ST. GEORGE, Utah, June 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyWest, Inc., (NASDAQ: SKYW) ("SkyWest") today reported 155,758 block hours in May 2017, compared to 164,955 block hours in May 2016, a decrease of 9,197 or 5.6%. 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 13,200 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 22,400 block hours from its other aircraft types.

In May 2017, SkyWest's dual class aircraft represented approximately 50% of SkyWest's total block hour production for the month compared to approximately 43% for the month of May 2016.

SkyWest reported 760,569 block hours for year-to-date May 2017, compared to 812,149 block hours year-to-date May 2016, a decrease of 51,580, or 6.4%. This net change was primarily driven by approximately 62,600 additional block hours from its E175 aircraft and a decrease of approximately 114,200 block hours from its other aircraft types.

SkyWest had 93,736 departures in May 2017 compared to 98,927 in May 2016, a decrease of 5,191, or 5.2%. SkyWest generated 2.78 billion available seat miles (ASMs) for May 2017, compared to 2.93 billion ASMs for May 2016, or a 5.0% decrease. Additional flight statistics for May, including passengers enplaned, revenue passenger miles, and passenger load factors, are included in the accompanying table.