Leaders at SkyWest Airlines Build, Donate Bikes to Children in Need

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyWest Airlines leaders presented nearly two dozen local children with brand new bicycles at SkyWest Airlines' corporate headquarters Tuesday.

Smiles, hugs and tears were commonplace as the children rushed to see their new wheels. Nearly 100 SkyWest leaders from around the country assembled the bikes as part of a team building exercise during an annual SkyWest leadership conference. In partnership with the Family Support Center of St. George, the leaders presented the shiny new bikes to 20 local children in need.

"It is unbelievable to be here with these kids and to share in their excitement today," said Chip Childs, President and COO. "I'm proud to be a small part of this fantastic group of people here at SkyWest where everyone is constantly working to improve the world around us."

SkyWest leaders competed in small teams to build the bikes. Each was put together for a specific child and was outfitted with a large ribbon and "Fly SkyWest Airlines" license plate.

The service project launched a two-day conference during which SkyWest leaders continued learning new ways they can further the Company's values.

"Serving families in need in today's tough times requires help from reliable partners. We are thrilled to have this chance to partner with SkyWest in providing these kids with an experience they will never forget," said Chris Nelson, Director of the Family Support Center of Washington County.

Bicycles Unlimited, a 20-year premier bike shop in St. George, Utah, provided a bicycle discount as well as technical support to ensure each bike was assembled to appropriate safety standards. Video footage of the event can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/SkyWestAirlines.

About SkyWest Airlines:

SkyWest Airlines, a subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. (Nasdaq: SKYW), employs nearly 11,000 aviation professionals and serves a total of 156 cities in 38 states, six Canadian provinces and three cities in Mexico with more than 1,700 daily departures.  Visit www.skywest.com for more information.

About the Family Support Center:

"The mission of the Family Support Center of Washington County is to support families through education, respite care, and crisis intervention. By using a family focused approach to prevent child abuse and neglect, we can protect the child while offering support services to help strengthen families. As the community and the agencies within it come together in a common goal, our children, our nation's future, will thrive."

SOURCE SkyWest Airlines