Skywest wins Wheatstone charter deal

Skywest has announced a six-year charter contract with Bechtel, the lead engineering contractor for Chevron’s Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant at Onslow.

The regional air carrier said it anticipated more than 2,400 flights for construction workers over the term of the contract.

Executive chairman Jeff Chatfield said the contract was in line with the company’s strategy of luring long-term charter customers.

“The services, which are billed at market rates and include fuel cost adjustments, are planned to commence later this month using 50 seat aircraft and peaking in the year 2015 on 100 seat aircraft,” Mr Chatfield said.

“The Wheatstone project is a significant project in Western Australia, and as a long-term project it is a significant opportunity for Skywest.”

Skywest stocks last traded at 40 cents.