Resilience in regional aviation: US regional airlines provide vital connectivity to 94.3% of the country’s airports
September 19, 2025
Regional airlines, which provide vital connectivity to more than 94% of US airports, are in the spotlight this week as the Regional Airline Association (RAA) unveiled its 2025 annual report during the Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
Marking the organisation’s 50th anniversary, the report underscores the essential role regional carriers play in linking small and rural communities to the national air transportation network, while warning that looming workforce shortages and ageing infrastructure pose serious challenges to the sector’s resilience.
Happening NOW: RAA President and CEO, @MalarkeyBlack opens #RAALeadersConference in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/3Agr6GObXg
— Regional Airline Association (@RAAtweets) September 18, 2025
RAA report highlights pivotal role of regional aviation
The report emphasises the pivotal role regional airlines play in sustaining the US economy by connecting small and rural communities to the national air transportation network and ensuring these remote regions remain integrated into the wider economy.
However, it also draws attention to the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the lack of skilled personnel coming into the industry, which poses a serious threat to the sector’s growth.
Marking RAA’s 50 years of support for the sector, CEO Faye Malarkey Black said: “For five decades, RAA has been a community of professionals who set rivalry aside to serve the greater good of regional aviation and the people and communities who depend on us.”
Two-thirds of US airports rely solely on regional carriers
The report reveals that regional airlines serve 635 airports across the US, representing nearly every commercial airport in the country. Notably, two-thirds of airports in the US depend solely on regional carriers for air service.
In states including West Virginia, Alaska, North Dakota, Kansas, Arkansas, Alabama and Vermont, regional airlines handle more than 70% of total air service. In several other states, including Maine, Mississippi, South Dakota and Wyoming, regional airlines account for more than half of air services. Overall, regional carriers account for 32.3 % of all US scheduled passenger departures.
Over the four years from 2020-2024, regional airlines saw a 24.8% increase in completed departures, totalling 2.92 million. During the same period, passenger numbers totalled 133.73 million (a 10.85% increase). In 2024, the average load factor was just shy of 80%, while the average length of regional passenger trips increased by 11%, reaching 462 miles.
Lack of skilled personnel remains a concern
However, looking ahead, Malarkey cautioned that the critical shortage of skilled personnel is a major hurdle to be overcome. Due to a federally mandated age limit of 65, nearly 50% of pilots in the US are currently facing retirement within the next 15 years.
Maintaining a focus on training the next generation, expanding access to high-quality training and improving financial support for future aviators must remain priorities, according to the RAA.
Congrats to the 2025 RAA Scholarship winners! 🎓 We’re thrilled to support the next generation of aviation leaders! Read more ⬇️
— Regional Airline Association (@RAAtweets) September 3, 2025
Earlier in September RAA Scholarship Foundation announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, awarded to six students. Each student will receive a $4,000 scholarship to support their academic journey.
Safety underpins resilient regional aviation
Malarkey Black also highlighted RAA’s commitment to safety, a core value that has underpinned the organisation from the start, as she stated the association remains committed to building a resilient, well-trained workforce.
“From the beginning, safety has been our central ethos. Looking ahead, our focus is clear: ensuring regulations and airline-led initiatives continue to advance safety, with a strong emphasis on modernising our nation’s Air Traffic Control system,” she said.
Speaking at the conference, Malarkey Black elaborated that “When we talk about small communities… ATC improvements mean just doing the basics. These airports lack fundamental technologies and procedures that need improvement.”
"When we talk about small communities … ATC improvements means just doing the basics. These airports lack fundamental technologies and procedures that need improvements." RAA President and CEO, Faye Malarkey Black #RAALeadersConference pic.twitter.com/SYkFvIcYJi
— Regional Airline Association (@RAAtweets) September 18, 2025
As regional airlines continue to navigate a challenging landscape, the RAA’s report underlines the sector’s role in keeping the U.S. air transportation network soaring while ensuring no community is left behind.
