Contour Airlines

Contour Airlines, headquartered in Smyrna, Tennessee, is the rapidly expanding regional airline brand of Contour Aviation. Originally founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management, the parent company has grown into one of the ten largest Part 135 charter operators in the United States. Operating with a core commitment to safety, integrity, and customer-first service, Contour Airlines specializes in bridging the geographical gap for underserved, rural communities by providing reliable, high-quality commercial air travel to major national hubs.

The company's business model is heavily anchored in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program, as well as operating point-to-point regional routes. Contour distinguishes itself by offering a premium passenger experience not typically found on short-haul regional flights. The airline operates a growing fleet of 30-seat regional jets—such as the CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-135—reconfigured to feature leather seating with first-class legroom in every row. To further elevate the passenger experience, Contour includes a complimentary first checked bag and free snack and beverage service on all domestic flights. Crucially, the airline maintains robust interline agreements with major global carriers—including American, United, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines—allowing passengers from small towns to book seamless, single-ticket connections to destinations worldwide.

Currently guided by CEO Matt Chaifetz and President Ben Munson, Contour Airlines is navigating a period of highly aggressive route expansion and operational growth. Moving through the first half of 2026, the company continues to secure crucial government contracts and launch new commercial routes. In early 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation selected Contour to provide newly retained and expanded EAS routes for several cities, including Merced, California, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Furthermore, the airline recently announced a significant expansion in the Southeast, bringing back highly anticipated flights from Macon, Georgia to Baltimore (BWI) while adding new leisure service to Fort Lauderdale, alongside new nonstop flights connecting El Dorado, Arkansas, directly to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). By continuously investing in reliable service and premium comfort, Contour Airlines remains an indispensable link connecting smaller communities to the global travel network.