Celebrating 85 Years Serving the Aviation Community Since 1941
From Cessna Employees Credit Union to Skyward Credit Union
For 85 years, our story has been rooted in aviation—built by employees, shaped by members, and guided by a shared belief that financial well-being helps communities rise.
From our beginnings in Wichita to the broader aviation community we serve today, we’ve remained committed to the people behind the industry.
Quick Highlights
- Founded in 1941 by seven charter members & a board of nine was established
- Became Skyward Credit Union in 2015
- 85 years of service
- Aviation at our core
Our Story
An aviation legacy, decade by decade
Skyward Credit Union began as Cessna Employees Credit Union in 1941, created to serve the financial needs of employees building aircraft and advancing aviation.
What started as a small, member-owned financial cooperative has grown alongside the aviation community, supporting aviation professionals and families for generations.
Timeline
1941 – The Beginning
Cessna Employees Credit Union is chartered to serve aviation workers in Wichita, Kansas. Built on the credit union philosophy of people helping people, it offered a trusted place to save and borrow.
Decades of Growth
As aviation evolved, so did the credit union—expanding services, supporting families, and becoming a lifelong financial partner for members across the industry.
2015 – A New Name, Same Mission
Cessna Employees Credit Union becomes Skyward Credit Union, reflecting a broader vision and deeper connection to the aviation community while honoring its heritage.
2025 – Expanding Our Reach
Skyward expands its field of membership, opening access to more individuals and communities while staying rooted in its aviation heritage and commitment to serving members.
Today – 85 Years Strong
Skyward continues to grow, expanding access and serving all aviation professionals while staying grounded in its member-first mission.
What Hasn’t Changed
The values behind the history
While our name and field of membership have evolved, our purpose has remained the same:
Member-First, Always
We exist to serve our members—helping them save, borrow, and build stronger financial futures.
Rooted in Aviation
From the factory floor to the flight line, our identity is tied to the aviation community we serve.
Trust Built Over Time
For 85 years, we’ve earned trust through consistency, reliability, and personal relationships.
Looking Ahead
We honor our past while investing in the future—supporting the next generation of aviation professionals and families.
Honoring the Past. Building What’s Next.
This milestone is more than a celebration. It’s a reflection of the people, stories, and community that shaped us.
As we mark 85 years, we’re celebrating:
- Our members and their journeys
- The aviation community that made it possible
- The future we’re building together