Public Charters don't get the same flexibility as a DOT 121/135 Scheduled Air Carrier. PC's have to file their schedule and escrow information with the DOT and actually operate those flights; so its in Contour's advantage to only schedule 90 - 120 days out at a time.

UPDATE

*Cape Girardeau, Missouri (CGI)

City Council for Cape Girardeau is in agreement with the Cape Girardeau Airport Board and selected Contour Airlines to Nashville, TN (BNA).

Source: https://www.kfvs12.com/2022/06/20/city- ... t-carrier/

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The City of Cape Girardeau has chosen to recommend the selection of Contour Aviation.

The vote was 7-0.

The final decision will be made by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which may take up to 90 days.

We are told that Contour’s flights to Nashville will be $39.

Alex

Paducah has selected Contour to provide 12 Weekly Flights to CLT-Charlotte, NC.

Source: https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/barkley ... f2160.html

"PADUCAH — The Barkley Regional Airport Advisory Board has voted to choose Contour Aviation as the next air service provider out of Paducah.

The board's decision follow's SkyWest's announcement to stop providing flights to and from Chicago at the Paducah airport.

Contour is offering to provide 30-passenger, roundtrip flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, from Barkley Regional Airport.

The board voted to contract with Contour for the next three years."

Alex

It looks like Lewisburg will be going with Contour as well.

https://www.wvva.com/2022/06/22/pilot-shortages-cause-airline-drop-services-greenbrier-county-airport-board-recommends-replacement/

It's interesting they're talking about tourism. LF has had quite a bit of success with leisure traffic at Tupelo. They've added a 3rd daily return on select Fridays and Sundays there to cater for the weekender crowd. It'll be interesting to see if they can further stimulate that market at LWB. And MSL! That's another market with tourism potential.

Looks like Johnstown will be sticking with Skywest though.

https://news.yahoo.com/johnstown-airport-leaders-back-skywests-115400404.html

Hopefully this means the resources Contour committed to the market can be redeployed elsewhere.

BangersAndMash wrote:

It looks like Lewisburg will be going with Contour as well.

https://www.wvva.com/2022/06/22/pilot-shortages-cause-airline-drop-services-greenbrier-county-airport-board-recommends-replacement/

It's interesting they're talking about tourism. LF has had quite a bit of success with leisure traffic at Tupelo. They've added a 3rd daily return on select Fridays and Sundays there to cater for the weekender crowd. It'll be interesting to see if they can further stimulate that market at LWB. And MSL! That's another market with tourism potential.

Greenbrier Resort is the big driver of tourism traffic at LWB. Lots of meeting and event business.

A bit out of left field but it seems Contour was working behind the scenes in Altoona. The airport will be applying for an AEAS grant to secure jet service with LF. Nothing about destination(s) yet.

https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2022/06/airport-authority-eyes-jet-service/

BangersAndMash wrote:

A bit out of left field but it seems Contour was working behind the scenes in Altoona. The airport will be applying for an AEAS grant to secure jet service with LF. Nothing about destination(s) yet.

https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2022/06/airport-authority-eyes-jet-service/

Let me correct that. Service would be to Philly, 12x weekly. The application has been filed with DOT.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2002-11446-0292

The paperwork from the ex-Skywest markets is slowly trickling in. A formal recommendation for Contour from PAH has been filed, bringing the number of recommendations to 3 so far (TBN, SHD, and now PAH).

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2009-0299-0056

Another official recommendation for Contour has been filed with DOT by Cape Girardeau, bringing the recommendations in ex-OO markets to 4 (TBN, SHD, PAH, and now CGI). JST is the only one they have failed to win so far.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-1996-1559-0118

Contour just announced a BIG increase in Captain's pay on the ERJ side.
This does NOT include bonuses!

From APC:
ERJ Base Annual Compensation Pay scale:
PIC

Y1 118000
Y2 120950
Y3 123973
Y4 127073
Y5 130249
Y6 133506
Y7 136843
Y8 140264
Y9 143771
Y10 147365

Flightaware shows LF will be moving an aircraft from Smyrna to Plattsburgh later today. I assume that is for the start of service tomorrow.

BangersAndMash wrote:

The paperwork from the ex-Skywest markets is slowly trickling in. A formal recommendation for Contour from PAH has been filed, bringing the number of recommendations to 3 so far (TBN, SHD, and now PAH).

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2009-0299-0056

BangersAndMash wrote:

Another official recommendation for Contour has been filed with DOT by Cape Girardeau, bringing the recommendations in ex-OO markets to 4 (TBN, SHD, PAH, and now CGI). JST is the only one they have failed to win so far.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-1996-1559-0118

Nice! Good Find!

