Occidental Petroleum shuttles employees to Midland after strong Permian earnings

Occidental Petroleum flew its Embraer ERJ-175 employee shuttle from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Midland International Air and Space Port on May 11, 2026, covering the 1-hour-15-minute hop at a leisurely 32,000 feet. The tail number N170XY touched down just after 1:30 p.m. local time, ferrying staff westward into the heart of the Permian Basin.

The timing aligns with fresh momentum from the company's first-quarter earnings, released May 6, which showcased Permian production exceeding the high end of guidance by 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, per Occidental Petroleum's official release. Total global output hit 1,426,000 boed, with the Permian contributing over half, underscoring the basin's role as the firm's powerhouse amid higher oil prices and efficiency gains. Midland, as the operational nerve center, likely drew the shuttle for routine oversight or follow-up on these robust results.

This trip fits Occidental Petroleum's pattern of frequent Permian shuttles, as seen in recent flights bouncing between Houston and Midland-area sites like Pecos through early May. With CEO Vicki Hollub set to retire next month—announced May 1, per Reuters—these employee runs keep the wheels turning on Berkshire Hathaway's largest energy stake, blending continuity with the quiet grind of oilfield logistics.