UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.           )

 

 

 

 

 

SkyWest, Inc.

444 South River Road   ●   St. George, UT 84790

March 22, 2018

Dear Shareholder:

You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of SkyWest, Inc. scheduled to be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at our headquarters located at 444 South River Road, St. George, Utah 84790.

The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement describe the items to be considered and acted upon by shareholders.

Your vote is very important. Whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or not, we urge you to vote your shares as soon as possible. This will ensure representation of your shares at the Annual Meeting if you are unable to attend.

We are pleased to make these proxy materials available over the Internet, which we believe increases the efficiency and reduces the expense of our annual meeting process. As a result, we are mailing to shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) instead of paper copies of these proxy materials and our 2017 Annual Report. The Notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the Internet or request that a full set of printed materials be sent to you. The Notice also gives instructions on how to vote your shares.

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting.

Sincerely,

Jerry C. Atkin

Chairman of the Board

SkyWest, Inc.

444 South River Road   ●   St. George, UT 84790

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

OF SKYWEST, INC.

 

By authorization of the Board of Directors,

Jerry C. Atkin

Chairman of the Board

March 22, 2018

Proxy Statement for the

Annual Meeting of Shareholders of

SKYWEST, INC.

To Be Held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR THE

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

OF

SKYWEST, INC.

TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018

OVERVIEW

Solicitation

This Proxy Statement, the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, proxy card and the Annual Report to Shareholders of SkyWest, Inc. (the “Company” or “SkyWest”) are being mailed on or about March 22, 2018. The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting of the Company’s Shareholders to be held on May 8, 2018 (the “Meeting”). The Board is soliciting your proxy in an effort to give all shareholders of record the opportunity to vote on matters that will be presented at the Meeting. This Proxy Statement provides information to assist you in voting your shares.

What is a proxy?

A proxy is your legal designation of another person to vote on your behalf. You are giving the individuals appointed by the Board as proxies (Jerry C. Atkin, Russell A. Childs and Robert J. Simmons) the authority to vote your shares in the manner you indicate.

Why did I receive more than one notice?

You may receive multiple notices if you hold your shares in different ways (e.g., joint tenancy, trusts, or custodial accounts) or in multiple accounts. If your shares are held by a broker (i.e., in “street name”), you will receive your notice or other voting information from your broker. In any case, you should vote for each notice you receive.

Voting Information

Who is qualified to vote?

You are qualified to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting if you owned shares of common stock of SkyWest (the “Common Stock”) at the close of business on the record date of Monday, March 5, 2018.

How many shares of Common Stock may vote at the Meeting?

As of March 5, 2018, there were 52,165,090 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter presented at the Meeting.

What is the difference between a “shareholder of record” and a “street name” holder?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with Zions First National Bank, the Company’s transfer agent, you are a “shareholder of record.” If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage, bank, trust or other nominee as a custodian, you are a “street name” holder.

How can I vote at the Meeting?

You may vote in person by attending the Meeting. You may also vote in advance over the Internet, or by telephone, or you may request a complete set of traditional proxy materials and vote your proxy by mail. To vote your proxy using the Internet or telephone, see the instructions on the proxy form and have the proxy form available when you access the Internet website or place your telephone call. To vote your proxy by mail, mark your vote on the enclosed proxy card, then follow the instructions on the card.

What are the Board’s recommendations on how I should vote my shares?

The Board recommends that you vote your shares as follows:

What are my choices when voting?

 

 

How will my shares be voted if I do not specify how they should be voted?

If you execute the enclosed proxy card without indicating how you want your shares to be voted, the proxies appointed by the Board will vote as recommended by the Board and described previously in this section.

What is the quorum requirement for the Annual Meeting?

Under Utah law and the Company’s Bylaws, the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter constitutes a quorum. Therefore, the holders of a majority of the Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Meeting. If you submit a properly executed proxy via the Internet or by telephone or mail, regardless of whether you abstain from voting on one or more matters, your shares will be counted as present at the Meeting for the purpose of determining a quorum. Broker non-votes will also be counted as present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum at the Meeting. The inspectors of election will determine whether a quorum is present and will tabulate the votes cast at the Meeting.

What vote will be required to approve each proposal?

Proposal 1 provides that, assuming a quorum is present at the Meeting, the ten director‑nominees who receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to his or her election will be elected as directors of the Company. This means that the number of shares voted “for” the election of a director must exceed the number of shares voted “against” the election of that director.

Proposals 2 and 3 will be approved if, assuming a quorum is present at the Meeting, the number of votes cast, in person or by proxy, in favor of a particular proposal exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the proposal. Proposal 2 is an advisory vote only, and has no binding effect on the Board or the Company.

How will withheld votes, abstentions and broker non‑votes be treated?

Withheld votes, abstentions and broker non‑votes will be deemed as “present” at the Meeting and will be counted for quorum purposes only. Withheld votes, abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will not count as a vote cast as to any director-nominee’s election and thus will have no effect in determining whether a director nominee has received a majority of the votes cast. For purposes of the votes on Proposals No. 2 and No. 3, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the votes on such proposals.

Can I change my vote?

You may revoke your proxy before the time of voting at the Meeting in any of the following ways:

Who will count the votes?

Representatives from Zions First National Bank, the Company’s transfer agent, or other individuals designated by the Board, will count the votes and serve as inspectors of election. The inspectors of election will be present at the Meeting.

Who will pay the cost of this proxy solicitation?

The Company will pay the costs of soliciting proxies. Upon request, the Company will reimburse brokers, dealers, banks and trustees, or their nominees, for reasonable expenses incurred by them in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of the Common Stock.

Is this Proxy Statement the only way proxies are being solicited for use at the Meeting?

Yes. The Company does not intend to employ any other methods of solicitation.

How are proxy materials being delivered?

The Company is pleased to take advantage of Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. As a result, the Company is mailing to most of its shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) instead of a paper copy of this Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders. The Notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the Internet. The Notice also contains instructions on how to request a paper copy of the Company’s proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement, the 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders and a form of proxy card or voting instruction card. All shareholders who do not receive a Notice will receive a paper copy of the proxy materials by mail. The Company believes this process will allow it to provide its shareholders with the information they need in a more

efficient manner, while reducing the environmental impact and lowering the costs of printing and distributing these proxy materials.

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Composition of the Board

The Board currently consists of ten directors. All directors serve a one‑year term and are subject to re‑election each year.

The current composition of the Board is:

The Board Recommends That Shareholders Vote FOR All Ten Nominees Listed Below.

Nominees for Election as Directors

At the Meeting, the Company proposes to elect ten directors to hold office until the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors have been elected and have qualified. The ten nominees for election at the Meeting are listed below. All of the nominees are currently serving as a director of the Company and have consented to be named as a nominee. Shareholders voting in person or by proxy at the Meeting may only vote for ten nominees. If, prior to the Meeting, any of the nominees becomes unable to serve as a director, the Board may designate a substitute nominee. In that event, the persons named as proxies intend to vote for the substitute nominee designated by the Board.

