Spirit Sets Sights on Underserved Communities

The airline is partnering with Contour to bolster service in Essential Air Service markets.

A Spirit A320neo in Los Angeles (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ U.S. Essential Air Service ]May 5, 2025 11:56 am ET

By Ryan Ewing

Contour Airlines and Spirit Airlines announced on Monday a strategic partnership aimed at increasing air service options for underserved communities across the United States. The collaboration is intended to enhance connectivity to the national air transportation system and offer more affordable travel options, the two companies shared.

Contour Airlines, currently one of the largest carriers in the Department of Transportation’s Essential Air Service (EAS) program, operates flights to 22 cities under the initiative. Under the new agreement, Contour will continue its EAS operations and maintain connections to major airline hubs through its interline partners, including American, United, and Alaska.

A Contour Embraer E135 nicknamed “Pride of Contour” (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Joey Gerardi)

Leisure Market Additions

As part of the partnership, Spirit will introduce new services to major leisure destinations from select EAS markets served by Contour. Additionally, Contour will provide ground handling support to Spirit at these locations and assist with cross-marketing efforts through its established community networks, the carrier said in a news release.

Officials from both airlines emphasized the benefits the partnership will bring to smaller communities. Ben Munson, president of Contour, said the agreement means EAS communities “no longer need to choose between national connectivity and low fares.”

John Kirby, vice president of network planning at Spirit Airlines, stated that the partnership will allow the ultra-low-cost carrier to explore entry into markets with limited current service.

Details on the markets to be served under the partnership are expected to be announced later this summer.

This partnership comes just days after the White House outlined a proposed plan to slash subsidies for the EAS program. If enacted by Congress, the program could see a $308 million cut.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. ET to clarify that Spirit will operate in these markets unsubsidized.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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