Contour and Spirit Airlines Partner to Expand EAS Connectivity

Contour Airlines and Spirit Airlines have announced a new partnership aimed at improving connectivity between underserved Essential Air Service (EAS) cities and major leisure destinations across the U.S., according to a joint press release.

While specific routes have not yet been revealed, Spirit Airlines confirmed plans to launch flights from several of Contour’s EAS markets to popular leisure destinations, broadening travel options from smaller regional airports.

“This partnership with Contour gives us an exciting opportunity to grow our network and explore low-cost entry into new markets that currently have limited service,” said John Kirby, Spirit’s vice president of network planning.

Contour Airlines currently operates scheduled flights to 22 EAS and Alternative Essential Air Service (AEAS) cities, including Altoona, Cape Girardeau, Greenville (MS), Kirksville, Owensboro, Plattsburgh, and Tupelo. These flights connect to larger hub airports such as Nashville, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, and Washington Dulles, providing key links between small communities and the national air travel network.

A subsidiary of Contour Aviation, Contour Airlines’ parent fleet includes 14 CRJ200s, 10 E135s, 8 E140s, 3 E145s, and various charter jets. The airline also maintains interline agreements with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.

The partnership with Spirit marks a strategic move to integrate low-cost leisure travel with federally supported regional routes, potentially boosting passenger traffic at smaller airports and expanding options for cost-conscious travelers.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com