The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believe that each of the following nominees possesses the experience and qualifications that directors of the Company should possess, as described in detail below, and that the experience and qualifications of each nominee compliments the experience and qualifications of the other nominees. The experience and qualifications of each nominee, including information regarding the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board and its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to conclude that he or she should serve as a director of the Company at the present time, in light of the Company’s business and structure, are set forth on the following pages.

Jerry C. Atkin

 

W. Steve Albrecht

 

Russell A. Childs

 

Henry J. Eyring

 

Meredith S. Madden

 

Ronald J. Mittelstaedt

Andrew C. Roberts

 

Keith E. Smith

 

Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy

 

James L. Welch

 

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

In addition to Russell A. Childs, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, whose biographical information is set forth above, the following individuals served as executive officers of the Company or its operating subsidiaries during 2016.

Robert J. Simmons,  55, is the Chief Financial Officer of Company, SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet. He is responsible for the areas of finance, accounting, treasury and investor relations for the Company and its subsidiaries.

From 2009 until his appointment as Chief Financial Officer in March 2015, Mr. Simmons served as a Partner with Bendigo Partners, LLC. (“Bendigo Partners”), a privately held firm focused on technology-based financial services as private equity investors and operational consultants. In his role with Bendigo Partners, Mr. Simmons was responsible for portfolio management. He served as Chief Financial Officer for E*TRADE Financial Corporation from 2003 to 2008 and as Corporate Treasurer for E*TRADE Financial Corporation from 2001 to 2003. He has accumulated more than 30 years of finance and treasury experience in various leadership positions at companies including Oracle, Iomega, and Bank of America. Mr. Simmons holds a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in finance from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in international business from Brigham Young University. 

Wade J. Steel,  42, is the Chief Commercial Officer of the Company, SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet. He is responsible for the Company’s contractual relationships with American Airlines, Inc. (“American”), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (“Delta”), United Airlines, Inc. (“United”) and Alaska Airlines, Inc. (“Alaska”), development of new business opportunities with network airlines, fleet management and information technology. He also plays a vital role in the strategic planning and development opportunities of the Company.

Mr. Steel was initially employed with the Company in March 2007 as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. He held this position until May 2011, when he was appointed to serve as Vice President – Controller for SkyWest Airlines. From May 2014 until Mr. Steel’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer of the Company in March 2015, he served as the Executive Vice President and acting Chief Financial Officer of the Company, with responsibility for the areas of finance, treasury, investor relations and information technology for the Company and its subsidiaries. Mr. Steel is a certified public accountant.

Michael B. Thompson, 42, is the Chief Operating Officer of SkyWest Airlines. He is responsible for oversight of all aspects of SkyWest Airlines’ operations, including safety, quality, flight operations, maintenance and customer service. He also oversees SkyWest Airline’s operational relationships with American, Delta, United and Alaska.

Mr. Thompson was initially employed with the Company in April 2001 as Operations Analyst and was later named Director of Market Planning. In 2007 he was named Vice President of Market Development of SkyWest Airlines, in which position he served until May 2014, when he was appointed to serve as Chief Operating Officer of SkyWest Airlines.

Terry M. Vais, 50, is the Chief Operating Officer of ExpressJet. Mr. Vais is responsible for oversight of all aspects of ExpressJet’s operations, including safety, quality, flight operations, maintenance and customer service. He also oversees ExpressJet’s operational relationships with its major airline partners, including American, Delta and United.

Prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer of ExpressJet in September 2015, Mr. Vais served as Vice President of Operations, Planning and Support for ExpressJet since 2014 and served as Vice President of Customer Care for ExpressJet from 2008 to 2014. He has accumulated more than 26 years of airline experience in various leadership positions.

Eric J. Woodward,  46, is the Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet. He is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s financial accounting practices, internal controls and reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Mr. Woodward was employed in various other capacities with the Company from April 2004 until April 2007 and served as the Company’s Vice President – Controller from April 2007 until May 2011, when he was appointed to serve as Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. Mr. Woodward is a certified public accountant.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance Guidelines

The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and periodically reviews and ratifies those guidelines, including most recently on February 7, 2018. The Corporate Governance Guidelines can be accessed at the Company’s website, inc.skywest.com. The Corporate Governance Guidelines supplement the Company’s Bylaws and the charters of the Board’s committees. Excerpts from the principal sections of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines are noted below.

Director Independence

At a minimum, the Board will have a majority of directors who meet the criteria for independence as required by The Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Director Qualifications

Criteria for Membership

The Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for annually reviewing with the Board the desired skills and characteristics of directors, as well as the composition of the Board as a whole.

Terms and Limitations

All directors currently stand for election each year. The Board does not believe it should establish a limit on the number of times that a director may stand for election.

Retirement

Directors are required to submit their resignation from the Board when their term expires upon reaching the age of 75 years old. The Board will accept the resignation unless the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommends otherwise. Directors generally will not be nominated for election following their 75th birthday.

Ownership of Company Stock

Directors are encouraged to own shares of Common Stock having a value equal to three times the amount of their annual compensation base.

Director Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

The basic responsibility of directors is to exercise their business judgment to act in what they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Oversight of Management

The Board is responsible for encouraging the Company’s management to effectively implement policies and strategies developed by the Board, and to provide dynamic leadership of the Company.

Board Meetings and Materials

Frequency of Meetings

The Board has four regularly scheduled meetings per year. As determined necessary by the Board and in order to address the Company’s needs, special meetings of the Board are convened from time to time.

Meeting Responsibilities

Absent extraordinary circumstances, directors of the Company should attend all Board meetings, meetings of the committee on which they serve and shareholder meetings. The Chairman of the Board is responsible for establishing the agenda for each Board meeting. Each director is free to suggest the inclusion of items on the agenda and to raise at any Board meeting subjects that are not on the agenda for that meeting.

Executive Sessions of Independent Directors

The Company’s independent directors meet in executive session regularly, generally quarterly. The independent directors may either choose one director annually to serve as the Lead Independent Director and to preside at all executive sessions or establish a procedure by which a Lead Independent Director will be selected. The independent directors of the Company have chosen Mr. Udvar‑Hazy to serve as the Lead Independent Director.

Director Compensation

The form and amount of director compensation is determined by the Board based on general principles established on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation. These principles are in accordance with the policies and principles set forth in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s charter and are intended to be consistent with rules established by The Nasdaq Global Select Market, including those relating to director independence and to compensation of Audit Committee members.

Chief Executive Officer Evaluation and Management Succession

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee conducts an annual review to assess the performance of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee communicates the results of its review to the other directors in a meeting that is not attended by the Chief Executive Officer. The directors of the Company, excluding the Chief Executive Officer, review the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s report to assess the Chief Executive Officer’s leadership in the long and short‑term, as well as the Company’s long‑term succession plans.

