Contour gets Essential Air Service contract from Plattsburgh to Philly

PLATTSBURGH | Clinton County planners chose Contour Airlines as recipient of their federal Alternate Essential Air Service award. Three airline companies had submitted proposals to provide essential commuter service: Breeze Airways, Boutique Air and Contour. County lawmakers found Contour's plan right-sized for Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), according to the grant award order. Flights will connect PBG with Philadelphia (PHL) looking to add flights to Dulles (IAD) in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) approved the county's request for up to $21,581,609 over a three-year term, Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2027. Funding supports 12 weekly flights from PBG via Contour to PHL and back. According to the USDOT order, the county's decision indicated that "After reviewing each of the proposals, we believe that Contour Airlines' proposal is right-sized for the community based on the size of aircraft, partnerships with large carriers and the access they can provide through a medium or large hub to the National Air Transportation System." Contour has an interline agreement with American Airlines. "(USDOT) has decided to approve the application submitted by Plattsburgh for continued participation in the AEAS program," the order said. "The majority of comments submitted by the community favored Contour AEAS over the other options. The Department believes that the proposed service to PHL, or another hub airport designated by the community, will enable Plattsburgh passengers to sufficiently connect to the national air transportation system. The Department understands that Contour is also considering changing their route from PHL to IAD, the preferred destination of many community members." USDOT said the community's funding request was reasonable, appropriating up to $6,845,871 for the first year, up to $7,188,165 for the second year, and up to $7,547,573 for the third year. "The Department will not prescribe a service frequency or schedule but rather leaves it to the community and their contracted air carrier to develop a mutually acceptable service schedule." Contour flies 30-seat configured Embraer Regional jet aircraft. Flights from Plattsburgh to Philadelphia leave at 8 a.m. or at 3:15 p.m. with flights scheduled variously on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Corresponding travel from PHL sets departure at 11:15 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. with a Saturday flight at 1:35 p.m., according to Flightaware. The trip is approximately one hour and 40 minutes.

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Contour gets Essential Air Service contract from Plattsburgh to Philly

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