BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – North Central West Virginia Airport officials have announced carrier changes for passenger service. Contour Airlines will replace SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, to Chicago and Washington D.C. as of Dec. 1.
SkyWest Airlines has suspended service for 30 rural areas through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program citing the national pilot shortage.
A bidding process earlier this year determined Contour Airlines was the best value requiring a $5.5 million subsidy through the EAS program.
Contour Airlines will operate 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135s.
Contour Airlines currently operates from Beckley and Parkersburg.