Annual Evaluations

The Board conducts an annual evaluation to determine if the Board and its committees are functioning effectively. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee solicits comments from all of the Company’s directors and reports annually to the Board with an assessment of the Board’s performance. Each of the Board’s standing committees conducts an annual evaluation to assess the performance of the applicable committee.

Review and Access to Guidelines

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines at least annually, then, as it deems appropriate, recommends amendments to the Board.

Board Leadership Structure and Director Independence

Although the Board does not have a formal policy as to whether the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer should be combined or separated, from 1991 until January 2016, Jerry C. Atkin served as both Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In January 2016, the Board appointed Russell A. Childs to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, which resulted in the separation of the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Currently, Mr. Atkin serves as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Childs serves as the Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes that such separation allows Mr. Childs to focus his time and energy on managing the Company’s business on a day-to-day basis, while also leveraging Mr. Atkin’s background with the Company, perspective and vast experience in the aviation industry as he devotes his time and attention to matters of Board oversight. Accordingly, the Board has determined that the Company’s Board leadership structure is the most appropriate at this time, given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Company, and the unique skills and experience of each of Mr. Atkin and Mr. Childs.

The Company is committed to independent Board oversight. Pursuant to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, all of the Company’s directors (other than Messrs. Atkin and Childs) meet the standards of independence applicable to the Company, and the Board has designated Steven F. Udvar-Hazy as Lead Independent Director. As Lead Independent Director, Mr. Udvar-Hazy is empowered to prepare agendas for and conduct meetings of the non-management directors, communicate with the Chairman of the Board, disseminate information to the Board, and raise issues with management on behalf of the independent directors when appropriate. The Board’s independent oversight function is enhanced by the fact that the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Safety and Compliance Committees are comprised entirely of independent directors.

The Board believes no single leadership model is right for all companies at all times. The Board recognizes that, depending on the circumstances, other leadership models may be appropriate. The independent directors and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly review the Company’s leadership structure and, depending on the Company’s needs and the available resources, the Board may modify the Company’s existing leadership structure. 

Communications with the Board

Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate with one or more directors or the non‑management directors as a group in writing by regular mail. The following address may be used by those who wish to send such communications by regular mail:

 

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Directors and Senior Executive Officers (the “Code of Ethics”), which is available on the Company’s website, inc.skywest.com. The Code of Ethics includes the following principles related to the Company’s directors and executive officers:

Corporate Sustainability

We understand the importance of ensuring the satisfaction and security of our customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders through an unwavering commitment to corporate integrity, no matter the environment. We also believe good governance is a source of competitive advantage. Our Board of Directors, which is responsible for the control and direction of the Company and governed by a Code of Ethics, represents and is accountable to our shareholders. Our corporate governance policies are designed both for compliance and to drive effective use of the collective skills and experience of our directors, officers and employees for ethical, responsible, and superior performance. In addition to our overall dedication to ethical and accountable business practices, our corporate sustainability efforts include the areas of environmental and social sustainability. We take social and environmental responsibility and sustainability seriously.

Environmental Sustainability

 

As the largest regional airline in the United States, we remain committed to lowering our environmental footprint while continuing to offer the best service to our customers and the communities we serve. Through the use of software and training, we heavily monitor and manage our fuel trends and fuel consumption which leads to better fuel conservation and reductions in emissions. When possible, we try to mitigate the use of fuel, including by taxiing with the use of a single engine, taking steps to improve the efficiency of aircraft routing and using ground power when the plane is parked at the gate. We participate with our major airline partners in recycling programs, and we have implemented recycling initiatives in our facilities to reduce the amount of paper, plastic and other recyclables going to landfills. We have worked aggressively to reduce our reliance on paper manuals and have converted, or are in the process of converting, our manuals and our maintenance logs into electronic form, further eliminating unnecessary waste while increasing efficiencies.

Social Sustainability

 

We are a dedicated people-first organization, providing various avenues to enhance the quality of life for our customers, employees and communities.  We know that if we take good care of our employees, they will take good care of our customers, which will result in value returned to our shareholders. We maintain an employee scholarship program,

which awards annual scholarships to employees and their family members to help them in their pursuits of higher education. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, empowering professional growth and development and investing in our employees’ health, emotional and financial wellness.  Additionally, we are dedicated to protecting our customers by providing employee training programs focused on, among other topics, safety, fuel conservation, diversity, and procedures for identifying and reporting human trafficking.  We continue to seek to increase diversity in the workplace, including by participating in and sponsoring several recruitment and industry events. During 2017, such events included those organized by such organizations as Women in Aviation, Girls in Aviation, National Gay Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Military Organizations, among others. 

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board and its committees are involved in overseeing risk associated with the Company and its operations. The Board and the Audit Committee monitor the Company’s credit risk, liquidity risk, regulatory risk, operational risk and enterprise risk by regular reviews with management and internal and external auditors and other advisors. In its periodic meetings with the internal auditors and the Company’s independent accountants, the Audit Committee discusses the scope and plan for the internal audit and includes management in its review of accounting and financial controls, assessment of business risks, legal and ethical compliance programs and related-party transactions. The Board and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee monitor the Company’s governance and succession risk by regular review with management and outside advisors. The Board and the Compensation Committee monitor Chief Executive Officer succession and the Company’s compensation policies and related risks by regular reviews with management and the Compensation Committee’s outside advisors. The Board and the Safety and Compliance Committee monitor management’s administration of airline flight operations safety and compliance with safety regulations.

 

Whistleblower Hotline

The Company has established a whistleblower hotline that enables employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as other interested parties, to submit confidential and anonymous reports of suspected or actual violations of the Code of Ethics.

MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

The Board

Each director is expected to devote sufficient time, energy and attention to ensure diligent performance of his or her duties and to attend all Board, committee and shareholders' meetings. The Board met five times during 2017. Other than Mr. Mittelstaedt, each of the Company's directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served during the year ended December 31, 2017, as well as the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 9, 2017. Mr. Mittelstaedt met the 75% threshold after removing from consideration the Board meeting and two committee meetings held in early August 2017 that he could not attend to due to an unexpected family emergency. Based on assurances from Mr. Mittelstaedt regarding his commitment to the Board in 2018 and his ability to attend regular meetings of the Board and committees on which he serves in the future, as well as the other reasons described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has determined that Mr. Mittelstaedt should be nominated and re-elected as a director.

Committees of the Board

The Board has four standing committees to facilitate and assist the Board in the execution of its responsibilities: (1) Audit, (2) Compensation, (3) Nominating and Corporate Governance and (4) Safety and Compliance. The Board may, from time to time, establish or maintain additional committees as the Board deems necessary or appropriate. All the standing committees are comprised solely of non‑employee, independent directors as defined by The Nasdaq Global Select Market listing standards. Charters for each committee are available on the Company’s website, inc.skywest.com.

