The Shenandoah Valley Airport will hold an Inaugural Flight Celebration and Ribbon Cutting for the first Contour Airlines flight departing the airport for Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 7 a.m.
Speakers will include Matt Chaifetz, Contour Airlines CEO; Maggie Ragon, Shenandoah Valley Airport Commissioner; and Dr. Nick Swartz, Interim Dean, JMU School of Professional & Continuing Education/Air Service Task Force Chair.
Shenandoah Valley Airport is located at 77 Aviation Circle in Weyers Cave.
The original announcement
The announcement regarding Contour Airlines was made Sept. 21.
To celebrate the launch of the new flights, Contour Airlines announced a special introductory fare of $49 each way to Charlotte for tickets purchased by Oct. 31. Some conditions apply.
Contour Airlines will be operating a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 jet aircraft between the two cities featuring all leather seating with expanded legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages and a free checked bag included on all flights to Charlotte.
The new carrier has an interline agreement with American Airlines, enabling Valley travelers to purchase combined tickets on both airlines under a single itinerary. Baggage will also be transferred seamlessly between flights, according to a news release.
American Airlines and their partners operate approximately 700 flights daily at the Charlotte hub.
Contour replaced SkyWest Airlines who filed to terminate service to 29 communities, including SHD, across the country due to a severe pilot shortage. SkyWest will continue flights from SHD to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles until Oct. 31.
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