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| Founded | 2016 | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | March 22, 2016 | ||||||
| AOC # | FJTA920D [1] | ||||||
| Hubs | |||||||
| Secondary hubs | |||||||
| Fleet size | 19 | ||||||
| Destinations | 28 [2] | ||||||
| Parent company |
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| Headquarters | Smyrna, Tennessee, United States | ||||||
| Key people | Matt Chaifetz ( CEO) [3] | ||||||
| Website |
contourairlines | ||||||
Contour Airlines is an independent regional airline headquartered at Smyrna Airport in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States. [4]
Contour Airlines is set up as public charter operator for regulatory purposes and does not directly operate aircraft. Contour Airlines charters 30-seat regional jets operated by its parent company, Contour Aviation, then resells seats on those aircraft to the public. The arrangement allows Contour to utilize pilots who are qualified to operate charter services, who can be either less experienced or older than allowed on commercial passenger flights. [5]
History
Contour Airlines was established by its parent company Contour Aviation in 2016. Contour began service on March 22, 2016, completing its inaugural flight from Nashville to Tupelo, Mississippi. Since then, Contour has expanded to 20 destinations nationwide, focusing on providing key business and leisure markets previously underserved with nonstop short-haul routes. [6]
On April 1, 2019, Contour retired its Jetstream 31/32 fleet and focused solely on ERJ-135/145 aircraft.
On February 5, 2020, Contour Airlines announced that it would add Indianapolis as a focus city and purchase additional ERJ-135/145 aircraft. The goal was to provide efficient service to markets within driving distance but without direct flights to capture travelers who would rather drive than fly with a layover. [7] The airline planned to serve Nashville, Pittsburgh and St. Louis from Indianapolis beginning June 10, 2020, [8] however, the service had been suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [9] On July 28, 2021, Contour announced its relaunch in Indianapolis, beginning on October 12 and flying to Milwaukee, Nashville, and Pittsburgh. [10] However, Contour quietly dropped Milwaukee and Pittsburgh less than three months later. [11] According to Contour CEO Matt Chaifetz, the Indianapolis to Milwaukee route averaged 40% full and was climbing, but stalled in the winter due to fears over the omicron variant. [7] He said "the timing was just poor" for the new routes but said, "We're still committed to Indianapolis." [7]
Contour Airlines announced that it had returned to pre-COVID numbers in Tupelo, having more than 12,000 boardings in 2022. This helps increase funds granted by the FAA to Tupelo Airport, up from $150,000 to $1,000,000. [12]
On April 20, 2023, the Department of Transportation approved Contour Airlines' bid to replace Cape Air at Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion, Illinois. Contour will connect the airport to O'Hare International Airport starting August 1, 2023. [13] The contract is set to last three years. [14]
Due to inflation, Cape Air opted in late 2022 to cease operations out of Owensboro before the end of their contract, which was scheduled to end in 2023. Contour Airlines was chosen to replace Cape Air and commence operations to and from Charlotte. [15] However, both Contour Airlines and Owensboro Airport later decided to change the twelve Owensboro flights per week to go to Chicago O'Hare International Airport instead of Charlotte, which the Department of Transportation approved on May 30, 2023. [16] The service started on August 1, 2023. [17]
In early 2024, regional carrier SkyWest Airlines purchased a 25% ownership stake in Contour Airlines to gain access to its infrastructure, personnel, and operational expertise as it launches its own Part 135 operation, SkyWest Charter. SkyWest also plans to supply Contour with CRJ200 aircraft and partner with the airline to both recruit young pilots and provide opportunities to pilots who would otherwise need to retire due to age. [18] [19]
Destinations
As of January 2024 [update], Contour Airlines operates flights serving the following destinations: [20] [21]
Former destinations
Fleet
As of March 2024 [update], Contour uses regional jets, in a 30-seat configuration. [27]
| Aircraft | In Service | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer ERJ 135 | 10 | 30 | Owned and operated by Contour Aviation |
| Embraer ERJ 140 | 7 | ||
| Embraer ERJ 145 | 2 | ||
| Fleet total | 19 | ||
Services
Interline agreement
Contour has an interline agreement with American Airlines, allowing passengers to travel via Contour and American under a single itinerary. Bookings can be made through third-party travel agencies, through the American Airlines website, or directly through the Contour Airlines website. [28]
In-flight experience
Passengers traveling with Contour receive free seat selection and their first piece of checked baggage without charge on all fare classes. [29] All Contour flights feature leather seating, 36 inches of legroom, and complimentary in-flight snack and beverage service. [6]
References
- ^ "Advisory Circular AC 135-13K: FAA Certificated Air Carriers Directory" (PDF). August 23, 2002. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ "Contour Airlines Route Map". Contour Airlines. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
- ^ "About Corporate Flight Management – CFM". Contour Aviation. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
- ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. April 3, 2007. p. 69.
