Contour Airways has located an innovative way to prevail over the pilot scarcity so that it can broaden its route network to tiny marketplaces.
Now, megaregional carrier SkyWest is hoping to mimic that strategy in get to continue flying many of the 29 federally sponsored Vital Air Service (EAS) routes it operates in conjunction with United Airlines, which it had previously intended to exit.
But the answer, which entails flying routes as a public constitution operator somewhat than as a qualified scheduled air carrier, has drawn objections from the powerful Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union.
The FAA administers the EAS program in purchase to aid connect small communities to the commercial aviation community. The method subsidizes routes that airways would if not continue to be absent from because they are not worthwhile more than enough.
Contour is increasing into EAS marketplaces even as the U.S. pilot lack has triggered United, Delta and American, in blend with regional airline companions like SkyWest, to speed up programs to pull again on smaller-group traveling.
For case in point, Contour started flying EAS provider to Philadelphia from Plattsburgh and Ogdensburg, N.Y., on July 1, replacing the United Express assistance that SkyWest had beforehand operated from those communities to Washington Dulles. As a result of an interline settlement with American, Contour’s buyers can then keep on on to destinations over and above Philadelphia.
All those companies bring to 10 the selection of federally backed routes Contour is traveling. All of the routes are operated on plane geared up with 30 seats, which is the most number permitted for airways traveling beneath approval as a public charter operator.
Matt Chaifetz
Contour is also vying for seven additional EAS contracts, reported CEO Matt Chaifetz. If awarded, the carrier would be flying nearly triple the 6 sponsored small-group services it offered as lately as September.
But by functioning less than certification for a general public charter provider, Contour co-pilots are not required to have 1,500 hours of flight time, as is the necessity for airlines running as a scheduled air provider underneath FAA policies. Alternatively, pilots can start off with as several as 250…