Spirit Airlines has announced a strategic partnership with regional carrier Contour Airlines to improve travel connectivity and offer more affordable options to underserved communities across the United States. This collaboration will expand Spirit’s network and help bring new markets into its fold with minimal risk.
Contour Airlines, which was established in 2016 as part of Contour Aviation, is a key provider in the U.S. Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The airline connects remote communities with major U.S. hubs. Contour currently serves 22 cities under the EAS program, providing essential flights between smaller towns and larger cities like Charlotte, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, and Phoenix. This program, which is subsidized by the U.S. Department of Transportation, ensures at least two daily round-trip flights from these remote areas to major airport hubs.
With a fleet of 26 regional jets, including Bombardier CRJ-200, Embraer ERJ-135, ERJ-140, and ERJ-145 aircraft, Contour Airlines operates over 2,200 flights each month. Through this new partnership with Spirit Airlines, Contour aims to introduce more leisure routes, enhancing its existing network and increasing passenger traffic while strengthening its presence in smaller airports across the U.S.
