Contour Airlines has completed the acquisition of five additional Embraer ERJ-135 regional jets which will be deployed into the airline’s route network across the US.
The new additions bring its ERJ fleet size to 11 and the total number of aircraft operated by Contour to 25.
“2018 was a transformative year for Contour,” said Matt Chaifetz, chief executive officer. “Our network grew from four to fourteen cities in less than twelve months.”
The additional aircraft will enable Contour to retire its fleet of Jetstream 31/32 turboprop aircraft and transition its Tupelo, MS to Nashville route – Contour’s last remaining Jetstream operation – to jet service effective 1 April 2019.
In total, the company expects over 100 new jobs, including approximately 50 pilot positions, to be created as its new aircraft enter service.
Chaifetz, went on to say: “The response to Contour’s distinctive combination of a premium product, reliable service, and low fares has been overwhelming, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our nearly 400 team members. We are incredibly excited about the additional opportunities that these new aircraft present for further profitable growth.”
The transaction coincides with the recent announcement that Contour has been awarded the contract to provide Alternate Essential Air Service between Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks and St. Louis, Missouri.
Fort Leonard Wood is the seventh community supported by the Essential Air Service programme to select Contour as its recommended air service provider. Once service begins in February, Contour’s network will include a total of sixteen cities nationwide.
