Contour Airlines (LF, Tupelo) has announced that it will establish a base at Indianapolis International from June 10, according to a press release issued by the airport.
The regional carrier will offer daily services to Nashville International, St. Louis Lambert International and Pittsburgh International. According to the ch-aviation schedules module, no other airline currently flies on any of the three proposed new routes, which range in sector length from 199 (368 kilometres; St. Louis) to 283 nautical miles (524 kilometres; Pittsburgh). As a result of the network expansion, the new routes bring the total connectivity available from Indianapolis to 53 nonstop destinations, an all-time high for the airport.
"Indiana is a natural fit for Contour Airline's growth," said Matt Chaifetz, Chief Executive Officer of Contour. "We look forward to employing Hoosiers and bringing Indy travellers nonstop service to key business and leisure markets."
"Contour Airlines landing in Indiana is a huge win for the Hoosier state, and we're extremely grateful that Contour is providing more career opportunities for Hoosiers," said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. "As our pro-business reputation continues to spread around the country and around the world, new nonstop flights provide a critical link in connecting Hoosier companies, residents and tourists to destinations around the world."
With the addition of these new routes, Contour will serve 18 cities on 20 routes in 10 US states, with Indianapolis becoming the airline's second focus city, joining Santa Barbara, CA, with plans to expand its service from Indiana and offer more new nonstop routes in the future.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Contour up to USD1.5 million dollars in the form of a minimum revenue guarantee, meaning the airline only earns it if it does not meet its minimum revenue targets for the routes. Additionally, the IEDC offered Contour up to USD550,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation plans.
Contour Airlines, the scheduled airline division of Contour Aviation (LF, Smyrna), will serve the Indianapolis market with its fleet of E135s and E145s. According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the carrier currently operates six E135ERs, four E135LRs, a single E145LR, and a single CRJ200LR.