- ^ Lau, Stuart “Kipp” (October 2, 2023). "The Fight Against Public Charter Providers is Heating Up". Aviation International News. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
- ^ a b "Events Calendar".
- ^ a b c "Indianapolis airport loses direct flights to Milwaukee, Pittsburgh after just 3 months". The Indianapolis Star.
- ^ BF Staff (February 5, 2020). "Contour To Add Airline Base At Indianapolis International Airport". Business Facilities. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
- ^ Airport, Indianapolis (April 22, 2020). "Enzo, thanks for reaching out. We're working closely with @ContourAirlines regarding their launch in the Indy market. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry as a whole, Contour's Indy inaugural flights have been pushed back to an undetermined time". @INDairport. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
- ^ Alex Brown (July 28, 2021). "Contour Airlines Resumes Indy Airport Plans". WISHTV. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
- ^ "Here today... Contour Airlines drops Indianapolis, Milwaukee flights after less than three months in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ^ Montgomery, Garner (January 18, 2023). "Contour Airlines: More than 12K boardings in 2022". WTVA. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
- ^ Heller, Marsha (April 21, 2023). "Contour Air selected for service at Veterans Airport in Marion, Ill". KFVS12. Retrieved April 22, 2023.
- ^ Fuller, Leanne (April 20, 2023). "Department of Transportation approves Contour as air service provider for Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois". WPSD Local 6. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
- ^ Richardson, Ryan (January 18, 2023). "OWB board recommends jet service to Charlotte; flights to Nashville and St. Louis would cease". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ "ORDER APPROVING ALTERNATE SERVICE PATTERN" (PDF). downloads.regulations.gov. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- ^ Richardson, Ryan (June 7, 2023). "OWB to offer daily jet service to Chicago starting August 1". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
- ^ Hardee, Howard. "SkyWest acquires partial ownership of US charter operator Contour Airlines". Flight Global. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ Ewing, Ryan (February 2, 2024). "SkyWest Acquires Stake in Contour Airlines, Bolsters Charter Presence". AirlineGeeks.com. Firecrown. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ "Regulations.gov". www.regulations.gov. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ^ "Contour Airlines – Flight schedules". www.contourairlines.com. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ^ "New airline offers flights from Altoona to Philadelphia". WTAJ – www.wearecentralpa.com. August 16, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
- ^ a b Gerardi, Joey (January 5, 2024). "Advanced Air to Operate U.S.'s Longest Dornier 328 Flight". Airline Geeks. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
- ^ McCormick, Grayce (December 17, 2020). "Southwest soaring to SB". Santa Barbara News-Press. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Macon Regional Airport ends Tampa flight, continues casino and Baltimore-Washington trips". WMAZ. March 22, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ a b By, WES SWIETEK (February 17, 2018). "Local Destin flights won't return". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Contour Aviation Fleet Details and History". Planespotters.net. May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
- ^ "MOV Regional Airport eyes marketing". mariettatimes.com. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Contour Airlines". www.contourairlines.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2020.
