Contour Airlines will begin nonstop flights from Pittsburgh to Indianapolis and Milwaukee on Oct. 12, the airline announced Wednesday.
“Pittsburgh is a new market for us,” said Matt Chaifetz, CEO of the Smyrna, Tenn.-based airline.
Contour had been in talks with Indianapolis Economic Development Corp. about adding flights to certain “short haul” markets from Indianapolis International Airport, Chaifetz said.
“Pittsburgh has always been at the top of that list,” he said.
The airline uses 30 passenger jets to transport people to and from cities around 500 miles apart, Chaifetz said.
“It’s a quick, affordable trip to save multi-hour drives,” he said.
It’s also comfortable, Chaifetz said, as the Embraer jets are configured so each seat is “like traveling first class,” with leather seating, expanded legroom and complimentary snacks and beverages.
“I think people can expect a reliable and comfortable experience,” Chaifetz said.
Introductory fares start at $99 each way.
The flights to Indianapolis International Airport will be daily and the flights to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport will be daily except for Saturdays. They start Oct. 12.
“These destinations and the product offering from Contour will resonate with business and leisure travelers alike, saving them valuable time with the convenience of additional nonstop flights,” said Bryan Dietz, senior vice president of air service and commercial development for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
Contour was offered what Chaifetz termed a “standard” incentive package to establish the flights in Pittsburgh. He didn’t detail the specifics.
The flights are the latest new destinations the airport has announced in recent months as traffic picks up at the Findlay-based airport as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
In June, budget airline Allegiant announced new flights from Pittsburgh to Melbourne, Fla., that will start Nov. 11.
Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis confirmed the airport’s $1 billion modernization project is set to start in the fall. The project will include a new landside terminal. It had been delayed last year because of the pandemic.
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