Rumors and reports have been rumbling around Austin for a while but, the airport finally made it official, SkyWest is adding an Austin Base. The St. George, Utah based carrier is adding the Austin base to better support the needs of their airline partners.
SkyWest currently serves as a regional partner for four of the largest airlines in the United States; Alaska, American, Delta, and United. The Austin crew base will be SkyWest’s 20th and is expected to open sometime in June.
While there has been a slight pullback in recent months, Austin’s airport continues to grow at a rapid pace. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport CEO Ghizlane Badawi had this to say about the announcement:
“The addition of AUS as a crew base supports the continued growth and vitality of our Airport. This new crew base will not only benefit SkyWest’s operations but will also further our AUS’s rising role as an airport of national significance as we continue to grow to meet the needs of our airline partners and travelers.”
Ghizlane Badawi, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport CEO
SkyWest Base Will Support Delta Expansion
The opening of the Austin base will primarily support Delta’s recent expansion efforts in Austin. The Atlanta based carrier announced new flights to Nashville, Midland/Odessa, and McAllen along with additional frequencies to Raleigh/Durham. Delta is operating Embraer E175 jets on the new routes.
Over the last few years, Delta’s Austin strategy has been in flux. Prior to Covid, the airline designated Austin as a Focus City and opened a large Delta Sky Club in the airport. During the pandemic they cut some routes and only flew from Austin to other Delta hubs.
The airline has come roaring back in Austin, as American and other airlines cut service, Delta has expanded rapidly. In addition to the new flights operated by SkyWest, they have added direct, mainline service to Las Vegas and Orlando. The airline currently operates 15 nonstop routes from Austin along with international connectivity through partners AeroMexico and KLM.
Summary
SkyWest is adding a crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This base will primarily support Delta’s recent expansion in Austin. It will be interesting to see what this means for the airline’s continued growth at the airport and if any other SkyWest partners will increase service because of the base.
All my upgrades to First cleared at the window as a Silver for my flights on these intra-Texas routes tomorrow. And still 10 open seats in the front cabin.
Had the same experience on my Midland/Odessa and McAllen flights. Eazy upgrade even though both McAllen flights were full in Economy.