Shenandoah Valley Airport will be home to a new carrier next year, after the Department of Transportation awarded the contract to an alternative company that offered additional benefits and connectivity for travelers.
Contour Airlines’ service at SHD began in November 2022. The contract was scheduled to expire Oct. 31.
Four airlines, including Contour, submitted proposals to serve the regional airport beginning Nov. 1.
American Eagle, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was ultimately selected, but it took longer than normal to award the contract, and SkyWest wasn’t sure it would be ready by Nov. 1.
As a result, the two airlines and the airport decided to wait until after the holidays to make the carrier switch.
SkyWest will begin operations at the airport on Feb. 3. Daily flights will be offered to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The flights will seat between 65 and 76 passengers and offer first-class cabins. It also has a full codeshare agreement with American Airlines.
SkyWest plans to hire a local team at SHD to support these new flights and to assist passengers who are flying in and out of the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome SkyWest Airlines back to the Shenandoah Valley market,” said Michael Heatwole, chairman of the Shenandoah Valley Airport Commission. “This new service represents an important step forward in expanding air connectivity for our region. We believe these routes will not only enhance travel opportunities for Shenandoah Valley residents but also support economic growth by strengthening business and tourism ties throughout the region.”
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An agreement is in place with American Airlines to offer streamlined service between the SkyWest flights and AA connecting flights. While service doesn’t begin until February, tickets are available now at aa.com and via its mobile app.
“We’re excited to return to Shenandoah Valley and to provide these new American Eagle flights to Chicago and Charlotte,” said Cody Thomas, managing director of market development at SkyWest Airlines. “Travelers will now have access to two major airline hubs, making it easy to connect to hundreds of destinations on American’s worldwide network.”
Contour Airlines will continue to provide service from SHD to Charlotte Douglas International Airport through Feb. 1, 2026. Contour Airlines’ first flight to Charlotte Douglas International Airport from SHD was on Nov. 1, 2022.
“We are deeply grateful to Contour Airlines for their service to our community over the past three years,” said Heather Ream, director of marketing and communications at SHD. “Their partnership has been invaluable in keeping the Shenandoah Valley connected, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to our region and our travelers. Charlotte has long been a popular hub for Valley residents, and we are excited that this important connection will continue seamlessly with SkyWest’s new American Eagle service.”
SHD history of carriers
The Weyers Cave airport has seen numerous carriers over the years with flights to Charlotte, Chicago, Dulles, Orlando and Pittsburgh.
- Chatauqua Airlines, a US Airways Express connector service to Pittsburgh (July 1996 to June 2000)
- United Express, service to Washington Dulles (April 2000 to December 2001)
- Air Midwest, a US Airways Express connector service to Pittsburgh (June 2000 to April 2003)
- Colgan Air, a US Airways Express connector service to Pittsburgh (April 2003 to July 2004)
- US Airways Express, service to Washington Dulles (April 2005 to February 2008)
- Colgan Air, service to Washington Dulles (February 2008 to 2012)
- Silver Airways (July 2012 – November 2016)
- Frontier Airlines, service to Orlando (November 2012 to April 2013)
- ViaAir/Skywest to Charlotte and Orlando (September 2016 to November 2022)
- Contour Airlines (November 2022 to February 2026)
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Crystal Graham