Interesting that PAH only wants a 3 Year Contract instead of 4 Year.

CGI didn't state the length of the Contract they wished to have.

I am cringing on them (CGI) touting the Southwest and ULCC "HUB" Status..because that's still going to require two tickets, reconnecting, and checking bags again.

Makes sense though because BNA is not an AA Hub the way CLT is.

Alex

atrude777 wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

The paperwork from the ex-Skywest markets is slowly trickling in. A formal recommendation for Contour from PAH has been filed, bringing the number of recommendations to 3 so far (TBN, SHD, and now PAH).

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2009-0299-0056

BangersAndMash wrote:

Another official recommendation for Contour has been filed with DOT by Cape Girardeau, bringing the recommendations in ex-OO markets to 4 (TBN, SHD, PAH, and now CGI). JST is the only one they have failed to win so far.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-1996-1559-0118

Nice! Good Find!

Interesting that PAH only wants a 3 Year Contract instead of 4 Year.

CGI didn't state the length of the Contract they wished to have.

I am cringing on them (CGI) touting the Southwest and ULCC "HUB" Status..because that's still going to require two tickets, reconnecting, and checking bags again.

Makes sense though because BNA is not an AA Hub the way CLT is.

Alex

Yeah, 3 years is unusual, but not completely unheard of. Interestingly, SHD has requested a 3 year term as well.

TBN, like CGI, didn't specify a period in its recommendation letter.

Then again, AEAS grants are often for odd periods on the first award. Don't know why, but DOT insists on running them from Oct. 1. PBG and OGS are for 27 months (July 2022 to end of September 2024), which is even weirder.

Interesting article in La Presse (you need to read French). With AC's troubles, they're doing a good job pimping PBG. They even give Canadians instructions on how to enter the US!

https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2022-07-01/vols-annules-et-retardes/des-plans-b-pour-sauver-votre-voyage.php

BangersAndMash wrote:

atrude777 wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

The paperwork from the ex-Skywest markets is slowly trickling in. A formal recommendation for Contour from PAH has been filed, bringing the number of recommendations to 3 so far (TBN, SHD, and now PAH).

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2009-0299-0056

BangersAndMash wrote:

Another official recommendation for Contour has been filed with DOT by Cape Girardeau, bringing the recommendations in ex-OO markets to 4 (TBN, SHD, PAH, and now CGI). JST is the only one they have failed to win so far.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-1996-1559-0118

Nice! Good Find!

Interesting that PAH only wants a 3 Year Contract instead of 4 Year.

CGI didn't state the length of the Contract they wished to have.

I am cringing on them (CGI) touting the Southwest and ULCC "HUB" Status..because that's still going to require two tickets, reconnecting, and checking bags again.

Makes sense though because BNA is not an AA Hub the way CLT is.

Alex

Yeah, 3 years is unusual, but not completely unheard of. Interestingly, SHD has requested a 3 year term as well.

TBN, like CGI, didn't specify a period in its recommendation letter.

Then again, AEAS grants are often for odd periods on the first award. Don't know why, but DOT insists on running them from Oct. 1. PBG and OGS are for 27 months (July 2022 to end of September 2024), which is even weirder.

Forgive me, I am not an expert in terms of Essential Air Services grants but most likely why the grants run from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 is due to the fact that is the U.S. Federal Goverment fiscal year. Correct me if I am wrong.

BangersAndMash wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

A bit out of left field but it seems Contour was working behind the scenes in Altoona. The airport will be applying for an AEAS grant to secure jet service with LF. Nothing about destination(s) yet.

https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2022/06/airport-authority-eyes-jet-service/

Let me correct that. Service would be to Philly, 12x weekly. The application has been filed with DOT.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2002-11446-0292

If scheduled right they will have 3 aircraft in PHL at once, currently in the evening they have a 18:45 and 19:00 departure to PBG and OGS. I would think that the AOO flight would be around that time also. Not sure what that morning schedule is like time wise.

crj900lr wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

A bit out of left field but it seems Contour was working behind the scenes in Altoona. The airport will be applying for an AEAS grant to secure jet service with LF. Nothing about destination(s) yet.

https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2022/06/airport-authority-eyes-jet-service/

Let me correct that. Service would be to Philly, 12x weekly. The application has been filed with DOT.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2002-11446-0292

If scheduled right they will have 3 aircraft in PHL at once, currently in the evening they have a 18:45 and 19:00 departure to PBG and OGS. I would think that the AOO flight would be around that time also. Not sure what that morning schedule is like time wise.

I'm expecting the same for AOO as well.

