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
Contour Airlines was established by its parent company Contour Aviation in 2016. Contour began service on April 5, 2016, completing its inaugural flight from Nashville to Tupelo, Mississippi. 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.[6] The airline planned to serve Nashville, Pittsburgh and St. Louis from Indianapolis beginning June 10, 2020,[7] however, the service had been suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8] On July 28, 2021, Contour announced its relaunch in Indianapolis, beginning on October 12 and flying to Milwaukee, Nashville, and Pittsburgh.[9] However, Contour quietly dropped Milwaukee and Pittsburgh less than three months later.[10] 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.[6] He said "the timing was just poor" for the new routes but said, "We're still committed to Indianapolis."[6]
Contour Airlines CRJ-200LR at Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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.[11][12]
In January 2025, Contour appointed Ben Munson as President. He will report to CEO Matt Chaifetz.[14]
Corporate affairs
As of 2024, Contour Airlines employs approximately 800 people across its operations. Matt Chaifetz is the current president and chief executive officer; leading the company since its founding in 2016.[15] Contour currently employs nearly 200 pilots, all reporting to Greg Engel, the Chief Pilot.
Corporate headquarters
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
As of July2025[update], Contour Airlines operates flights serving the following destinations:[16][17]
AEAS community. Air Wisconsin awarded contract; service ending September 30, 2025.[29] Air Wisconsin however has withdrawn from the contract before service even started. A new carrier will be chosen, and Contour Airlines will continue serving the airport until then.[30]
Contour has had an interline agreement with American Airlines since October 2019,[37] 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.[38]
Passengers traveling with Contour receive free seat selection and their first piece of checked baggage without charge on all fare classes.[42] All Contour flights feature leather seating, 36 inches of legroom, and complimentary in-flight snack and beverage service.[43]
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