New Airline Brings Commercial Flights and Economic Growth to the Shoals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2022

New Airline Brings Commercial Flights and Economic Growth to the Shoals

THE SHOALS, ALA. – The Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (NARA) has announced their 31-month contract with Contour Airlines to bring commercial flights and economic growth to The Shoals community beginning March 1, 2022.

At their press conference held at 11:30 AM on January 27, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey, MSL’s CEO Barry Griffith, and CEO of Contour Airlines Matt Chaifetz all shared their remarks regarding the new airline service.

Contour flights will be from the Shoals airport to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. The direct flights to American’s hub in Charlotte will provide Shoals residents with access to cities all around the world. The airline will offer 24-weekly roundtrip flights using a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft.

Jet service in the Shoals is only possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program. In the past, airline services were through the EAS program, now under the new contract with Contour, NARA will receive funds directly from the government and NARA will pay the air carrier through a program known as Alternate EAS.

The Shoals Chamber recognizes the importance of air service to the Shoals area and strongly supports continued federal funding of the EAS program. EAS allows the Shoals market to engage with larger markets around the country in a way it could not without air service. The Shoals Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda supports continued EAS funding and other state and federal investments in the Shoals air service capabilities.

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About The Shoals Chamber of Commerce

The Shoals Chamber of Commerce is member driven, united, and committed to providing leadership and vision to promote positive economic growth and to enhance the quality of life for all Shoals citizens. Serving two counties, four cities, and nine townships, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce observes all local, state and federal laws which apply to a non-profit organization as defined in Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the economic vitality of the Shoals through advocacy, connectivity, and education by acting as a bridge to an educated, productive workforce; an innovative, pro-business climate; and a connected diverse community. For more information, visit www.shoalschamber.com.