The table below shows current membership for each of the standing Board committees.

*            Committee Chairman

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has five members and met eight times during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Board has determined that Mr. W. Steve Albrecht, Chairman of the Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning established by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities, which are discussed in further detail in its charter, include the responsibility to:

Additional information regarding the Audit Committee’s processes and procedures is addressed below under the heading “Audit Committee Disclosure.” The Report of the Audit Committee is set forth on page 62 of this Proxy Statement.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has five members and met three times during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities, which are discussed in detail in its charter, include the responsibility to:

Additional information regarding the Compensation Committee’s processes and procedures for consideration of executive compensation are addressed below under the Heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” The report of the Compensation Committee is set forth on page 38 of this Proxy Statement.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has four members and met twice during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s responsibilities, which are discussed in detail in its charter, include the responsibility to:

Safety and Compliance Committee

The Safety and Compliance Committee has four members and met twice during the year ended December 31, 2017. The responsibilities of the Safety and Compliance Committee, which are discussed in detail in its charter, include the responsibility to:

Nomination Process

The policy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to consider properly submitted shareholder recommendations for candidates to serve as directors of the Company. In evaluating those recommendations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board and to address the membership criteria described below. Any shareholder wishing to recommend a candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee should submit a recommendation in writing indicating the candidate’s qualifications and other relevant biographical information and provide confirmation of the candidate’s consent to serve as a director. This information should be addressed to Jerry C. Atkin, Chairman of the Board of the Company, 444 South River Road, St. George, Utah 84790.

As contemplated by the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the appropriate skills and characteristics required of directors in the context of the current composition of the Board at least annually. There is currently no set of specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a nominee recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as different factors may assume greater or lesser significance at particular times and the needs of the Board may vary in light of its composition and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s perceptions about future issues and needs. Among the factors the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers, which are outlined in the Corporate Governance Guidelines, are independence, diversity, age, skills, integrity and moral responsibility, policy‑making experience, ability to work constructively with the Company’s management and directors, capacity to evaluate strategy and reach sound conclusions, availability of time and awareness of the social, political and economic environment.

In addition, although the Board does not have a formal policy regarding diversity, it believes that ethnic, gender and cultural diversity among its members can provide value and is important. In considering a potential new candidate, the Board considers whether he or she would increase the Board’s ethnic, gender or cultural diversity.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating director nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee assesses the appropriate size of the Board, and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected due to retirement or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise arise, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers various potential

candidates for director. Candidates may come to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee through various means, including current directors, professional search firms, shareholder recommendations or other referrals. Candidates are evaluated at meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and may be considered at any point during the year. All director‑nominee recommendations which are properly submitted to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are aggregated and considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at a meeting prior to the issuance of the proxy statement for the next annual meeting of shareholders. Any materials provided by a shareholder in connection with the recommendation of a director candidate are forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which considers the recommended candidate in light of the director qualifications discussed above. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also reviews materials provided by professional search firms, if applicable, or other parties in connection with a candidate who is not proposed by a shareholder. In evaluating such recommendations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks to achieve a balance of knowledge, experience and capability on the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has, on occasion, engaged professional search firms to assist in identifying qualified candidates for Board service. When such firms have been engaged, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has utilized their services principally for the purpose of identifying and screening potential candidates and conducting background research; however, the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, as well as other directors of the Company, have conducted interviews with prospective candidates and have performed other functions in completing the nomination process.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Keith E. Smith, Ronald J. Mittelstaedt, Henry J. Eyring, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy and Meredith S. Madden served as members of the Compensation Committee during the year ended December 31, 2017. None of the individuals who served on the Compensation Committee during the year ended December 31, 2017 was an officer or employee of the Company in 2017 or any time prior thereto. None of the members of the Compensation Committee during the year ended December 31, 2017 had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S‑K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). None of the executive officers of the Company served as a member of the Compensation Committee or of any similar committee of any other company whose executive officer(s) served as a director of the Company.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following compensation discussion and analysis provides information regarding the Company’s executive compensation objectives, principles, practices and decisions as they relate to the following named executive officers of the Company (the “Named Executives”) for 2017:

This compensation discussion and analysis provides narrative perspective to the tables and disclosure in the tables following this section.

Compensation Objectives and Principles

The overall objective of the Company’s executive compensation programs is to create long‑term value for the Company’s shareholders by attracting and retaining talented executives that effectively manage the Company in a manner that is consistent with the long‑term interest of shareholders.

Accordingly, the executive compensation program incorporates the following principles:

The Chief Executive’s total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table increased at a lower rate than the Company’s one-year total shareholder return in 2017, and all of the Named Executives’ total annual target compensation for 2017 was below the median of our peer group, as further described below.

Current Year Accomplishments

SkyWest made great strides operationally and structurally in 2017, positioning itself for changes in the industry and future profitability by adding new aircraft at improved economics under Mr. Childs’ leadership.

The Company believes that 2017 was an excellent year for SkyWest in terms of its operations, its position for future growth, and for its shareholders as a result of the 45.7% increase in share price during the fiscal year. The Company’s income before income taxes under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) improved to $288 million in 2017, from a GAAP loss before income taxes of $249 million in 2016. GAAP operating income improved to $388 million in 2017, from an operating loss of $173 million in 2016. During 2017, the Company had an after-tax benefit of $247 million from the revaluation of deferred taxes as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Company’s 2016 results included a $482 million pre-tax special items operating expense primarily related to a write down of certain assets associated with the Company’s 50-seat aircraft. The improvements in 2017 were driven, in part, by the following accomplishments:

These accomplishments not only improved the Company’s performance, but the Board believes these accomplishments will contribute to improved financial performance in future years. 

Executive Compensation Procedures

Role of the Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee has responsibility for establishing and monitoring the executive compensation programs and for making decisions regarding executive compensation. The Chief Executive regularly attends the Compensation Committee meetings, and the Compensation Committee also meets regularly in executive sessions. The Chief Executive is not present for deliberations by the Compensation Committee regarding his compensation. The Compensation Committee recommends the Chief Executive’s compensation to the Board, which then reviews and approves the Committee’s recommendation, unless the Committee is required to approve such compensation under applicable law. The Compensation Committee also considers the recommendations of the Chief Executive with respect to compensation of the other Named Executives, and after reviewing such recommendations, determines their compensation. The Compensation Committee also monitors, administers and approves awards under the various incentive compensation plans for all levels within the Company, including awards under the Company’s annual cash incentive plan and 2010 Long‑Term Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). As permitted by the 2010 Plan, the Compensation Committee has delegated its authority to the Chief Executive to approve interim awards under the 2010 Plan to non-executives on a limited basis between meetings of the Compensation Committee.