Looking at the morning inbound into PHL, LF3901 leaves PBG at 8AM for a 9.15AM arrival, while LF3915 departs OGS at 8.15AM for a 9.30AM arrival. So very similar scheduling to the evening turn.

I'm curious to see if they're going to add any midday turns to increase utilisation, and if so, where to. Although, with fuel prices where they are, they might just stick to EAS for now. That being said, BNA-IND/GSP have not been cut so it seems the right routes can support some at-risk flying.

BangersAndMash wrote:

I'm expecting the same for AOO as well.

Looking at the morning inbound into PHL, LF3901 leaves PBG at 8AM for a 9.15AM arrival, while LF3915 departs OGS at 8.15AM for a 9.30AM arrival. So very similar scheduling to the evening turn.

I'm curious to see if they're going to add any midday turns to increase utilisation, and if so, where to. Although, with fuel prices where they are, they might just stick to EAS for now. That being said, BNA-IND/GSP have not been cut so it seems the right routes can support some at-risk flying.

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.

If Contour does this for CGI-BNA, i just checked using the July schedule. Passengers are missing 13 AA Flights by landing by 9am (assuming the same 8:00am departure, one hour flight to BNA). PAH-CLT leaving at 8am, 2 hour and a half flight, plus block time, 11:30am arrival. Missing the entire AA CLT Bank in the Morning for connections.

I perused the Contour cities, and there's not a lot of 6am departures, is this a Contour thing? A Part 135 thing? Gate Availability?

Alex

atrude777 wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

I'm expecting the same for AOO as well.

Looking at the morning inbound into PHL, LF3901 leaves PBG at 8AM for a 9.15AM arrival, while LF3915 departs OGS at 8.15AM for a 9.30AM arrival. So very similar scheduling to the evening turn.

I'm curious to see if they're going to add any midday turns to increase utilisation, and if so, where to. Although, with fuel prices where they are, they might just stick to EAS for now. That being said, BNA-IND/GSP have not been cut so it seems the right routes can support some at-risk flying.

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.

If Contour does this for CGI-BNA, i just checked using the July schedule. Passengers are missing 13 AA Flights by landing by 9am (assuming the same 8:00am departure, one hour flight to BNA). PAH-CLT leaving at 8am, 2 hour and a half flight, plus block time, 11:30am arrival. Missing the entire AA CLT Bank in the Morning for connections.

I perused the Contour cities, and there's not a lot of 6am departures, is this a Contour thing? A Part 135 thing? Gate Availability?

Alex

they don't seem to be particularly market driven. it might be operationally driven for crew hours?

atrude777 wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

I'm expecting the same for AOO as well.

Looking at the morning inbound into PHL, LF3901 leaves PBG at 8AM for a 9.15AM arrival, while LF3915 departs OGS at 8.15AM for a 9.30AM arrival. So very similar scheduling to the evening turn.

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.

Funny, I'm usually a 6 am flight fan as someone starting a business trip but PBG is 45 minutes from me. I'm willing to give up some morning connection options to avoid starting my day at 4 am or earlier just to make the originating flight. Especially in the winter when it could be longer than 45m.

Might also have something to do with when the crews in PBG can have the runway cleared in winter. I know at SLK the morning flight is often delayed on snowy mornings while they clear the runway.

atrude777 wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

I'm expecting the same for AOO as well.

Looking at the morning inbound into PHL, LF3901 leaves PBG at 8AM for a 9.15AM arrival, while LF3915 departs OGS at 8.15AM for a 9.30AM arrival. So very similar scheduling to the evening turn.

I'm curious to see if they're going to add any midday turns to increase utilisation, and if so, where to. Although, with fuel prices where they are, they might just stick to EAS for now. That being said, BNA-IND/GSP have not been cut so it seems the right routes can support some at-risk flying.

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.

If Contour does this for CGI-BNA, i just checked using the July schedule. Passengers are missing 13 AA Flights by landing by 9am (assuming the same 8:00am departure, one hour flight to BNA). PAH-CLT leaving at 8am, 2 hour and a half flight, plus block time, 11:30am arrival. Missing the entire AA CLT Bank in the Morning for connections.

I perused the Contour cities, and there's not a lot of 6am departures, is this a Contour thing? A Part 135 thing? Gate Availability?

Alex

They use gates F5 and F7 for these flights currently. If that 3rd flight from AOO gets scheduled it will probably go to F9 as they probably can't take a chance on putting it on F3 as that is a 700/900 gate a majority of the time. It's possible it may be a gate issue at that hour of the morning.

atrude777 wrote:

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.



Alex

Minimum crew rest time for the 8-ish pm arrival the night before. It's not going to overnight two crews at the outstation and have each only fly half a day.

crj900lr wrote:

atrude777 wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

I'm expecting the same for AOO as well.

