The Routes Americas event is taking place in Indianapolis this week. The event hosts decision makers from airlines, airports and destinations around the world. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger joined executives from Contour Airlines as the company announced plans to establish a base at the Indianapolis International Airport. The carrier intends to launch three new domestic routes initially.
“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,” Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “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.”
To support Contour’s growth in Indiana, the airline announced plans to create up to 55 new jobs in central Indiana by the end of 2023. The Smyrna, Tennessee-based company is purchasing additional aircraft. The company is investing heavily to establish its new base of operations. Contour Airlines plans to launch operations at the Indianapolis International Airport on June 10, 2020.
“Indiana is a natural fit for Contour Airline’s growth,” Contour Airlines CEO Matt Chaifetz said. “We look forward to employing Hoosiers and bringing Indy travelers nonstop service to key business and leisure markets.”
Ramping Up
Contour Airlines, which employs approximately 380 people, will immediately hire pilots, flight attendants, customer service agents, mechanics and ground personnel to support the operations.
The new daily air service will connect Indiana to Nashville International Airport, St. Louis Lambert International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. This will bring total connectivity from the Indianapolis airport to 53 nonstop destinations.
With the addition of these new routes, Contour will serve 20 routes in 10 states. Indianapolis will become the airline’s 2nd focus city—a destination from which it operates multiple nonstop routes. Its other focus city is Santa Barbara, California. The airline plans to expand its service to and from Indianapolis and offer more new nonstop routes in the future.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Corporate Flight Management dba Contour Airlines up to $1.5 million in the form of a Minimum Revenue Guarantee. This means the company only earns it if it does not meet its minimum revenue targets for the routes. Additionally, the IEDC offered up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. The performance-based incentives mean the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.
For more information about Contour Airlines, click here.