Role of Consultants.  During 2016 and 2017, the Company and the Compensation Committee received advice from Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“F.W. Cook”) with respect to executive compensation practices and trends generally and within the airline industry and the peer group listed below. The Company and the Compensation Committee retained F.W. Cook to advise on the amounts and forms of compensation awarded to Named Executives in 2016 and 2017. After conducting an evaluation using the factors established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and The Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Compensation Committee determined that F.W. Cook is independent and that there is no conflict of interest resulting from the engagement of F.W. Cook during 2017. The Compensation Committee has sole authority to hire and fire external compensation consultants. 

Industry Compensation Data.  The Compensation Committee also evaluates data regarding the executive compensation programs of other air carriers, as well as other transportation and logistics companies, in order to determine the competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation programs. The Compensation Committee performed such a review in November 2016 and again in November 2017, which included a review of the executive compensation levels and practices at peer companies with revenue and enterprise value between approximately one-third times and three times SkyWest’s. The Company’s revenue and enterprise value were both above the peer group median at the time the study was conducted. The peer companies used in the November 2017 review were: Air Canada Inc., Alaska Air Group, Inc., Allegiant Travel Company, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Hub Group, Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., JetBlue Airways Corporation, Kansas City Southern, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., Spirit Airlines, Inc., Werner Enterprises, Inc., WestJet Airlines Ltd., XPO Logistics, Inc., and YRC Worldwide Inc. 

The peer group was modified slightly from 2016 to remove Virgin America Inc. following their acquisition by Alaska Air Group, Inc.

The Compensation Committee had the 2016 peer group data available when 2017 Named Executive compensation decisions were made at the start of the year and it had the 2017 compensation peer group data available when it approved cash incentive payouts for 2017. 

Compensation Determination.  The Compensation Committee relies on its judgment in making compensation decisions in addition to reviewing relevant information and results. When setting total compensation for each of the Named Executives, the Compensation Committee reviews tally sheets which show the Named Executive’s current compensation, including base pay, annual cash incentive objectives, long‑term, equity‑based compensation objectives, and deferred compensation retirement funding. The executive compensation procedures and the Compensation Committee assessment process take into account these tally sheets as well as the industry compensation data described above, individual performance and contributions, company performance, the results of the most recent say-on-pay vote, performance expected in the current and upcoming years, and such other factors as the Compensation Committee determines are appropriate. The Compensation Committee has the sole discretion to award compensation and make adjustments to awards based on its review of relevant information and other unusual or non‑recurring items.

However, the Company does not believe that it is appropriate to establish compensation levels solely by benchmarking. The Company does not target specific pay levels and uses the peer company market data for context. The Company’s directors rely upon their judgment in making compensation decisions, after reviewing the factors described above. While competitive market compensation paid by other companies is one of the many factors that the Company considers in assessing the reasonableness of compensation, the Company does not attempt to maintain a certain target percentile within a peer group or otherwise rely entirely on that data to determine executive officer compensation. Instead, the Company's compensation determination processes are designed to be flexible in an effort to respond to and adjust for the evolving business environment and individual circumstances. Nevertheless, the total direct compensation for all of SkyWest’s Named Executives in this proxy, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, was below the median of similar positions in the peer group.

 

However, the review of peer data in November 2016 and then again in November 2017 showed that the total annual target compensation levels for the Named Executives generally approximated the 25th percentile of the Company’s peer group of companies.

The Company strives to achieve an appropriate mix between long-term equity incentive awards and cash payments in order to meet its objectives. Any apportionment objective is not applied rigidly and does not control its compensation decisions. The Company’s mix of compensation elements is designed to reward recent results, align compensation with shareholder interests and fairly compensate executives through a combination of cash and equity incentive awards.

 

Compensation Committee Consideration of Shareholder Advisory Vote.  At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held in May 2017, the Company submitted the compensation of its named executive officers to the Company’s shareholders in a non‑binding vote. The Company’s executive compensation program received the support of more than 95% of votes cast. The Compensation Committee considered the results of the 2017 vote and views the outcome as evidence of positive shareholder support of its executive compensation decisions and policies.

The Compensation Committee continued to refine the Company’s executive compensation program for 2017 in an effort to better align the compensation packages of the Named Executives with the executive compensation programs of other regional carriers and major airlines and to recognize that the Chief Executive and much of the leadership team is relatively new in their roles. The Compensation Committee will continue to review peer group and future shareholder voting results, including the voting results with respect to “Proposal 2—Advisory Vote on Named Executive Compensation” described in this Proxy Statement, and determine whether to make any changes to the Company’s executive compensation program in light of such data and voting results.

Elements of Compensation

The Company’s executive compensation objectives and principles are implemented through the use of the following principal elements of compensation, each discussed more fully below:

The compensation components for each Named Executive for 2017 are more fully described in the following paragraphs.

Salary.  Salary is provided with the objective of paying for the underlying role and responsibility associated with the Named Executive’s position, which the Compensation Committee believes allows the Company to attract and retain qualified executives. The Named Executives’ salaries are set at levels that the Compensation Committee believes are generally competitive with the compensation paid to officers in similar positions at other airlines. Salary adjustments are considered annually and influenced by growth of the Company’s operations, individual performance, changes in responsibility, changes in cost of living, and other factors. Messrs. Childs and Steel were provided a $20,000 increase to their base salaries for 2017 over their respective 2016 base salaries. Messrs. Simmons and Mr. Thompson were provided a $15,000 increase to their base salaries for 2017 over their respective 2016 base salaries. Mr. Vais was provided a $10,000 increase to his base salary for 2017 over his 2016 base salary. The salaries of the Named Executives are set forth

in the Summary Compensation Table immediately following this section. The salaries of all Named Executives in 2017 were below the median salary level of similar positions in our peer group.

Annual Cash Incentive.  In an effort to encourage achievement of the Company’s objectives, an annual performance‑based cash incentive plan is maintained for the Named Executives. The combination of salary and annual cash incentives is intended to result in a cash compensation package for each Named Executive that, when performance objectives are met, falls within competitive market standards as determined by the Compensation Committee based on its review of the peer group company data, as well as its understanding of other regional and major air carrier executive compensation programs. The review of market data in November 2017 showed that the 2017 total cash opportunity of the Named Executives, consisting of salary plus target cash incentive, and approximated the 25th percentile for all Named Executives when compared to the peer group competitive market data. 

The purpose of the annual cash incentive program is to reward the Named Executives with an annual cash incentive in an amount that correlates (i) in part, to one or more financial objectives achieved for the year; and (ii) in part, to the achievement of one or more specific operational objectives during the year. The 2017 annual target incentive opportunity was 110% of salary for Mr. Childs and 80% of salary for Messrs. Simmons, Steel, Thompson and Vais, and their potential annual incentive was allocated 75% based on the financial objective established by the Compensation Committee and 25% based on the operational objective targets established by the Compensation Committee. The Named Executives were eligible for a maximum cash incentive payout of 200% of their salaries. The differing percentages for the Named Executives are due to differing entity level responsibilities. 

