![]() ![]() The airline is the commercial brand for public air taxi operator Corporate Flight Management, which was founded in 1982.Ĭorporate Flight Management has offered scheduled air taxi service in the past, most notably under the Branson Air Express name.įor Contour, that first EAS route - between Tupelo and Nashville (BNA) - grew to include others like Crescent City, California (CEC), and Page, Arizona (PGA), by 2018. Smyrna, Tennessee-based Contour has offered scheduled passenger flights in its current form since March 2016, when it began serving Tupelo, Mississippi (TUP), under the subsidized Essential Air Service (EAS) program, according to Cirium schedules. "Contour is going to be a great partner.A Contour Airlines ERJ-135 at the Santa Barbara airport. "This is a big day for the big O," Watson said. Officials touted the move as an economic tool as well, noting the international access that will be available to local travelers. ".We'll be pulling customers from a broader range than just here in Daviess County." "It is indeed exciting news," Castlen said. The federal subsidy for Contour has been estimated at $5.6 million for the first year.īoth Mayor Tom Watson and Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen commended the airport's board and staff for bringing Contour to the community. The goal of the program is to maintain a minimal level of scheduled air service to smaller communities that otherwise would not be profitable. ![]() It cited inflation demands as the cause.Ĭape Air did rebid to return as the EAS carrier but with fewer flight options.ĮAS is a federal program that subsidizes airlines chosen for the service. ![]() Cape Air gave notice last year that it was withdrawing as a provider with EAS to multiple stations, including Owensboro. Tickets can be booked through Contour's or American Airlines' websites.Ĭontour will be replacing current EAS provider Cape Air, which offers daily flights to St. The airline is offering an introductory price of $89 each way if booked by June 19. and we think that will really help cement Owensboro's place as an airport of choice in the region," Chaifetz said.Ĭontour, which also partners with American Airlines, will fly 12 weekly roundtrips between Owensboro and Chicago. "We're proud to be the only airline in this region offering nonstop services to Chicago - that was a major reason to transition service to Chicago. ![]() Those who attended the press conference were invited inside the jet to preview the aircraft's cabin area.Ĭhaifetz also noted that the Evansville airport does not offer flights to Chicago. "Last month, we had an on-time performance rate of almost 90%."Ĭhaifetz said the jets were originally built to hold 37 passengers but were downsized to 30 seats to provide more space. "Contour is one of the most punctual airlines in the country," he said. "When other airports are struggling to maintain service, the fact we're here today introducing what I think, and I hope everyone agrees, is a truly upgraded product relative to the EAS service that Owensboro has had in the past is attributable to (airport officials') efforts."Ĭontour will be flying a 30-passenger Embraer ERJ-135 regional jet to make the 45-minute in-air trip from Owensboro to Chicago.Īccording to Chaifetz, Contour is one of the fastest growing airlines in the country and the second largest airline in the EAS program in both number of passengers and communities served. Matt Chaifetz, Contour's CEO, said he has known Owensboro airport Director Tristan Durbin for a number of years, which helped in bringing the airline to the community. Instead Contour gave the board an option for Chicago flights, which it voted unanimously to accept and remove Charlotte as the EAS destination. ![]()
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