Contour Airlines, Spirit to Boost Regional Connectivity in the US

‍DALLAS — Smyrna-based Contour Airlines (LF) has announced that it has entered a partnership with Spirit Airlines (NK) that will increase connectivity to the national air transportation system and bring affordable travel options to underserved communities across the United States. 

Contour, the second largest carrier in the US Department of Transportation's Essential Air Service (EAS) program, currently serves 22 EAS cities throughout the continental United States. 

"EAS communities no longer need to choose between national connectivity and low fares. The combination of service from our two airlines is the best formula to grow passenger traffic in these underserved airports," Contour President Ben Munson said.

Serving East Markets

Through the partnership, LF will continue to operate EAS contracts - providing service to the major connecting hubs of its interline partners, American (AA), United (UA) and Alaska Airlines (AS). NK has committed to delivering the best value in the sky by offering an enhanced travel experience with flexible, affordable options.

"Our new 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, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines.

Expanding Connectivity

Spirit will also introduce flights to major leisure destinations from several Contour’s EAS markets. This partnership will significantly expand the utilization and reach of the airports served. 

The initial markets to be served under the partnership will be announced this summer. In addition, LF will provide ground handling support to NK at its EAS locations and leverage its community relationships to cross-market NK’s services.

By working together, LF and NK will offer travelers affordable and convenient ways to visit exciting leisure destinations at an unmatched value. NK’s low fares and nonstop flights will eliminate the need for long drives to larger airports. 

The partnership also highlights LF’s commitment as a community stakeholder by increasing the scope and affordability of air travel in its EAS markets.

Possible Headwinds

According to a report by airlinegeeks.com, the EAS program is the focus of the White House's 2026 "skinny" budget proposal.  The White House wants to reduce federal expenditure by a total of US$163 billion.

The EAS program is a federal government project that was created in response to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. Its purpose is to guarantee that small communities continue to have a minimum amount of scheduled air service while making it profitable for airlines to serve them.

Find out more abut LF in our September 2022 issue of Airways Magazine, available now on our shop.

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