Contour Airlines, the US regional carrier, plans to establish an aircraft base at Indianapolis International Airport and launch three new domestic routes. The airline has also revealed plans to create up to 55 new jobs in central Indiana by the end of 2023. It plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, mechanics and ground personnel to support operations.
“Contour’s investment is a win-win all the way around,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director. “Travelers have been demanding drive-market destinations, and we’ve been working for years to bring these to Indy and expand both business and leisure nonstop connectivity regionally. Jobs, a new record-breaking number of nonstop flights, and further proof you can get there from here! That’s a win for everybody.”
To incentivise the regional carrier the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Contour Airlines up to $1.5 million in the form of a Minimum Revenue Guarantee, meaning the company only earns it if it does not meet its minimum revenue targets for the routes. Additionally, the IEDC offered the company up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. The city of Indianapolis supports the project at the request of Develop Indy.
According to OAG Contour is one of the most punctual airlines in North America. “Indiana is a natural fit for Contour Airline’s growth,” said Matt Chaifetz, CEO of Contour. “We look forward to employing Hoosiers and bringing Indy travelers nonstop service to key business and leisure markets.”
The airline’s new daily air service, which it plans to launch in June 2020, will connect Indiana to Nashville International Airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. It will also bring the total connectivity available from the Indianapolis airport to 53 nonstop destinations, an all-time high.
“In Indianapolis, individuals can enjoy a rich quality of life in an accessible community without sacrificing connectivity to family and friends across the country,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Indy is proud to welcome Contour Airlines and its portfolio of premium regional flight options to the growing number of choices available in our market. Indianapolis International Airport’s continued growth helps to support the continued growth of our city.”
Known as the Crossroads of America, Indiana is within a one-day drive to 60% of the U.S. population and is home to more than 1,700 miles of interstate, three international ports, the second-largest FedEx hub in the world and the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, which has been named the best airport in North America for the seventh consecutive year from Airports Council International. As part of Gov. Holcomb’s efforts to make Indiana a magnet for job creation, Indiana is committed to improving the state’s connectivity by attracting new nonstop and direct flights to and from Indiana’s airports.