Looking at the morning inbound into PHL, LF3901 leaves PBG at 8AM for a 9.15AM arrival, while LF3915 departs OGS at 8.15AM for a 9.30AM arrival. So very similar scheduling to the evening turn.

I'm curious to see if they're going to add any midday turns to increase utilisation, and if so, where to. Although, with fuel prices where they are, they might just stick to EAS for now. That being said, BNA-IND/GSP have not been cut so it seems the right routes can support some at-risk flying.

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.

If Contour does this for CGI-BNA, i just checked using the July schedule. Passengers are missing 13 AA Flights by landing by 9am (assuming the same 8:00am departure, one hour flight to BNA). PAH-CLT leaving at 8am, 2 hour and a half flight, plus block time, 11:30am arrival. Missing the entire AA CLT Bank in the Morning for connections.

I perused the Contour cities, and there's not a lot of 6am departures, is this a Contour thing? A Part 135 thing? Gate Availability?

Alex

They use gates F5 and F7 for these flights currently. If that 3rd flight from AOO gets scheduled it will probably go to F9 as they probably can't take a chance on putting it on F3 as that is a 700/900 gate a majority of the time. It's possible it may be a gate issue at that hour of the morning.

Base on my information I saw from Volunteering at the airport Sunday Contour is assigned as using F5, F7 and F9

MO11 wrote:

atrude777 wrote:

That's not ideal departures for business trips and connections.

Contour needs to be leaving at 6am if not earlier. Unless there is a gate issue in PHL and availability then I can imagine that's why they can't offer that.



Alex

Minimum crew rest time for the 8-ish pm arrival the night before. It's not going to overnight two crews at the outstation and have each only fly half a day.

Why can't the 8pm arrival work the afternoon turn, and the crew getting off the afternoon turn, work the 8am departure (only making it 6am because it's meeting crew rest).

SkyWest did that in some of the stations, some were stand up, but some got off during the turns and swapped crews.

Two crews weren't staying at the hotel.

Alex

Bigant0408 wrote:

Base on my information I saw from Volunteering at the airport Sunday Contour is assigned as using F5, F7 and F9

This is awesome info I was having trouble finding on the Contour and PHL websites. Thank you! It's very helpful in looking at connection times before booking one of these. PHL terminal changes are a whole thing.

bval wrote:

Bigant0408 wrote:

Base on my information I saw from Volunteering at the airport Sunday Contour is assigned as using F5, F7 and F9

This is awesome info I was having trouble finding on the Contour and PHL websites. Thank you! It's very helpful in looking at connection times before booking one of these. PHL terminal changes are a whole thing.

Not a problem. I was curious myself last week as to what gates they were going to use as Contour hasn't updated there terminal info yet on there website and PHL website is on and off with it. Oh I saw right in front of my face of gate changes at terminal F and one passenger didn't realize for awhile.

The paperwork for Clarksburg has finally been filed (3 weeks after it was produced - it's dated June 21, but let's not quibble).

Another recommendation for LF, as rumoured in the press. This is no.5 for the ex-OO markets, after TBN, SHD, PAH, CGI, and now CKB.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2005-20736-0180

The recommendation from LWB is in as well.

Contour makes it 6 ex-OO markets (TBN, SHD, PAH, CGI, CKB, and LWB).

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2003-15553-0189

Countour CEO and an aircraft were in Altoona today for a Show-n-Tell.

https://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/loc ... ntrolling/

I found this on Glassdoor regarding Contour among other safety issues reported, and I was hoping for somebody to advise me.

Person said:
“Safety is only a marketing term to this company. Expect no quality of life, you will rarely be home. Sales runs the company, they will do anything and everything to complete a scheduled flight, and you will be expected to conceal maintenance issues and any other issue to passengers to help the company save face and keep up the facade that it is a high flying executive level luxury charter business. Bear in mind that this is a 135 airline masquerading as a "scheduled carrier" because of the loosely cobbled together EAS route structure. Not a 121 airline. Just about every operating practice at Contour would be illegal in the 121 world, and pushes the limits of legality even under part 135.”

Admitted, I’m not a pilot. But I really feel like I need some honest advice from people who are on whether on not trust my personal safety to fly with them despite seeing so many safety warnings from others? Can anyone kindly provide some guidance or insight? Thought I’d ask the experts. Thank you for understanding.

joejack101 wrote:

I found this on Glassdoor regarding Contour among other safety issues reported, and I was hoping for somebody to advise me.

