Commercial flights will continue to flow out of the Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) through Contour Airlines for four more years. The US Department of Transportation made their official selection for Contour to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) at BKW through September 30, 2029, providing 12 round-trip flights per week to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Contour has served BKW since 2018. In that time, passenger traffic through the airport has more than tripled – a clear indicator that the community has embraced their service model and the flights have been an asset to residents.
“We’re thrilled to have Contour continuing to serve our airport,” said Bob Runion, BKW Airport Manager. “They know our region, they’ve grown with us – they’ve been a great partner over the years.”
Moving forward, flights will go directly to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a major hub that provides seamless access to hundreds of destinations through partnerships with American, United, and Alaska Airlines. That means passengers can book their entire trip from BKW – even international – with one ticket.
Flights will be served via 30-passenger ERJ-135/145 regional jets that offer ample legroom, professional in-flight service, and both free checked and carry-on luggage.
Contour was one of several airlines who applied for the opportunity to serve BKW, a process undertaken by the USDOT every few years for airports using the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. EAS subsidizes commercial flights in small and rural communities. The program is designed to keep communities connected, focusing on bringing national air service to areas that may not have the passenger demand to attract an air carrier otherwise.
Contour’s proposal came in with a fair and competitive subsidy request that balanced value for the taxpayer with quality of service. No local match funding was required.
“Contour has really proven themselves here,” said Runion. “Their proposal aligns with what our travelers need today – reliable, affordable, and connected air service.”
Flights can be booked online directly with Contour Airlines at www.contourairlines.com, American Airlines at www.aa.com or other online travel service providers.
