SkyWest reduces 1Q loss

SkyWest, parent of regionals SkyWest Airlines and ExpressJet, has posted a net loss of $682,000 for the first quarter of 2012. The airline group posted a net loss of $11.1 million in the same period last year. Revenue was boosted by the implementation of cost reduction programs during 2011 from which SkyWest achieved reduced maintenance costs, as well as other benefits. First-quarter consolidated revenue rose by 6.4% to $921 million with operating costs rising by nearly 4% to $900.7 million to result in an operating income of $20.5 million, up from $227,000 in the prior-year quarter. An 8% rise in