently available to us will be sufficient to meet our present financial requirements, including expansion, planned capital expenditures, and scheduled lease payments and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months.

Our position in marketable securities, consisting primarily of bonds, bond funds and commercial paper, increased to $268.3 million at June 30, 2007, compared to $220.1 million at December 31, 2006.  The increase in marketable securities was due primarily to the $212.9 million in cash provided through operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

At June 30, 2007, our total capital mix was 40.6% equity and 59.4% long-term debt, compared to 41.3% equity and 58.7% long-term debt at December 31, 2006.

On March 8, 2007, we announced that our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of shares of our outstanding common stock.  We are currently authorized to repurchase up to five million outstanding shares of common stock.  During the quarter ended June 30, 2007, we repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares of common stock for approximately $60.2 million at a weighted average price per share of $26.22.

Significant Commitments and Obligations

General

The following table summarizes our commitments and obligations stated in calendar years except as noted for each of the next five years and thereafter (in thousands):

		Total			July-Dec 2007			2008			2009			2010			2011			Thereafter
Firm aircraft Commitments		$	38,500		$	38,500		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Operating lease payments for aircraft and facility obligations		3,332,903			140,088			302,476			309,164			297,428			290,804			1,992,943
Principal maturities on long-term debt		1,908,213			57,262			118,202			123,395			128,832			132,188			1,348,334
Total commitments and obligations		$	5,279,616		$	235,850		$	420,678		$	432,559		$	426,260		$	422,992		$	3,341,277

 

Purchase Commitments and Options

On November 21, 2006, we announced that SkyWest Airlines had been selected by Delta to operate 12 new CRJ700s previously operated by Comair Inc.  Ten of the 12 CRJ700s were delivered by June 30, 2007 and the remaining two CRJ700s

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are scheduled to be delivered by September 2007.  On December 21, 2006, we announced that SkyWest Airlines was selected by Midwest to enter into an Airline Services Agreement, under which SkyWest Airlines intends to operate up to 25 CRJ200s.  Twelve of the initial 15 CRJ200s to be operated for Midwest were delivered as of June 30, 2007.  As of June 30, 2007, we had total firm aircraft orders and commitments to operate three CRJ200s to be acquired through third-party lease arrangements and two CRJ700’s to be subleased from Delta. Total expenditures for these aircraft and related flight equipment, including amounts for contractual price escalations are estimated to be approximately $38.5 million through October 2007.

We have not historically funded a substantial portion of our aircraft acquisitions with working capital.  Rather, we have generally funded our aircraft acquisitions through a combination of operating leases and debt financing.  At the time of each aircraft acquisition, we evaluate the financing alternatives available, and select one or more of these methods to fund the acquisition.  In the event that alternative financing has not been arranged at the time of delivery, Bombardier has financed aircraft acquisitions until more permanent arrangements can be made.  Subsequent to the initial acquisition of an aircraft, we may also refinance the aircraft or convert one form of financing to another (e.g., replacing debt financing with leveraged lease financing).

At present, we intend to satisfy our 2007 firm aircraft purchase commitment, as well as our acquisition of any additional aircraft, through a combination of operating leases and debt financing, consistent with our historical practices.  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, without materially reducing the amount of working capital available for our operating activities.

Aircraft Lease and Facility Obligations

We have significant long-term lease obligations primarily relating to our aircraft fleet.  At June 30, 2007, we had 285 aircraft under lease with remaining terms ranging from one to 18 years.  Future minimum lease payments due under all long-term operating leases were approximately $3.3 billion at June 30, 2007.  Assuming a 7.4% discount rate, which is the rate used to approximate the implicit rates within the applicable aircraft leases, the present value of these lease obligations would have been equal to approximately $2.1 billion at June 30, 2007.

Long-term Debt Obligations

Our total long-term debt at June 30, 2007 was $1,908.2 million, of which $1,901.5 million related to the acquisition of Brasilia turboprop, CRJ200,  CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft and $6.7 million related to our corporate office building.   The average effective rate on the debt related to the Brasilia turboprop, CRJ200, CRJ700 and CRJ900 aircraft was approximately 6.60% at June 30, 2007.

Seasonality

Our results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of those for the entire period, since the airline industry is subject to seasonal fluctuations and general economic conditions.  Our operations are somewhat favorably affected by increased travel on our pro-rate routes, historically occurring during the summer months, and unfavorably affected by decreased travel during the months November through February and by inclement weather which occasionally results in cancelled flights during the winter months.

ITEM 3:                   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Aircraft Fuel

In the past, we have not experienced difficulties with fuel availability and we currently expect to be able to obtain fuel at prevailing prices in quantities sufficient to meet our future needs.  Pursuant to our contract flying arrangements, United has agreed to bear the economic risk of fuel price fluctuations on our contracted United Express flights.  On our Delta Connection regional jet flights, Delta has agreed to bear the economic risk of fuel price fluctuations.  We bear the economic fuel risk on our pro-rate operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, contract flying and pro-rate revenue represented approximately 95% and 5%, respectively, of passenger revenue. As of June 30, 2007, essentially all of our Brasilia turboprops flown for Delta were flown under pro-rate arrangements, while approximately 37% of our Brasilia turboprops flown in the United system were flown under pro-rate arrangements.  At present, we believe that our results from operations will not be materially and adversely affected by fuel price volatility.

