Contour Airlines

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

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] 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]

On October 1, 2024, Contour changed multiple routes to new American Airlines hubs. Altoona used to connect to Philadelphia but now connects to Charlotte.^[13] Fort Leonard Wood and Cape Girardeau changed from Nashville to Chicago.

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 February 2026, Contour Airlines operates flights serving the following destinations:^[16][17]

Caribbean

United States

Discontinued destinations

Fleet

As of September 2025, Contour uses a variety of regional jets in a 30-seat configuration under the Corporate Flight Management certificate.

Contour Airlines also formerly operated 7 British Aerospace Jetstream 31^{[citation needed]} and 4 British Aerospace Jetstream 41^{[citation needed]}

Services

Interline agreement

Contour has had an interline agreement with American Airlines since October 2019,^[46] 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.^[47]

Since April 2024, Contour has had an interline agreement with Alaska Airlines.^[46] Passengers who book through Alaska Airlines are eligible to earn miles for Atmos Rewards when flying Contour.^[48]

Since October 2024, Contour and United Airlines have had an interline agreement.^[49][50]

In February 2025, Contour and JetBlue signed a new interline agreement that allow customers to book for single itineraries. This agreement allows Contour to access for more than 100 destinations served by JetBlue in the Americas, while extending JetBlue's reach into smaller and underserved regional markets served by Contour.^[51]

In-flight experience

Passengers traveling with Contour receive free seat selection.^[52] All Contour flights feature leather seating, 36 inches of legroom, and complimentary in-flight snack and beverage service.^[53]

References

1. ^ "Advisory Circular AC 135-13K: FAA Certificated Air Carriers Directory". August 23, 2002. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
2. ^ "Contour Airlines Route Map". Contour Airlines. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
3. ^ "About Corporate Flight Management – CFM". Contour Aviation. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
4. ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. April 3, 2007. p. 69.
5. ^ Lau, Stuart “Kipp” (October 2, 2023). "The Fight Against Public Charter Providers is Heating Up". Aviation International News. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
6. ^ "Indianapolis airport loses direct flights to Milwaukee, Pittsburgh after just 3 months". The Indianapolis Star
7. ^ BF Staff (February 5, 2020). "Contour To Add Airline Base At Indianapolis International Airport". Business Facilities. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
8. ^ 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.
9. ^ Alex Brown (July 28, 2021). "Contour Airlines Resumes Indy Airport Plans". WISHTV. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
10. ^ "Here today... Contour Airlines drops Indianapolis, Milwaukee flights after less than three months in Pittsburgh". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
11. ^ Hardee, Howard. "SkyWest acquires partial ownership of US charter operator Contour Airlines". Flight Global. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
12. ^ Ewing, Ryan (February 2, 2024). "SkyWest Acquires Stake in Contour Airlines, Bolsters Charter Presence". AirlineGeeks.com. Firecrown. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
13. ^ 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.
14. ^ "Ben Munson Named President of Contour Aviation". PR Newswire. December 19, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
15. ^ "About Us". www.contouraviation.com. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
16. ^ "Regulations.gov". www.regulations.gov. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
17. ^ "Contour Airlines – Flight schedules". www.contourairlines.com. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
18. ^ Vasile, Zach (August 27, 2025). "Contour Enters Caribbean Market". AirlineGeeks. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
19. ^ Contour Airlines (September 10, 2025). "Contour Airlines Expands Caribbean Network with New Nonstop Service from San Juan, Puerto Rico to St. Maarten". PR Newswire. Retrieved September 11, 2025.
20. ^ Contour Airlines (March 17, 2026). "Contour Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service From Page, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada". PR Newswire. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
21. ^ 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.
22. ^ "New airline taking over flights at Merced Regional Airport". ABC30 Action News. March 25, 2026. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
23. ^ Edwards, Chris (April 20, 2026). "Direct Flights from Sierra Blanca Regional to Denver Set to Launch June 25". 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
24. ^ Pensacola International Airport (January 21, 2026). "Pensacola International Airport Announces New Seasonal Nonstop Service to Cape Girardeau, Missouri on Contour Airlines". Pensacola International Airport. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
25. ^ Contour Airlines (April 9, 2026). "Contour Airlines Announces Return of Baltimore Service and Flight Expansion to Fort Lauderdale from Macon, GA". PR Newswire. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
26. ^ Ryan Ewing (February 12, 2025). "Washington Dulles Gets a New Airline". AirlineGeeks. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
27. ^ https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2001-8731-0178
28. ^ Department of Transportation (July 29, 2024). "2024-7-17 Order Approving Alternate Service Pattern". Regulations.gov. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
29. ^ Contour Airlines (April 7, 2026). "Contour Airlines Announces New Nonstop Flights from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to Nashville, Tennessee". PR Newswire. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
30. ^ Department of Transportation (August 29, 2025). "2025-8-14 Order Selecting Air Carrier". regulations.gov. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
31. ^ Richardson, Ryan (February 27, 2026). "New direct flight from OWB to Charlotte now available, expanding east coast access". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
32. ^ Department of Transportation (October 21, 2025). "2025-10-16 Order Approving Alternate Service Pattern". Regulations.gov. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
33. ^ "Destinations". www.contourairlines.com. Retrieved 2026-03-02.
34. ^ 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.
35. ^ Contour Airlines (April 2, 2026). "Contour Airlines Announces New Seasonal Flights from Beckley, West Virginia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina". PR Newswire. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
36. ^ Gerardi, Joey (5 January 2024). "Advanced Air to Operate U.S.'s Longest Dornier 328 Flight". Airline Geeks. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
37. ^ McCormick, Grayce (December 17, 2020). "Southwest soaring to SB". Santa Barbara News-Press. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
38. ^ "Macon Regional Airport ends Tampa flight, continues casino and Baltimore-Washington trips". WMAZ. March 22, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
39. ^ By, WES SWIETEK (February 17, 2018). "Local Destin flights won't return". Bowling Green Daily News. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
40. ^ Dwyer, Kayla (February 9, 2022). "Indianapolis airport loses direct flights to Milwaukee, Pittsburgh after just 3 months". IndyStar. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
41. ^ Department of Transportation (September 26, 2025). "2025-9-20 Order Selecting Air Carrier". regulations.gov. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
42. ^ Department of Transportation (July 15, 2025). "2025-7-6 Order Selecting Air Carrier". regulations.gov. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
43. ^ Department of Transportation (September 17, 2024). "2024-9-12 Order Selecting Air Carrier". Regulations.gov. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
44. ^ Department of Transportation (September 19, 2025). "2025-9-14 Order Selecting Air Carrier". Regulations.gov. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
45. ^ Department of Transportation (October 21, 2025). "2025-10-7 Order Ensuring Continue Essential Air Service". Regulations.gov. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
46. ^ "Corporate Flight Management Inc. dba Contour Airlines (Proposal) Docket (DOT-OST-1997-2842)". Regulations.gov. May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
47. ^ "MOV Regional Airport eyes marketing". mariettatimes.com. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
48. ^ "Contour Airlines". www.alaskaair.com. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
49. ^ Newton, Carly (July 2, 2024). "Contour addresses operation questions". Press-Republican. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
50. ^ Department of Transportation (July 3, 2024). "Corporate Flight Management Inc. dba Contour Airlines (Proposal)". Regulations.gov. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
51. ^ Casey, David (4 February 2026). "Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Feb. 2, 2026)". aviationweek.com. Informa PLC. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
52. ^ "Contour Airlines". www.contourairlines.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2020.
53. ^ "Events Calendar"

External links

• Official website