Contour Airlines
Contour Airlines is a regional airline headquartered at Smyrna Airport in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States.[3] All Contour Airlines flights are public charters sold and operated by parent company Contour Aviation as a direct carrier.
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| Founded | 2016 | ||||||
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| Commenced operations | March 22, 2016 | ||||||
| Fleet size | 13 | ||||||
| Destinations | 17[1] | ||||||
| Parent company | Contour Aviation | ||||||
| Headquarters | Smyrna, Tennessee, U.S. | ||||||
| Key people | Matt Chaifetz, CEO [2] | ||||||
| Website | contourairlines.com | ||||||
History
Contour Airlines was established by 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.[4]
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 that are within driving distance but do not have direct flights in order to capture travelers who would rather drive than fly with a layover.[5] The airline planned to serve Nashville, Pittsburgh and St. Louis from Indianapolis beginning June 10, 2020,[6] however, the service had been suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] On July 28, 2021, Contour announced its relaunch in Indianapolis, beginning on October 12 and flying to Milwaukee, Nashville, and Pittsburgh.[8] However, Contour quietly dropped Milwaukee and Pittsburgh less than three months later.[9] According to Contour CEO Matt Chaifetz, the Indianpolis to Milwaukee route averaged 40% full and was climbing, but stalled in the winter due to fears over the omicron variant.[5] He said "the timing was just poor" for the new routes, but said "We're still committed to Indianapolis."[5]
Destinations
Contour Airlines operates flights serving the following destinations:[10][11]
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Former destinations
Airline agreements
In November 2019, Contour launched an interline agreement with American Airlines allowing passengers to travel via Contour and American under a single itinerary. Bookings can made through third-party travel agencies and through the American Airlines website. Eventually, Contour will be able to sell interline tickets on their own web site.[17]
Fleet
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Stored | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embraer ERJ-135 | 10 | - | - | 30 seat configuration |
| Total | 10 | - | 3 | |
In-flight experience
Passengers traveling with Contour receive free seat selection and first piece of checked baggage with all fare classes.[19] All Contour flights feature leather seating, 36 inches of legroom, and complimentary in-flight snack and beverage service.[4]
References
- "ContourAirlines". www.contourairlines.com. Retrieved 2018-03-29.
- "About Corporate Flight Management - CFM". Contour Aviation. Retrieved 2018-03-29.
- "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 2007-04-03. p. 69.
- https://calendar.in.gov/site/iedc/event/iedc-indiana-lands-new-airline-base-for-indy-airport-new-nonstop-routes-jobs--future-growth/
- Indianapolis airport loses direct flights to Milwaukee, Pittsburgh after just 3 months
- BF Staff (2020-02-05). "Contour To Add Airline Base At Indianapolis International Airport". Business Facilities. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
- Airport, Indianapolis (2020-04-22). "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 2020-05-12.
- Alex Brown (2021-07-28). "Contour Airlines Resumes Indy Airport Plans". WISHTV. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
- Here today... Contour Airlines drops Indianapolis, Milwaukee flights after less than three months in Pittsburgh
- "Regulations.gov". www.regulations.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
- "Contour Airlines - Flight schedules". www.contourairlines.com. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
- Jaipuriar, Rashika. "New airline and nonstop flights to begin service this fall at Indianapolis airport". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
- "Thompson announces funds for charter services to Greenville Airport". Press Register. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
- McCormick, Grayce (2020-12-17). "Southwest soaring to SB". Santa Barbara News-Press. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- "Macon Regional Airport ends Tampa flight, continues casino and Baltimore-Washington trips". WMAZ. 22 March 2019. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- wswietek@bgdailynews.com, WES SWIETEK. "Local Destin flights won't return". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- "MOV Regional Airport eyes marketing". mariettatimes.com. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- "ContourAirlines". contourairlines.com. Retrieved 2018-03-29.
- "Contour Airlines". www.contourairlines.com. Archived from the original on 2020-05-06.