Contour Airlines to be next air service provider in Cape Girardeau
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation was announced Tuesday for Contour Airlines to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) from the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport to Nashville International Airport.
Flights are scheduled to begin October 18. Contour will provide Cape Girardeau with 12 round trips per week using a 30-passenger Embraer ERJ – 135 aircraft.
Tickets can be purchased at contourairlines.com by the end of the week.
The order was approved for a three-year contract, beginning October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2025.
“We are excited about the future of the Cape Girardeau Airport. Contour has a proven track record in the communities they currently serve, offering reliable, affordable service. Contour will offer a tiered pricing structure, ranging from $29-$99, while offering specials occasionally, known as ‘Super Saver Sales’ with fares as low as $19,” said Katrina Amos, airport manager.
Contour has an interline agreement with American Airlines, with several non-stop options from Nashville and beyond.
SkyWest airlines will continue to operate flights from Cape Girardeau to Chicago O’Hare until October 17.
SkyWest did not submit an official proposal during the EAS bidding process, but did present options to remain in the community.
The Cape Girardeau City Council voted 7-0 to recommend the Department of Transportation select Contour to service our region.
Due to the reconstruction of Taxiway B, there will be a ten-day closure of Runway 10/28, beginning October 3 through October 13 which will prevent SkyWest Airlines from operating during that time.
The Contour proposal pivots Cape Girardeau to a Nashville hub for $29-$99/flight. Previously SkyWest flew to Chicago. Before that, Cape Air flew to St. Louis. Connecting flights out of Nashville are also expected to be competitive. Contour has an American Airlines ticket/bag agreement. Contour also boasts high recommendations from each current service city, according to the City of Cape Girardeau.
The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport serves more than 240,000 people living within a 40-minute drive. The airport has been of increasing interest to Southeast Missouri State University with a new flight school and growing international student population. The airport had more than 10,000 enplanements in 2019 before the pandemic. The airport is also planning a new terminal approved by voters in 2019.
Welcome to Cape, @ContourAirlines! With final approval from the @USDOT announced today, we anticipate the airline transition to take place late October 2022 following a one week closure for maintenance.
— Cape Girardeau City (@cityofcape) September 6, 2022
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