SkyWest, Inc., (NASDAQ: SKYW) ("SkyWest") today reported 162,425 block hours in July 2017, compared to 169,513 block hours in July 2016, a decrease of 7,088 or 4.2%. The net decrease was consistent with SkyWest's fleet transition plan to improve the mix of aircraft in its fleet by adding new E175 aircraft, while reducing its 50-seat jets.

The year-over-year net change was primarily driven by approximately 14,600 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 21,700 block hours from its other aircraft types.

In July 2017, SkyWest's dual class aircraft represented approximately 52% of SkyWest's total block hour production for the month compared to approximately 43% for the month of July 2016.

SkyWest reported 1,082,209 block hours for year-to-date July 2017, compared to 1,149,722 block hours year-to-date July 2016, a decrease of 67,513 or 5.9%. This net change was primarily driven by approximately 91,000 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 158,500 block hours from its other aircraft types.

SkyWest had 97,545 departures in July 2017 compared to 101,935 in July 2016, a decrease of 4,390, or 4.3%. Additional flight statistics for July are included in the accompanying table.