SkyWest Airlines 2007 Annual Report Download - page 14

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vote on this issue in one year from the previous vote. If unionization efforts are successful, we may be subjected to risks of
work interruption or stoppage and/or incur additional expenses associated with increased union representation of our
employees. SkyWest Airlines has never experienced a work stoppage due to a strike or other labor dispute, and we consider
SkyWest Airlines’ relationships with its employees to be good.
As of December 31, 2007, ASA employed approximately 4,295 full-time equivalent employees consisting of 2,356
pilots and flight attendants, 751 customer service personnel, 831 mechanics and other maintenance personnel, and 357
administration and support personnel. Three of ASA’ s employee groups are represented by unions. ASA’ s pilots are
represented by the Air Line Pilots Association International, ASA’ s flight attendants are represented by the Association of
Flight Attendants—CNA, and ASA’ s flight controllers are represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control
Association. During 2007, ASA reached a labor agreement with its pilots and the collective bargaining agreement will
become amendable on November 20, 2010. The collective bargaining agreements between ASA and its flight attendants
became amendable September 26, 2003. ASA has been negotiating with its flight attendants union since 2003. The collective
bargaining agreement between ASA and its flight controllers became amendable in April 2006, and ASA is currently
engaged in negotiations with its flight controllers. ASA has never experienced a work stoppage due to a strike or other labor
dispute, and considers its relationships with employees to be good.
Government Regulation
All interstate air carriers, including SkyWest Airlines and ASA, are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of
Transportation (the “DOT”), the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) and other governmental agencies.
Regulations promulgated by the DOT primarily relate to economic aspects of air service. The FAA requires operating, air
worthiness and other certificates; approval of personnel who may engage in flight, maintenance or operating activities;
record-keeping procedures in accordance with FAA requirements; and FAA approval of flight training and retraining
programs. Generally, governmental agencies enforce their regulations through, among other ways, certifications, which are
necessary for the continued operations of SkyWest Airlines and ASA, and proceedings, which can result in civil or criminal
penalties or revocation of operating authority. The FAA can also issue maintenance directives and other mandatory orders
relating to, among other things, grounding of aircraft, inspection of aircraft, installation of new safety-related items and the
mandatory removal and replacement of aircraft parts.
We believe SkyWest Airlines and ASA are operating in compliance with FAA regulations and hold all operating
and airworthiness certificates and licenses which are necessary to conduct their respective operations. We incur substantial
costs in maintaining current certifications and otherwise complying with the laws, rules and regulations to which SkyWest
Airlines and ASA are subject. SkyWest Airlines’ and ASA’ s flight operations, maintenance programs, record keeping and
training programs are conducted under FAA approved procedures. SkyWest Airlines and ASA do not currently operate at any
airports where landing slots are restricted.
All air carriers are required to comply with federal laws and regulations pertaining to noise abatement and engine
emissions. All air carriers are also subject to certain provisions of the Federal Communications Act of 1934, as amended,
because of their extensive use of radio and other communication facilities. SkyWest Airlines and ASA are also subject to
certain other federal and state laws relating to protection of the environment, labor relations and equal employment
opportunity. We believe that SkyWest Airlines and ASA are in compliance in all material respects with these laws and
regulations.
Environmental Matters
SkyWest, SkyWest Airlines and ASA are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations
relating to environmental protection matters. These laws and regulations govern such matters as environmental reporting,
storage and disposal of materials and chemicals and aircraft noise. We are, and expect in the future to be, involved in various
environmental matters and conditions at, or related to, our properties. We are not currently subject to any environmental
cleanup orders or actions imposed by regulatory authorities. We are not aware of any active material environmental
investigations related to our assets or properties.
Safety and Security
We are committed to the safety and security of our passengers and employees. Since the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks, SkyWest Airlines and ASA have taken many steps, both voluntarily and as mandated by governmental
agencies, to increase the safety and security of their operations. Some of the safety and security measures we have taken,
along with our code-share partners, include: aircraft security and surveillance, positive bag matching procedures, enhanced