SkyWest Airlines 2009 Annual Report Download - page 18

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 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 with our code-share partners
include: aircraft security and surveillance, positive bag matching procedures, enhanced passenger and
baggage screening and search procedures, and securing of cockpit doors. We are committed to
complying with future safety and security requirements.
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