Person said:
“Safety is only a marketing term to this company. Expect no quality of life, you will rarely be home. Sales runs the company, they will do anything and everything to complete a scheduled flight, and you will be expected to conceal maintenance issues and any other issue to passengers to help the company save face and keep up the facade that it is a high flying executive level luxury charter business. Bear in mind that this is a 135 airline masquerading as a "scheduled carrier" because of the loosely cobbled together EAS route structure. Not a 121 airline. Just about every operating practice at Contour would be illegal in the 121 world, and pushes the limits of legality even under part 135.”

Admitted, I’m not a pilot. But I really feel like I need some honest advice from people who are on whether on not trust my personal safety to fly with them despite seeing so many safety warnings from others? Can anyone kindly provide some guidance or insight? Thought I’d ask the experts. Thank you for understanding.

Glassdoor is going to be 99% disgruntled former employees, that is why no one really takes it seriously. I can’t see what goes on behind the scenes at any airline, but their website shows they are ARG/US Platinum and I think I read on here the 10th(?) largest part 135 operator, which has to put them over all but the very best charter operators in terms of safety. They’re the only airline semi-local to me, so I follow fairly closely and the only safety concerns I’ve seen expressed are by competitors upset that they were the first to use Alternate EAS to offer jet service, which I don’t find credible. Part 135 operators fly the Legacy all the time, why would a ERJ be different from a safety perspective? 11 seats?

Took my first RT PBG-PHL last week on LF and can tell I am going to be using these flights often.

LF use Crane Aero for their ticketing system, and it makes Amadeus look cutting edge, but other than that the crew and flight were excellent. I really dig the livery as well.

My KTN didn't make it on the ticket, and the counter crew at PBG didn't know how to add it, but they promised to learn. Also a snafu with my interline onto AA and not appearing on the upgrade list when originating from LF. I've had the same problem originating on 9K and I wrote to AA IT about it. Hopefully they can figure out why that happens.

I'm local to SLK so PBG is an hour drive for me, but worth it to add PHL as a connection point. 9K takes me to BOS or JFK though, which are far more often my destination than somewhere connecting through PHL. Hope LF builds a solid, profitable operation up here and goes for more airports.

bval wrote:

Took my first RT PBG-PHL last week on LF and can tell I am going to be using these flights often.

LF use Crane Aero for their ticketing system, and it makes Amadeus look cutting edge, but other than that the crew and flight were excellent. I really dig the livery as well.

My KTN didn't make it on the ticket, and the counter crew at PBG didn't know how to add it, but they promised to learn. Also a snafu with my interline onto AA and not appearing on the upgrade list when originating from LF. I've had the same problem originating on 9K and I wrote to AA IT about it. Hopefully they can figure out why that happens.

I'm local to SLK so PBG is an hour drive for me, but worth it to add PHL as a connection point. 9K takes me to BOS or JFK though, which are far more often my destination than somewhere connecting through PHL. Hope LF builds a solid, profitable operation up here and goes for more airports.

Re: your interline issue, did you book direct with LF? Maybe booking through aa.com might make a difference. Just a thought.

On where they go from there, I can't help thinking BOS would be more likely than JFK (or another NYC airport) if success warrants flights to a second hub. Would be easier to get slots/gate space there. BWI is another option if access to DC is important. And they already have a station there for the MCN flights.

BangersAndMash wrote:

Re: your interline issue, did you book direct with LF? Maybe booking through aa.com might make a difference. Just a thought.

In most of these instances the bookings are done via AMEX Travel as they're for work, so your hunch is probably correct. Something is not being wired up properly when the bookings are made. I actually just booked direct with AA for a personal trip in September so I'll update on how that works when I can.

BangersAndMash wrote:

On where they go from there, I can't help thinking BOS would be more likely than JFK (or another NYC airport) if success warrants flights to a second hub. Would be easier to get slots/gate space there. BWI is another option if access to DC is important. And they already have a station there for the MCN flights.

I agree on BOS vs an NYC airport. Much much easier to get access. That would be A-OK with me. On the trips where I need NYC I can either take the 9K JFK flight, or one of the dozen LGA shuttles from BOS. The only outlier is if the NEA is dissolved to make the B6/NK merge possible, then AA will suddenly need someone else to slot squat for them at JFK and LGA. That could open an opportunity for Contour in the Northeast.

Contour acquired two ERJ-140s, N800AE and N801AE on Tuesday.

MO11 wrote:

Contour acquired two ERJ-140s, N800AE and N801AE on Tuesday.

Hearing there’s plenty more 140s where that came from. Once again there will be a carrier operating all 3 sizes of the ERJ!

Great to see them bringing their service to solid AA hubs but still giving BNA some deserved attention.

