Operating expenses were $747 million in Q2 2024, up $53 million, or 8%, from $694 million in Q2 2023. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by the 12% increase in block hour production year-over-year.
Capital and Liquidity
SkyWest had $834 million in cash and marketable securities at June 30, 2024, down from $835 million at December 31, 2023.
Total debt at June 30, 2024 was $2.8 billion, down from $3.0 billion at December 31, 2023. Capital expenditures during Q2 2024 were $19 million for the purchase of spare engines and other fixed assets.
Under its previously announced share repurchase program authorized by the SkyWest Board of Directors in May 2023, SkyWest repurchased 177,000 shares of common stock for $13.3 million during Q2 2024 at an average price per share of $75.23. As of June 30, 2024, SkyWest had $69 million of remaining availability under its current share repurchase program.
Commercial Agreements
SkyWest is coordinating with its major airline partners to optimize the timing of upcoming announced fleet deliveries. The table below summarizes E175 aircraft deliveries SkyWest received during the first half of 2024 and anticipated future deliveries during the periods indicated based on currently available information, which is subject to change.
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Q1 & Q2 2024 | | Q3 & Q4 2024 | | 2025 | | 2026 | | Total |
Delta Air Lines | | ꟷ | | 1 | | ꟷ | | ꟷ | | 1 |
United Airlines(1) | | 11 | | 13 | | 7 | | 8 | | 39 |
Alaska Airlines | | ꟷ | | ꟷ | | 1 | | ꟷ | | 1 |
Total | | 11 | | 14 | | 8 | | 8 | | 41 |
| (1) | Includes 11 partner-financed E175s delivered in the first half of 2024 and 9 partner-financed deliveries expected in the second half of 2024. |
By the end of 2026, SkyWest is scheduled to operate a total of 278 E175 aircraft.
About SkyWest
SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for SkyWest Airlines, SkyWest Charter (“SWC”) and SkyWest Leasing, an aircraft leasing company. SkyWest Airlines has a fleet of approximately 500 aircraft connecting passengers to over 240 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines carrying more than 38 million passengers in 2023.
SkyWest will host its conference call to discuss its second quarter 2024 results today, July 25, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The conference call number is 1-888-330-2455 for domestic callers, and 1-240-