MUSCLE SHOALS-The Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) 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 Airport Director Barry Griffith, and CEO of Contour Airlines Matt Chaifetz all shared their excitement regarding the new airline service.
“This advancement truly solidifies this community’s place on the map.” – Governor Kay Ivey 
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 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, MSL will receive funds directly from the government and MSL 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.
Media Release/Shoals Chamber of Commerce/Photos Steve Wiggins
