Skywest Inc. has acquired a minority equity interest in Southern Airways Corporation, the parent company of Southern Airways Express and Mokulele Airlines.

The strategic investment by SkyWest Inc. is expected to enhance Southern’s recruiting capabilities. It would provide a career pathway that could lead to SkyWest, a regional giant, for Southern’s more than 200 pilots.

“The airline marketplace is incredibly competitive, and we are pleased with this opportunity to firmly cement our brand alongside the most respected regional industry giant,” Stan Little, chairman and CEO of Southern Airways said in a statement.

While, Wade Steel, chief commercial officer of SkyWest, issued the following statement, “Putting a pilot pathway program in place with Southern enhances our pipeline of future Part 121 professional aviators.”

Southern Airways, which was founded in 2013 and has been on a strong growth trajectory over the last several years, purchased Mokulele Airlines Feb. 8. The acquisition, which was the carrier’s third deal in four years, added Hawaii and California to Southern Airways’ portfolio. With the purchase of Mokulele, it serves 30 cities stretched across five time zones.