2017 Corporate Performance Objectives.  For 2017 annual incentive determination purposes, the Compensation Committee determined that pre-tax earnings would be the financial objective and that controllable completion would be the operational objective. In the case of Messrs. Childs, Simmons and Steel, the applicable pre-tax earnings objective and controllable completion objective were based on the pre-tax earnings and controllable completion of the entire Company. This is because they are corporate level executives with Company-wide responsibility and accountability. Mr. Thompson’s pre-tax earnings objective and controllable completion objective were set solely based on the SkyWest Airlines operating segment, since this is his area of responsibility and accountability. Similarly, Mr. Vais is principally engaged in running the operations of the ExpressJet operating segment, so his pre-tax earnings objective and controllable completion objective were set to reflect ExpressJet performance.

The Compensation Committee established threshold, target and maximum objectives for each of the financial and operational objectives. At threshold performance achievement, the Named Executives were able to earn 50% of their

target annual incentive, while the maximum performance allowed by the Named Executives to earn 200% of their target annual incentive.

At year‑end, the Compensation Committee reviewed the actual pre-tax earnings and operating performance for the year and determined the extent to which the applicable objectives were met. The actual amount of the cash incentive payment for each Named Executive is determined by the Compensation Committee based on the Company’s and/or applicable subsidiary’s achievement of the foregoing objectives and the actual cash incentives paid for 2017 were based on the pre-established 2017 cash incentive formula, without application of discretion.

The table below includes the “threshold,” “target” and “maximum” objectives assigned by the Compensation Committee for the corporate performance measures for 2017 and the Company’s 2017 performance relative to those objectives for the Named Executives (dollars in millions).  

The Company’s achieved pre-tax earnings of $321.0 million for purposes of the 2017 annual incentive plan payouts included certain adjustments to GAAP pre-tax earnings, including special items consisting of unusual or non-recurring items such as prorate fuel price changes and ExpressJet early contract wind down costs. The Compensation Committee believes these adjustments to GAAP pre-tax earnings lead to continued focus on long-term profitability and incentivize Named Executives to make beneficial long-term business decisions and will enhance the Company’s long-term financial performance and ability to respond to its major airline partners’ future needs.

The corresponding annual cash incentive payments earned for each Named Executive based on performance versus the annual cash incentive objectives during the year ended December 31, 2017, are set forth below as a percentage of the Named Executive’s salary. 

 

If the Company’s pre-tax earnings or operating objective achieved results were between two achievement levels, “threshold,” “target” and “maximum”, the earned achievement was determined by linear interpolation between the applicable achievement levels.

Amount of 2017 Performance‑Based Annual Cash Incentive.  The total annual performance‑based cash incentive amounts earned by the Named Executives for 2017 are included in the amounts shown in the Summary Compensation Table below under the caption heading “Non‑Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”

Long‑Term Incentive Awards.  The Company grants discretionary long‑term incentive awards, in the form of restricted stock units and performance shares to the Named Executives annually.

Long‑term incentive awards are made to encourage the Named Executives to continue their engagement with the Company throughout the vesting periods of the awards and to align management and shareholder interests. In making awards to the Named Executives, the grant size and the appropriate mix of equity‑based awards are considered. The Compensation Committee generally grants long‑term incentive awards at its first meeting of each year. Long‑term incentive awards generally vest only if the Named Executive remains employed by the Company for three years from the date of grant. The Compensation Committee believes the three‑year cliff‑vesting schedule for time-based restricted stock unit awards assists in retaining Named Executives and encourages the Named Executives to focus on the Company’s long‑term performance. Commencing with long-term incentive awards granted during 2018, long-term incentive awards granted to the Named Executives will accelerate under certain circumstances, as described below.

In granting restricted stock units and performance shares to the Named Executives, the Compensation Committee also considers the impact of the grant on the Company’s financial performance, as determined in accordance with the requirements of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (ASC Topic 718). For long‑term incentive awards, the Company records expense in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The amount of expense recorded pursuant to ASC Topic 718 may vary from the corresponding compensation value used in determining the amount of the awards.

Amount and allocation of grant—For 2017, the total annual targeted long‑term incentive grant value was $1,300,000 for Mr. Childs, $650,000 for Mr. Simmons, $600,000 for Mr. Steel and $450,000 for both Messrs. Thompson

and Vais. The Compensation Committee established these annual targeted amounts to provide a competitive pay package and ensure that a large portion of each Named Executive’s compensation was based on continuing long‑term service and correlated to the creation of shareholder value. This has been the Compensation Committee’s policy for several years, but is subject to review and continuation or modification each year by the Compensation Committee. Each Named Executive’s 2017 long‑term incentive award was allocated among the two types of long‑term incentive awards as follows: restricted stock units and performance shares. The target value of 2017 equity compensation was below the median of the 2016 and the 2017 peer data reviewed by the Compensation Committee for all Named Executive Officer positions.

Restricted stock unit and performance share grants in 2017 were made pursuant to the Company’s 2010 Plan, as shown in greater detail below and in the table labeled “Grants of Plan Based Awards.”

The following table summarizes the number and nature of long‑term incentive awards granted to the Named Executives by the Company in 2017 under the 2010 Plan. 

Restricted Stock Units—The Company granted restricted stock units to the Named Executives in 2017 under the 2010 Plan. Restricted stock units comprised 40% of each Named Executive's 2017 long‑term incentive compensation. The restricted stock units awarded to a Named Executive entitle the Named Executive to receive a designated number of shares of Common Stock upon completion of a three‑year vesting period, measured from the date of grant, subject to the achievement of a threshold performance objective included in such restricted stock unit awards for Section 162(m) purposes. The threshold performance objective for purposes of the 2017 restricted stock units was the Company’s achievement of pre-tax earnings of at least $54.9 million during 2017, 2018 or 2019. If the threshold goal was not achieved, none of the restricted stock units would be eligible to vest. If the threshold goal is achieved, then the restricted stock units will be eligible to vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to the Named Executive’s continued employment through such date. In February 2018, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company’s 2017 pre-tax earnings of $288 million satisfied the threshold goal for purposes of the 2017 restricted stock unit awards, and such awards will be eligible to vest based on the time-based vesting schedule described above. Until the vesting date, the shares underlying the restricted stock units are not issued and outstanding. Accordingly, the Named Executive is not entitled to vote or receive dividends on the shares underlying his restricted stock units unless and until those restricted stock units vest. The purpose of the restricted stock unit component is to support continued employment through volatile economic and stock market conditions, to manage dilution overhang, and to align officers’ interests with maintaining shareholder value already created as well as future value creation. The Compensation Committee believes this approach mitigates the incentive for Named Executives to take unnecessary risks and helps retain the Named Executives’ expertise through continued employment. Restricted stock unit awards deliver significantly greater share‑for‑share compensation value at grant than do stock options, and the Company can offer what it anticipates will be comparable grant date compensation value with approximately 65% fewer shares than if the grant were made solely with stock options.

