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 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]
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]
Contour has an interline agreement with American Airlines since October 2019[31], 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.[32]
Contour and United Airlines has a new interline agreement.[34] The partnership is expected to be in place starting October 2024.[35]
In-flight experience
Passengers traveling with Contour receive free seat selection and their first piece of checked baggage without charge on all fare classes.[36] All Contour flights feature leather seating, 36 inches of legroom, and complimentary in-flight snack and beverage service.[6]