Lots more unsubsidized flying opportunities out of BNA and they still have 14 solid connections on AA in addition to the soon to be 7 markets they’ll serve. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t take another stab at seasonal service to BKG(BBG) from BNA and maybe CLT or DFW. CFM flew there under various brands for many years. Contour and the AA interline could give those routes critical mass to keep going. Otherwise, some gulf coast markets would provide nice connectivity to destinations popular in the mid south.

Without a doubt DFW has potential as well. Im surprised they haven't gone for any southwestern markets connecting DFW to PHX in this round.

Philly presents opportunities for them to utilize the short field capabilities of the 135/140 with only 30 seats. They could look into returning to old USAir turboprop markets. While HVN would be great, they may be a little full with Avelo, GON could possibly support PHL service again with backing from the Coast Guard, Navy, Electric Boat and Pfizer. HYA could do well seasonally. Plenty of EAS contracts to pick up for PHL and maybe bolster BWI a bit. Maybe pick up the seasonal contract for BHB? While the terrain may pose a challenge, RUT and LEB would be interesting EAS bids as well.

As for Charlotte they could follow the Via/Elite strategy and try smaller Florida markets like UST, VRB and MTH that currently have no service or no connection to the AA network.

Thinking big here but apparently so is LF!

tichydev wrote:

MO11 wrote:

Contour acquired two ERJ-140s, N800AE and N801AE on Tuesday.

Hearing there’s plenty more 140s where that came from. Once again there will be a carrier operating all 3 sizes of the ERJ!

Great to see them bringing their service to solid AA hubs but still giving BNA some deserved attention.

Lots more unsubsidized flying opportunities out of BNA and they still have 14 solid connections on AA in addition to the soon to be 7 markets they’ll serve. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t take another stab at seasonal service to BKG(BBG) from BNA and maybe CLT or DFW. CFM flew there under various brands for many years. Contour and the AA interline could give those routes critical mass to keep going. Otherwise, some gulf coast markets would provide nice connectivity to destinations popular in the mid south.

Without a doubt DFW has potential as well. Im surprised they haven't gone for any southwestern markets connecting DFW to PHX in this round.

Philly presents opportunities for them to utilize the short field capabilities of the 135/140 with only 30 seats. They could look into returning to old USAir turboprop markets. While HVN would be great, they may be a little full with Avelo, GON could possibly support PHL service again with backing from the Coast Guard, Navy, Electric Boat and Pfizer. HYA could do well seasonally. Plenty of EAS contracts to pick up for PHL and maybe bolster BWI a bit. Maybe pick up the seasonal contract for BHB? While the terrain may pose a challenge, RUT and LEB would be interesting EAS bids as well.

As for Charlotte they could follow the Via/Elite strategy and try smaller Florida markets like UST, VRB and MTH that currently have no service or no connection to the AA network.

Thinking big here but apparently so is LF!

The future of LF is subsidized flying. Looking at loads, some of the at risk flying opportunities got killed by covid and just don't do well. By having jets, it makes Contour very attractive for EAS communities, especially those that are used to grand caravan service. At risk flying for Contour is just about pointless for the moment, and with new bids coming in, being an almost solely EAS airline for now is what pays the bills. Nashville, imo, is pointless for EAS flying, because it offers 2 stop connectivity, instead on 1 with PHL, DFW, and CLT. Even DFW is expensive, and the potential western EAS routes would be funneled through Phoenix I think.

VenturiEffect wrote:

joejack101 wrote:

I found this on Glassdoor regarding Contour among other safety issues reported, and I was hoping for somebody to advise me.

Person said:
“Safety is only a marketing term to this company. Expect no quality of life, you will rarely be home. Sales runs the company, they will do anything and everything to complete a scheduled flight, and you will be expected to conceal maintenance issues and any other issue to passengers to help the company save face and keep up the facade that it is a high flying executive level luxury charter business. Bear in mind that this is a 135 airline masquerading as a "scheduled carrier" because of the loosely cobbled together EAS route structure. Not a 121 airline. Just about every operating practice at Contour would be illegal in the 121 world, and pushes the limits of legality even under part 135.”

Admitted, I’m not a pilot. But I really feel like I need some honest advice from people who are on whether on not trust my personal safety to fly with them despite seeing so many safety warnings from others? Can anyone kindly provide some guidance or insight? Thought I’d ask the experts. Thank you for understanding.

Glassdoor is going to be 99% disgruntled former employees, that is why no one really takes it seriously. I can’t see what goes on behind the scenes at any airline, but their website shows they are ARG/US Platinum and I think I read on here the 10th(?) largest part 135 operator, which has to put them over all but the very best charter operators in terms of safety. They’re the only airline semi-local to me, so I follow fairly closely and the only safety concerns I’ve seen expressed are by competitors upset that they were the first to use Alternate EAS to offer jet service, which I don’t find credible. Part 135 operators fly the Legacy all the time, why would a ERJ be different from a safety perspective? 11 seats?