Performance Shares.  

2017-2019 Performance Share Awards.  The remaining component of each Named Executive’s 2017 annual long‑term incentive compensation was performance shares payable in Common Stock under the 2010 Plan. Performance share value comprised 60% of each Named Executive's 2017 long-term incentive compensation (target performance share value is stock price at grant multiplied by the shares earned if the objectives are achieved). The purpose of the performance share awards is to reward achievement of the three-year financial plan, which the Company believes will also support shareholder value achievement. Under each Named Executive’s performance shares award, a number of performance shares will vest upon completion of a three-year performance period from the date of the grant (subject to the Named Executive’s continued employment through the vesting date), based on the achievement of certain corporate performance objectives. 

For purposes of the performance share awards granted in 2017, which will be eligible to vest based on corporate performance during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2019 (the “2017-2019 PSU Awards”), the Compensation Committee set three-year performance share objectives, based on cumulative three-year adjusted pre-tax earnings and three-year average return on capital objectives. Under each Named Executive’s performance share award, the performance shares are eligible to vest (and be settled in shares of Common Stock) upon completion of the three-year performance period (subject to the Named Executive’s continued employment through the last day of the performance period), based on the level of adjusted pre-tax earnings and adjusted return on invested capital actually attained in aggregate over the 2017 to 2019 calendar years. Until the vesting date, the shares underlying the performance shares are not issued and outstanding. Accordingly, the Named Executive is not entitled to vote or receive dividends on the shares underlying his performance shares unless and until those performance shares vest.

 

The Compensation Committee’s philosophy for setting performance share targets is to set maximum targets that will be difficult for the Named Executives to achieve on a consistent basis. For the 2017-2019 PSU Awards, the Compensation Committee established threshold, target and maximum performance levels for each of the two corporate performance objectives, with the actual number of performance shares that will vest to be adjusted in proportion to the extent to which the combined actual results varied from the target levels of performance. The performance shares are allocated 60% to the cumulative three-year adjusted pre-tax earnings objective and 40% to the three-year average return on invested capital objective in determining the actual awarded performance shares payable in Common Stock. Specifically, a number of performance shares attributable to each objective according to the weightings assigned by the Compensation Committee will be earned ranging from 50% (for threshold performance) to 100% (for target performance) to 200% (for maximum performance), with performance in between such levels determined by linear interpolation. If performance is below the threshold level for one or more of the objectives, no performance shares will be earned with respect to such objective(s).

The corporate objectives for the 2017-2019 PSU Awards for each Named Executive were based on the Company-wide performance, with no individual component or subsidiary-level objectives, in order to encourage teamwork and a collective focus on the creation of long‑term value for the Company’s shareholders. In determining the degree to which the corporate objectives have been attained, the Company’s performance will be automatically adjusted for unusual or non‑recurring items.

Actual results for 2017-2019 PSU Awards are measured over the three-year performance period. Therefore, the degree to which performance shares granted in 2017 ultimately earned will not be determined until the conclusion of the 2019 calendar year.

2015-2017 Performance Shares.

For purposes of the performance share awards granted in 2015, which were eligible to vest based on corporate performance during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2017 (the “2015-2017 PSU Awards”), the

Compensation Committee set three-year performance share objectives, based on cumulative three-year adjusted pre-tax earnings, three-year adjusted cash flow from operations, and pre-tax return on equity. Under each Named Executive’s performance share award, the performance shares were eligible to vest (and be settled in shares of Common Stock) upon completion of the three-year performance period (subject to the Named Executive’s continued employment through the last day of the performance period), based on the level of adjusted pre-tax earnings, adjusted cash flow from operations and pre-tax return on equity actually attained in aggregate over the 2015 to 2017 calendar years. Until the vesting date, the shares underlying the performance shares were not issued and outstanding. Accordingly, the Named Executive was not entitled to vote or receive dividends on the shares underlying his performance shares unless and until those performance shares vest. 

The Compensation Committee’s philosophy for setting performance share targets is to set maximum targets that will be difficult for the Named Executives to achieve on a consistent basis. For the 2015-2017 PSU Awards, the Compensation Committee established threshold, target and maximum performance levels for each of the three corporate performance objectives, with the actual number of performance shares that vest to be adjusted in proportion to the extent to which the combined actual results varied from the target levels of performance. The performance shares were allocated equally between each of the three metrics in determining the actual awarded performance shares payable in Common Stock. Specifically, a number of performance shares attributable to each objective according to the weightings assigned by the Compensation Committee were earned ranging from 50% (for threshold performance) to 100% (for target performance) to 150% (for maximum performance), with performance in between such levels determined by linear interpolation. If performance was below the threshold level for one or more of the objectives, no performance shares would be earned with respect to such objective(s).

The corporate objectives for the 2015-2017 PSU Awards for each Named Executive were based on the Company-wide performance, with no individual component or subsidiary-level objectives, in order to encourage teamwork and a collective focus on the creation of long‑term value for the Company’s shareholders. In determining the degree to which the corporate objectives have been attained, the Company’s performance was adjusted for unusual or non‑recurring items. 

In February 2018, the Compensation Committee determined the Company’s achievement relative to the objectives previously established for the 2015-2017 PSU Awards as follows:

 

As a result of the foregoing, in February 2017, the Named Executives vested in the following number of performance shares relative to the 2015-2017 PSU Awards, representing 150%  (for maximum performance) of their  

target awards: Mr. Childs, 36,639 shares; Mr. Simmons, 23,982 shares; Mr. Steel, 19,187 shares; Mr. Thompson, 17,211 shares; and Mr. Vais, 11,984 shares.

Long‑Term Incentive Awards for 2018.  The Compensation Committee did not make any significant changes for the 2018 long-term incentive awards from that of the 2017 long-term incentive awards.

No Employment and Severance Agreements    

The Named Executives do not have employment, severance or change‑in‑control agreements, although the vesting of long-term equity incentive awards may accelerate under certain circumstances, as described below under “Elements of Compensation – Long-Term Incentive Awards.” The Named Executives serve at the will of the Board, which enables the Board to terminate the employment of any Named Executive with discretion as to the terms of any severance. This is consistent with the Company’s performance‑based employment and compensation philosophy. 

Acceleration of Long-Term Incentive Awards.  With respect to long-term incentive awards granted to the Named Executives commencing in 2017, such awards will vest on an accelerated basis under certain circumstances.

Specifically, restricted stock unit awards granted to the Named Executives will vest on an accelerated basis (i) in the event of the Named Executive’s involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good reason, or (ii) in the event of the Named Executive’s death.

