Funding that was set to run out early in November for the USDOT’s Important Air Service (EAS) due to the federal government shutdown has been prolonged. Airports had been notified that the subsidy that enables rural airports like NCWV Airport to have day by day flight service will proceed.
The USDOT has introduced the funds to the carriers will proceed by way of not less than Nov. 18. What meaning is that the day by day Contour flights to Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport to and from Bridgeport will hold working regardless of the shutdown.
Rock stated he hopes individuals will proceed to e-book flights with Contour. He additionally stated that whereas he hopes the federal government shutdown ends quickly, 
he additionally feels there’s a good likelihood Contour will proceed flights even when EAS funding is minimize off if the shutdown continues after Nov. 18.
“My communication with our carrier is that they’re going to continue to fly and support their customers and we appreciate that,” stated Rock. “I have no indications, even if the funding was cut off, that Contour would not continue to fly routes because of their commitment to customers and the traveling public.”
Contour Airways receives a $5.5 million annual subsidy to supply the flights. That service was scheduled to finish Dec. 1 with the arrival of a brand new EAS supplier – American Airways working by way of American Eagle.
The FAA nonetheless should approve the bid of American, however it’s anticipated that can occur. With out the federal government shutdown, American would have began firstly of the 12 months. As an alternative, Contour will proceed to supply service as alongside because the EAS subsidy continues and till the transition to American can happen.
As for the shutdown persevering with after Nov. 18, the USDOT must safe extra funds for the day by day flights by way of EAS to proceed. The USDOT stated it’s going to present discover to airport and air carriers of that standing upfront of the Nov. 18 date if the shutdown will not be resolved.
Editor’s Observe: High photograph exhibits the first-ever flight in December of 2022 of Contour prepping for an early morning flight. NCWV Director Rick Rock is proven in a Join-Bridgeport file photograph under.
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