The Legacy has 13 seats. Most of Contour's crews are ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern passing, so there are experienced aviators in the company. Contour is the big choice for music tours because of VIP CRJs, and MX facilities are all over the place out east.

tichydev wrote:

Philly presents opportunities for them to utilize the short field capabilities of the 135/140 with only 30 seats. They could look into returning to old USAir turboprop markets. While HVN would be great, they may be a little full with Avelo, GON could possibly support PHL service again with backing from the Coast Guard, Navy, Electric Boat and Pfizer. HYA could do well seasonally. Plenty of EAS contracts to pick up for PHL and maybe bolster BWI a bit. Maybe pick up the seasonal contract for BHB? While the terrain may pose a challenge, RUT and LEB would be interesting EAS bids as well.

As for Charlotte they could follow the Via/Elite strategy and try smaller Florida markets like UST, VRB and MTH that currently have no service or no connection to the AA network.

Thinking big here but apparently so is LF!

Dozens of EAS markets up here that once had Commutair or Big Sky service on 19 or 30 seat turboprops. Most of them are with 9K today with a few notable exceptions like ART where MQ currently flies an ERJ to PHL. If AA is happy with Contour I could see that EAS market and some other 50 seat markets go their way. 9K's operation is falling apart right now between MX issues on the 402s, teething issues on the Tecnam, and the regionals going after their crews. I could see Cape Air having to retreat a la SkyWest at some point and open the door for more AEAS markets for LF.

yoshoward12 wrote:

The future of LF is subsidized flying. Looking at loads, some of the at risk flying opportunities got killed by covid and just don't do well. By having jets, it makes Contour very attractive for EAS communities, especially those that are used to grand caravan service. At risk flying for Contour is just about pointless for the moment, and with new bids coming in, being an almost solely EAS airline for now is what pays the bills. Nashville, imo, is pointless for EAS flying, because it offers 2 stop connectivity, instead on 1 with PHL, DFW, and CLT. Even DFW is expensive, and the potential western EAS routes would be funneled through Phoenix I think.

Not sure I'd say pointless. It increases aircraft utilisation and most of the costs are covered by the DOT subsidy for the related EAS route (they typically operate the at-risk flights as midday turns) so the bar for profitability is low. Of course, you still need to find the right destination. Successful enough to make money, but not too much to attract competitors. They seem to have found a sweet spot at GSP, and they have a revenue guarantee at IND so might as well give it a shot.

Nashville is where they're headquarters and have their maintenance base. From BNA, AA will get you to the big places that matters. Do you really need flights to the armpit of America?

yoshoward12 wrote:

Contour is the big choice for music tours because of VIP CRJs, and MX facilities are all over the place out east.

The CRJs seem popular for smaller college sports charters as well. They regularly pop up on the relevant threads.

tichydev wrote:

Without a doubt DFW has potential as well. Im surprised they haven't gone for any southwestern markets connecting DFW to PHX in this round.

I think the main problem in the Southwest is DAC. They offer scheduled flights with 50-seat aircraft which DOT seems to favour. In any head-to-head with them, Contour would get screwed, even if the community prefers them, like in Clovis. DAC hasn't tried anything East of the Mississippi though, so I guess that makes it more attractive to LF.

BangersAndMash wrote:

yoshoward12 wrote:

The future of LF is subsidized flying. Looking at loads, some of the at risk flying opportunities got killed by covid and just don't do well. By having jets, it makes Contour very attractive for EAS communities, especially those that are used to grand caravan service. At risk flying for Contour is just about pointless for the moment, and with new bids coming in, being an almost solely EAS airline for now is what pays the bills. Nashville, imo, is pointless for EAS flying, because it offers 2 stop connectivity, instead on 1 with PHL, DFW, and CLT. Even DFW is expensive, and the potential western EAS routes would be funneled through Phoenix I think.

Not sure I'd say pointless. It increases aircraft utilisation and most of the costs are covered by the DOT subsidy for the related EAS route (they typically operate the at-risk flights as midday turns) so the bar for profitability is low. Of course, you still need to find the right destination. Successful enough to make money, but not too much to attract competitors. They seem to have found a sweet spot at GSP, and they have a revenue guarantee at IND so might as well give it a shot.

Nashville is where they're headquarters and have their maintenance base. From BNA, AA will get you to the big places that matters. Do you really need flights to the armpit of America?

yoshoward12 wrote:

Contour is the big choice for music tours because of VIP CRJs, and MX facilities are all over the place out east.