Performance share awards granted to the Named Executives will vest on an accelerated basis (i) in the event of the Named Executive’s death prior to a change in control, as to the “target” number of performance shares subject to the award on the date of death and as to any incremental performance shares above “target” based on the Company’s actual performance relative to the corporate performance objectives under such award at the end of the three-year performance period (or, if earlier, a change in control of the Company), (ii) in the event of the Named Executive’s death following a change in control, any “vesting eligible shares” (as described below) will vest upon the date of death, (iii) in the event of the Named Executive’s involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good reason, in each case prior to a change in control, the Named Executive will remain eligible to vest in such number of performance shares as ultimately vest based on the Company’s actual performance relative to the corporate performance objectives under such award at the end of the three-year performance period (or, if earlier, a change in control of the Company), which vesting will be prorated for the portion of the performance period that has elapsed prior to the date of termination, or (iv) in the event of the Named Executive’s involuntary termination without cause or resignation for good reason, in each case following a change in control, any vesting eligible shares will vest upon the date of such termination. For purposes of the performance shares, in the event of a change in control of the Company, the performance shares will be converted into a number of “vesting eligible shares” that will vest at the end of the three-year performance period based on the greater of (i) the “target” number of performance shares subject to the award, or (ii) the number of performance shares that would vest if performance had been measured against the corporate performance objectives as of the date of the change in control.

For a description of the accelerated vesting terms that apply to awards granted prior to 2017, see “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Retirement and Other Benefits.

The Company and SkyWest Airlines sponsor a 401(k) retirement plan for their eligible employees, including the Named Executives other than Mr. Vais. ExpressJet also maintains a substantially equivalent 401(k) plan for its eligible employees, including Mr. Vais. Both plans are broad based, tax‑qualified retirement plans under which eligible employees, including the Named Executives, may make annual pre‑tax salary reduction contributions subject to the various limits imposed under the Code. The sponsoring employers make matching contributions under the plans on

behalf of eligible participants; however, the right of Named Executives and other officers to such matching contributions is limited. The Compensation Committee believes that maintaining the 401(k) retirement plans and providing a means to save for retirement is an essential part of a competitive compensation package necessary to attract and retain talented executives.

The Company also maintains the SkyWest, Inc. 2002 Deferred Compensation Plan, a non‑qualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of officers and other highly compensated employees. All of the Named Executives other than Mr. Vais participate in the SkyWest, Inc. 2002 Deferred Compensation Plan. ExpressJet also maintains a separate but similar non‑qualified deferred compensation plan, the ExpressJet Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, for its highly compensated management employees, including Mr. Vais. Under both such deferred compensation plans (the “Deferred Compensation Plans”), the employer credits each Named Executive’s account with a discretionary employer contribution equal to 15% of salary and annual cash incentive. These amounts are included in the Summary Compensation Table under the column “All Other Compensation”. Additional information on the Deferred Compensation Plans is found in the section “Non‑Qualified Deferred Compensation for 2017” below. The purpose of the Deferred Compensation Plans is to attract and retain executive talent by assisting with building retirement assets over the course of their career with the Company.

The SkyWest Inc. 2002 Deferred Compensation Plan (but not the ExpressJet Executive Deferred Compensation Plan) also permits eligible executives, including the Named Executives, to elect in advance of each calendar year to defer up to 100% of their cash salary and annual cash incentive compensation for the year. Only Mr. Simmons elected to defer any portion of his salary or annual cash incentive for 2017.

The Company and its subsidiaries do not maintain any defined benefit pension plans for the Named Executives.

Other Benefits.  In addition to the benefits described above, the Company provides certain other benefits to the Named Executives that the Compensation Committee believes are generally consistent with the benefits provided to senior executives of other airlines. The Compensation Committee believes that those benefits, which are detailed in the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table applicable to the heading “All Other Compensation” below, are reasonable, competitive and consistent with overall executive compensation objectives. Those benefits consist primarily of employer‑paid premiums on health, dental and eye insurance, a personal automobile allowance, and use of Company owned recreational equipment.

The Company and its subsidiaries also maintain a non‑discriminatory, broad based program under which all full‑time employees and their dependents, including the Named Executives and their dependents, may fly without charge on a space available basis on regularly scheduled flights of aircraft operated by the Company’s operating airline subsidiaries.

The Company has not agreed to provide its Named Executives with any gross‑up or reimbursement for taxes.

Share Ownership Guidelines

The Company maintains ownership guidelines for the Named Executives to encourage the alignment of their interests with the long‑term interests of the Company’s shareholders. Each Named Executive is strongly encouraged to maintain a minimum ownership interest in the Company. The guideline ownership level is a number of shares of Common Stock having a value equal to a multiple of the annual base salary for each Named Executive. The Chief Executive’s guideline ownership level is five times salary while the remaining Named Executives’ guideline ownership level is three times salary.

The guidelines also include an expectation that the Named Executives will hold 50% of their net after-tax profit shares held after vesting or option exercise if the applicable guideline ownership level is not met. The Named Executives are limited in their ability to sell shares under long‑term incentive awards until their applicable guideline ownership level

is reached. Any Named Executive that did not meet the guidelines at December 31, 2017 is encouraged to make progress towards the ownership guideline. The holdings of the Named Executives are summarized in the table entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” below. 

Deductibility of Executive Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a $1 million annual limit on the amount that a publicly traded company may deduct for compensation paid to the company’s principal executive officer during a tax year or to any of the company’s three other most highly compensated executive officers who are still employed at the end of the tax year (other than the Company’s principal financial officer). Historically, the limit did not apply to compensation that met the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code for “qualified performance‑based compensation” (i.e., compensation paid only if the executive meets pre‑established, objective goals based upon performance criteria approved by the Company’s shareholders). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the “qualified performance-based compensation” exception to Section 162(m) of the Code and the expanded the limitation on deductibility to generally include all named executive officers. The Compensation Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, and has reserved, and continues to reserve, the right to approve compensation that may not be deductible under Code Section 162(m) in order to ensure competitive levels of total compensation for its executive officers.

Effect of Compensation on Risk

The Compensation Committee believes the Company’s compensation policies and practices are designed to create appropriate and meaningful incentives for the Company’s employees without encouraging excessive or inappropriate risk taking. Among other factors, the Compensation Committee considered the following:

Based on the review outlined above, the Company has concluded that the risks arising from its compensation policies and practices for its employees are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed the foregoing compensation discussion and analysis and discussed with the Company’s management the information set forth herein. Based on such review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the foregoing compensation discussion and analysis be included in this proxy statement.

The Compensation Committee

Keith E. Smith, Chair

Henry J. Eyring

Meredith S. Madden

Ronald J. Mittelstaedt

Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy

 

The information contained in this Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material,” to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission or be subject to Regulation 14A or Regulation 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of SkyWest, Inc., except to the extent that SkyWest, Inc. specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by each of the Named Executives for the years indicated.

Grants of Plan‑Based Awards For 2017

The following table provides information about non‑equity based and equity‑based plan awards granted to the Named Executives for the year ended December 31, 2017: