Contour Airlines
 | |||||||
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| Founded | 2016 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commenced operations | March 22, 2016 | ||||||
| AOC # | FJTA920D[1] | ||||||
| Hubs | |||||||
| Fleet size | 35 | ||||||
| Destinations | 28[2] | ||||||
| Parent company |
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| Headquarters | Smyrna, Tennessee, United States | ||||||
| Key people | Matt Chaifetz (CEO)[3] | ||||||
| Employees | 800 (approx.) | ||||||
| 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 a 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
[edit]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]
October 1, 2024 marked change for some routes. Contour now flies to Show Low[20] and Manistee from Phoenix and Chicago, respectively. Altoona used to connect to Philadelphia, but now connects to Charlotte.[21] Fort Leonard Wood and Cape Girardeau used to connect to Nashville but Chicago replaced Nashville.[22] Contour no longer flies to Ogdensburg as Breeze Airways has replaced the airline, now flying to Washington Dulles Airport.[23]
Corporate affairs
[edit]As of 2024, Contour Airlines employs approximately 800 people across its operations. Matt Chaifetz is the current President & Chief Executive Officer and has been leading the company since its founding in 2016.[24] Kelly Ginn is the senior Executive Vice President responsible for the oversight and support of personnel needs at Contour.[24] She was originally part of Corporate Flight Management before the company restructured into what is now Contour Airlines.
Contour currently employs nearly 200 pilots, all reporting to Greg Engel, the Chief Pilot. The company's flight dispatchers and flight coordinators who work in the Systems Operations Control Center (SOC) are not unionized.
Unlike some larger airlines, Contour Airlines maintains a relatively small and nimble workforce, the total number of employees being just over 800. The majority of its non-pilot staff, including ground crew, reservations agents, flight operations staff, and maintenance personnel, are non-unionized. This structure allows the airline to maintain flexibility in its operations and adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Contour Airlines, like many other carriers, faced challenges.[25] However, due to its focus on essential air service routes and regional markets, the company was able to navigate the crisis without significant layoffs. As air travel has rebounded, Contour has been actively recruiting to support its growth and expansion into new markets.
Personnel
[edit]The airline's leadership team is composed of the following executives:[24]
- Matt Chaifetz, President & CEO
- Kelly Ginn, Executive Vice President of Finance
- Lee Harris, Executive Vice President of Flight Operations
- Aaron Armstrong, Executive Vice President of Maintenance
- Rick Berry, Senior Vice President of Human Resources
- David Woodard, Vice President of Airport Operations
- Sybilla Slavin, Vice President of Charter Operations
- Matt Ostermann, Vice President of FBO Operations
- Collette Hilliary, Vice President of Inflight Services
- John Masters, Vice President of Maintenance Operations
- VACANT – Vice President of Safety & Compliance
- VACANT – Vice President of Government Services
Corporate headquarters
[edit]Contour Airlines' Corporate Headquarters is located at 808 Blue Angel Way, on the grounds of Smyrna Airport (MQY) in Smyrna, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. The facility serves as the nerve center for the airline's operations and administrative functions. In addition, it is the home of the Systems Operations Control Center (SOC), the Inflight Services Training Center (IFS), the Reservations Call Center (RES), and various other administrative offices. This centralized location allows for efficient coordination between different departments, supporting Contour Airlines' operations across its network.
Destinations
[edit]As of October 2024[update], Contour Airlines operates flights serving the following destinations:[26][27]
| City | Airport | IATA Code | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Alabama
| ||||
| Muscle Shoals | Northwest Alabama Regional Airport | MSL | Charlotte | AEAS community |
 Arizona
| ||||
| Page | Page Municipal Airport | PGA | Phoenix | AEAS community |
| Phoenix | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | PHX | Moab
Page Show Low[28] Vernal |
|
| Show Low | Show Low Regional Airport | SOW | Phoenix | AEAS community |
 Georgia
| ||||
| Macon | Middle Georgia Regional Airport | MCN | Baltimore | AEAS community |
 Illinois
| ||||
| Chicago | O'Hare International Airport | ORD | Kirksville
Manistee Marion Owensboro Cape Girardeau[29] Fort Leonard Wood[29] |
|
| Marion | Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois | MWA | Chicago/O'Hare | EAS community |
 Kentucky
| ||||
| Paducah | Barkley Regional Airport | PAH | Charlotte | EAS community |
| Owensboro | Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport | OWB | Chicago/O'Hare | EAS community |
 Maryland
| ||||
| Baltimore | Baltimore/Washington International Airport | BWI | Macon | |
 Michigan
| ||||
| Manistee | Manistee County Blacker Airport | MBL | Chicago/O'Hare | AEAS community |
 Mississippi
| ||||
| Greenville | Greenville Mid-Delta Airport | GLH | Dallas/Fort Worth | AEAS community |
| Tupelo | Tupelo Regional Airport | TUP | Nashville
Dallas/Fort Worth |
AEAS community |
 Missouri
| ||||
| Cape Girardeau | Cape Girardeau Regional Airport | CGI | Chicago[29] | EAS community |
| Fort Leonard Wood | Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport | TBN | Chicago/O'Hare[29]
Dallas/Fort Worth |
EAS community |
| Kirksville | Kirksville Regional Airport | IRK | Chicago/O'Hare | EAS community |
 New York
| ||||
| Plattsburgh | Plattsburgh International Airport | PBG | Philadelphia | AEAS community |
 North Carolina
| ||||
| Charlotte | Charlotte Douglas International Airport | CLT | Altoona[30]
Beckley Clarksburg Lewisburg Muscle Shoals Paducah Parkersburg (via Beckley) Shenandoah |
|
 Pennsylvania
| ||||
| Altoona | Altoona–Blair County Airport | AOO | Charlotte[30] | AEAS community |
| Philadelphia | Philadelphia International Airport | PHL | Plattsburgh | |
 Tennessee
| ||||
| Nashville | Nashville International Airport | BNA | Tupelo
Dallas-Fort Worth (via Tupelo) |
|
 Texas
| ||||
| Dallas/Fort Worth | Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport | DFW | Greenville (MS)
Fort Leonard Wood Nashville (via Tupelo) |
|
 Utah
| ||||
| Moab | Canyonlands Regional Airport | CNY | Phoenix | AEAS community |
| Vernal | Vernal Regional Airport | VEL | Phoenix | AEAS community |
 Virginia
| ||||
| Shenandoah | Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport | SHD | Charlotte | EAS community |
 West Virginia
| ||||
| Beckley | Raleigh County Airport | BKW | Charlotte
Parkersburg |
AEAS community |
| Clarksburg | North Central West Virginia Airport | CKB | Charlotte | EAS community |
| Lewisburg | Greenbrier Valley Airport | LWB | Charlotte | EAS community |
| Parkersburg | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport | PKB | Beckley
Charlotte (via Beckley) |
AEAS community |
Discontinued destinations
[edit]| City | Airport | IATA Code | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 California
| ||||
| Crescent City | Del Norte County Airport | CEC | Oakland | Replaced by Advanced Air on March 17, 2024.[31] |
| Oakland | Oakland International Airport | OAK | Crescent City | Replaced by Advanced Air on March 17, 2024.[31] |
| Palm Springs | Palm Springs International Airport | PSP | Sacramento (Seasonal) | Ended due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| Sacramento | Sacramento International Airport | SMF | Palm Springs (Seasonal)
Santa Barbara |
Ended due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport | SBP | Las Vegas | Ended due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara Municipal Airport | SBA | Las Vegas
Oakland Sacramento |
Ended due to COVID-19 pandemic[32] |
 Florida
| ||||
| Destin | Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport | VPS | Bowling Green | Ended due to low demand |
| Tampa | Tampa International Airport | TPA | Charlotte
Macon |
Ended due to low demand[33] |
| Georgia
| ||||
| Atlanta | Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | ATL | Bowling Green | Ended due to low demand[34] |
| Kentucky
| ||||
| Bowling Green | Bowling Green–Warren County Regional Airport | BWG | Atlanta
Destin-Fort Walton |
Ended due to low demand[34] |
| Missouri
| ||||
| St. Louis | St. Louis Lambert International Airport | STL | Fort Leonard Wood | |
 Nevada
| ||||
| Las Vegas | Harry Reid International Airport | LAS | Page
San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara |
Ended due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| New York
| ||||
| Ogdensburg | Ogdensburg International Airport | OGS | Philadelphia | Replaced by Breeze Airways on October 1st, 2024.[35] |
| Pennsylvania
| ||||
| Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh International Airport | PIT | Indianapolis
Milwaukee |
Ended due to low demand |
 Wisconsin
| ||||
| Milwaukee | Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport | MKE | Indianapolis
Pittsburgh |
Ended due to low demand |
Fleet
[edit]
Contour uses a variety of regional jets in a 30-seat configuration under the Corporate Flight Management certificate.[citation needed]
| Aircraft | In Service | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer ERJ-135 | 10 | 30 | Owned and operated by Contour Aviation |
| Embraer ERJ-140 | 7 | ||
| Embraer ERJ-145 | 3 | ||
| Bombardier CRJ-100 | 1 | ||
| Bombardier CRJ-200 | 10 | ||
| Fleet total | 31 | ||
Services
[edit]Interline agreement
[edit]Contour has an interline agreement with American Airlines since October 2019,[36] 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.[37]
Since April 2024, Contour has an interline agreement with Alaska Airlines.[36] Passengers that book through Alaska Airlines are eligible to earn miles for Mileage Plan when flying Contour.[38]
Contour and United Airlines have a new interline agreement.[39] The partnership is expected to be in place starting October 2024.[40]
In-flight experience
[edit]Passengers traveling with Contour receive free seat selection and their first piece of checked baggage without charge on all fare classes.[41] All Contour flights feature leather seating, 36 inches of legroom, and complimentary in-flight snack and beverage service.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "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.
- ^ Department of Transportation (August 22, 2024). "2024-8-17 Order Setting Annual Service Levels and Total Costs Under the Alternate Essential Air Service Program". Retrieved October 8, 2024.
- ^ Department of Transportation (July 3, 2024). "2024-7-3 Order Setting Annual Service Levels and Total Costs Under the Alternate Essential Air Service Program". Retrieved October 8, 2024.
- ^ Department of Transportation (July 29, 2024). "2024-7-17 Order Approving Alternate Service Pattern". Retrieved October 8, 2024.
- ^ Department of Transportation (September 17, 2024). "2024-9-12 Order Selecting Air Carrier". Retrieved October 8, 2024.
- ^ a b c "About Us". www.contouraviation.com. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ "Contour Airlines Suspends Service at San Luis Obispo County". www.slocounty.ca.gov. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ "Regulations.gov". www.regulations.gov. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ^ "Contour Airlines – Flight schedules". www.contourairlines.com. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ^ Department of Transportation (August 22, 2024). "2024-8-17 Order Setting Annual Service Levels and Total Costs Under the Alternate Essential Air Service Program". Regulations.gov. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Department of Transportation (July 29, 2024). "2024-7-17 Order Approving Alternate Service Pattern". Regulations.gov. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Department of Transportation (July 3, 2024). "2024-7-3 Order Setting Annual Service Levels and Total Costs Under the Alternate Essential Air Service Program". Regulations.gov. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Department of Transportation (September 17, 2024). "2024-9-12 Order Selecting Air Carrier". Regulations.gov. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "Corporate Flight Management Inc. dba Contour Airlines (Proposal) Docket (DOT-OST-1997-2842)". Regulations.gov. May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
- ^ "MOV Regional Airport eyes marketing". mariettatimes.com. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Contour Airlines". www.alaskaair.com. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ Newton, Carly (July 2, 2024). "Contour addresses operation questions". Press-Republican. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ Department of Transportation (July 3, 2024). "Corporate Flight Management Inc. dba Contour Airlines (Proposal)". Regulations.gov. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
- ^ "Contour Airlines". www.contourairlines.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2020.
