COUNCIL RECOMMENDS CONTOUR AIRLINES FOR CONTINUED AIR SERVICE AT PAGE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

The recommendation followed presentations from multiple air carriers at the April 22 Council meeting, as well as analysis and information led by Airport Director Lore Davis-McCluskey, which included input from the City’s aviation consultants. The City’s Airport Advisory Board previously reviewed the bids and at its April 13, 2026 meeting, provided a unanimous recommendation to continue service with Contour Airlines.

Council discussion focused on reliability, connectivity, cost, and the operational limitations of Page Municipal Airport due to its high elevation, summer temperatures, and runway length. Given its Class III designation, the airport is currently limited to 30 passengers per aircraft. The SkyWest proposal included a phased service model, with Phase 1 consisting of SkyWest Charter service using CRJ-200 aircraft configured for 30 passengers. Phase 2 would transition to larger regional jets, including CRJ-550, CRJ-700, and CRJ-900 aircraft, following a move to a Class I designation, which would require additional infrastructure improvements and analysis.

Contour’s existing service, utilizing the Embraer ERJ-135, was noted for its performance and connectivity. The airline offers interline agreements with major carriers, allowing passengers to connect more easily to destinations nationwide. Its location in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor further streamlines connections.

Councilor Tom Preller highlighted the benefit of expanded access, stating, “By continuing the partnership with Contour, we hope to give Page access to new markets while maintaining the excellent service that we’ve come to expect.”

Councilor Debi Roundtree emphasized the importance of certainty in the decision, while acknowledging future opportunities for growth. “I want to see us continue to grow and eventually become a Class I airport,” Roundtree said. “But at this time, I need to go with something that is solid and doesn’t have too many unknowns.”

Council also approved a four-year contract term, providing time for the City to evaluate long-term opportunities for airport improvements and potential expansion. The recommendation will now be forwarded to the DOT for review.

Contour has recently added a new nonstop service between Page and Las Vegas to their portfolio, which begins July 2. Flights are expected to be under one hour, with introductory one-way fares starting around $80.