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Interest Rates

Our earnings are affected by changes in interest rates due to the amounts of variable rate long-term debt and the amount of cash and securities held.  The interest rates applicable to variable rate notes may rise and increase the amount of interest expense.  We would also receive higher amounts of interest income on cash and securities held at the time; however, the market value of our available-for-sale securities would likely decline.  At June 30, 2007, we had variable rate notes representing 50.1% of our total long-term debt compared to 55.4% at December 31, 2006.  For illustrative purposes only, we have estimated the impact of market risk using a hypothetical increase in interest rates of one percentage point for both variable rate long-term debt and cash and securities. Based on this hypothetical assumption, we would have incurred an additional $2,400,000 in interest expense and received $1,700,000 additional interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  Based on the same hypothetical assumptions, we would have incurred an additional $4,900,000 in interest expense and received $3,370,000 additional interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2007.

ITEM 4.                    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of June 30, 2007.  In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information 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.

b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no significant changes (including corrective actions with regard to material weaknesses) in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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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 June 30, 2007, our management believed, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of such legal matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.           RISK FACTORS

Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2006 includes a detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties which could adversely affect our future results. The risk factors presented below reflect material changes to the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2006.  The risk factors below modify and supplement, and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and information disclosed in our Annual Report on  Form 10-K for the Year Ended December 31, 2006.

Risks Related to Our Operations

We are subject to risks associated with our development of  a new code sharing relationship with Midwest.

SkyWest Airlines and Midwest are parties to an Airlines Services Agreement entered into on December 20, 2006 (the “Airline Services Agreement”). Under the terms of the Airlines Services Agreement, SkyWest Airlines has agreed to operate up to 25 CRJ200s under Midwest’s code. We began taking delivery of the initial 15 aircraft to be operated for Midwest in April 2007 and anticipate that those deliveries will continue through October 2007. Service under the Airline Services Agreement began on April 1, 2007. Delivery dates of additional aircraft, if any, will be determined at a later date. We expect that the aircraft will serve markets from Midwest’s current hubs in Milwaukee and Kansas City.

Under the Airline Services Agreement, we are compensated for certain costs we incur in providing services. With respect to costs that are defined as “pass-through” costs, Midwest obligated to pay to us the actual amount of the cost. With respect to other costs, Midwest is obligated to pay to us amounts based, in part, on pre- determined rates for certain costs. These pre-determined rates may not be based on the actual expenses we incur in delivering the associated services. If we incur expenses that are greater than the pre-determined reimbursement amounts payable by Midwest, our financial results will be negatively affected.

We may be negatively impacted by the troubled financial condition and restructurings of Delta and United.

A substantial percentage of our total revenues is attributable to our code-share agreements with Delta and United, which both recently emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. The U.S. Bankruptcy Courts charged with administration of the Delta and United bankruptcy cases have entered final orders approving the assumption of our code-share agreements. Notwithstanding those approvals, these bankruptcies and restructurings present considerable continuing risks and uncertainties for our code-share agreements and, consequently, for our operations.

Although plans of reorganization has been confirmed in the United and Delta bankruptcy proceedings, there is no assurance that either United or Delta will ultimately succeed in its reorganization efforts or will remain a going concern over the long term.  Other aspects of the Delta and United bankruptcies and reorganizations pose additional risks to our code-share agreements. There is no assurance that Delta or United will be able to operate successfully under the terms of its confirmed plan.

In light of the importance of our code-share agreements with Delta and United to our business, the termination of these agreements could jeopardize our operations. Such events could leave us unable to operate much of our current aircraft fleet and the additional aircraft we are obligated to purchase. As a result, they could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

Even though Delta and United have emerged from bankruptcy proceedings, their respective financial positions will continue to pose risks for our operations. Serial bankruptcies are not unprecedented in the commercial airline industry, and Delta and/or United could file for bankruptcy again after emergence from Chapter 11, in which case our code-share agreements could be subject to termination under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Regardless of whether subsequent bankruptcy

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filings prove to be necessary, Delta and United have required, and will likely continue to require, our participation in efforts to reduce costs and improve their respective financial positions. These efforts could result in lower utilization rates of our aircraft, lower departure rates on the contract flying portion of our business, and more volatile operating margins. We believe that any of these developments could have a negative effect on many aspects of our operations and financial performance.

ITEM 2.                    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Our Board of Directors has adopted a stock repurchase program which authorizes us to repurchase shares of our common stock in the  public market, from time to time, at prevailing prices.  The stock repurchase program authorizes the repurchase of up to five million shares of our common stock.  The following table summarizes our purchases under the stock repurchase program for the three months ended June 30, 2007:

							Total Number of Shares		Maximum Number of Shares
		Total Number of		Average Price			Purchased as Part of a		that May Yet Be Purchased
Period		Shares Purchased		Paid Per Share			Publicly Announced Program		Under the Program
April 1 - April 30, 2007		—		—			—		5,000,000
May 1 - May 31, 2007		1,521,117		$	26.40		1,521,117		3,478,883
June 1 - June 30, 2007		773,500		25.88			773,500		2,705,383
Total		2,294,617		$	26.22		2,294,617		2,705,383

 

ITEM 4.                    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

On May 1, 2007, we held our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which our shareholders considered and voted on the items described below:

1.                  The shareholders considered whether to elect the following persons as directors, each to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his respective successor shall have been duly elected and shall qualify:

 

2.                  The shareholders also considered a proposal to ratify the appointment by our Board of Directors of Ernst & Young, LLP as our independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.  There were 61,036,765 votes cast in favor of the proposal, 400 votes cast against the proposal and 240,238 votes withheld.

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

 

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