The CRJs seem popular for smaller college sports charters as well. They regularly pop up on the relevant threads.

I agree with your thoughts. I say pointless, because those tails that can be used for federally subsidized flying, would be used for at risk flying. There is a revenue guarantee, so why not use resources to capture the EAS market out east? At about 200 dollars per passenger in subsidies, it makes more sense to deploy any new aircraft on EAS routes, which these communities seem to be recommending Contour for. EAS communities like AOO will have flights in between other routes, so its like double dipping with the subsidies.

The contract for AOO is out. 12x weekly to PHL from Oct.1 with either ERJ-135 or CRJ-200 jets configured with 30 seats, taking over from Boutique. It's for a 2-year term until Sept. 30, 2024. This will be their 3rd destination from PHL.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2002-11446-0300

DOT has approved Contour Airlines for two Stations so far.

Paducah, Kentucky-PAH

DOT Source: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DO ... 15553-0195

Website: https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/us-depa ... e77f7.html

12 Weekly Flights to CLT-Charlotte, NC for 3 Year Term.

Greenbier/Lewisburg, VA-LWB

DOT Source: https://downloads.regulations.gov/DOT-O ... ment_1.pdf

12 Weekly Flights to CLT-Charlotte, NC for 3 Year Term.

Alex

bval wrote:

BangersAndMash wrote:

Re: your interline issue, did you book direct with LF? Maybe booking through aa.com might make a difference. Just a thought.

In most of these instances the bookings are done via AMEX Travel as they're for work, so your hunch is probably correct. Something is not being wired up properly when the bookings are made. I actually just booked direct with AA for a personal trip in September so I'll update on how that works when I can.

BangersAndMash wrote:

On where they go from there, I can't help thinking BOS would be more likely than JFK (or another NYC airport) if success warrants flights to a second hub. Would be easier to get slots/gate space there. BWI is another option if access to DC is important. And they already have a station there for the MCN flights.

I agree on BOS vs an NYC airport. Much much easier to get access. That would be A-OK with me. On the trips where I need NYC I can either take the 9K JFK flight, or one of the dozen LGA shuttles from BOS. The only outlier is if the NEA is dissolved to make the B6/NK merge possible, then AA will suddenly need someone else to slot squat for them at JFK and LGA. That could open an opportunity for Contour in the Northeast.

Rumor has it there is a solution coming for the AA ticketing issues, but there are other priorities at the moment. Using SABRE is EXPENSIVE, especially at LF’s low volumes, and probably won’t be the final solution.

They pretty much looted Expressjet’s mid and senior management before the BK, and are building the infrastructure to support the growth. They are filling the management slots they need to, before building the rest of it up. A big part of that is acquiring and training captains, and we all see how tough the competition is getting there. If they can get, but more importantly, retain the captains, they have a damned good shot at making it all work. Spare captains means more charters, and that is much more profitable.

They are also trying to build the maintenance side back up, which is facing a severe shortage of qualified bodies, as well.

Again, rumors say they intend to bring in a new operations and scheduling software. FOS/Collins is designed for small operators doing charter, and just can’t handle a big operation.

IMO, CKB could be a hit, WVU is only 30 minutes down the road.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see LWB or another low volume city nearby end up going to both CLT and PHL, either. A “Bridge Flight” would help to move people and parts between the hubs.

There are lots of Eastern opportunities for Contour out there, especially concerning large cabin charter, and if some rumors prove true, other opportunities to pic up subsidized flying that was formerly operated by other regionals may be out there as well.

atrude777 wrote:

DOT has approved Contour Airlines for two Stations so far.

Paducah, Kentucky-PAH

12 Weekly Flights to CLT-Charlotte, NC for 3 Year Term.

I saw a media report that PAH-CLT service would begin Dec 6 2022.

DENfan wrote:

atrude777 wrote:

DOT has approved Contour Airlines for two Stations so far.

Paducah, Kentucky-PAH

12 Weekly Flights to CLT-Charlotte, NC for 3 Year Term.

I saw a media report that PAH-CLT service would begin Dec 6 2022.

Yes it does start Tuesday, December 6th.

I apologize for not including that in my post but yes it was also in the link!

I’ve got a couple more months of flying back and forth before the switchover!

Alex

DENfan wrote:

atrude777 wrote:

DOT has approved Contour Airlines for two Stations so far.

Paducah, Kentucky-PAH

12 Weekly Flights to CLT-Charlotte, NC for 3 Year Term.

I saw a media report that PAH-CLT service would begin Dec 6 2022.

Yep. It's the date in the contract.

Lewisburg starts Nov 1.

IND’s contract with Contour hasn’t been renewed yet Flights are not in the schedule for September?