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Contour schedule steady; airport to issue EAS/AEAS RFP in February
Summary
Contour reported one flight in/out to Denver through December and January and a Phoenix restart on Feb. 1. Airport director said staff will issue a request for proposals by February to support Essential Air Service (EAS/AEAS) planning ahead of a Sept. 30 contract decision.
Contour airline representative Rachel told the board there are no immediate December-January schedule changes: one flight will operate to and from Denver in those months, and Phoenix service is expected to resume on Feb. 1.
Airport director Steve said staff will issue a request for proposals by February to inform the board’s decision on whether to pursue an AEAS (county-administered subsidy) or revert to FAA-administered EAS. He said a longer contract (five years with certain exit options) would be preferred to reduce frequent carrier changes and improve stability for the airport.
Steve emphasized the RFP timeline is driven by the EAS contract calendar and the Sept. 30 review date; staff want to give airlines adequate lead time to respond. Board members and staff discussed the pros and cons of AEAS versus EAS, noting AEAS disperses subsidy via the county while EAS directs subsidy payments straight to carriers through FAA program rules.
