The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

May 18, 2022, Plattsburgh – In January, SkyWest announced plans to pull out of multiple markets due to COVID-related staffing challenges. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Transportation prevented the airline from doing so until a new carrier could take over. Today, Clinton County leaders officially welcomed Contour Airlines CEO Matt Chaifetz to the Plattsburgh International Airport. Chaifetz said this was his first trip to the airport. He was impressed, stating, “I just flew into JFK Airport from Europe. This airport is more impressive than the terminal at JFK. It’s beautiful.” Chaifetz said that beginning July 1, except for Tuesday and Saturday when there’s one flight, Contour will have two daily flights leaving Plattsburgh. The first flight leaves at 8 a.m. Passengers will be flying in an Embraer ERJ-135/-145, a 30-passenger jet. Chaifetz said Contour reduced the plane’s seating from 37 to 30 to enhance passenger comfort and give the equivalent of 1st Class legroom. There are no middle seats, and the seats are wide and comfortable.  Passengers will not have to go outside the airport to board. They can use the airport’s jet bridge. 

For the first 30-days, tickets between Plattsburgh to Philadelphia can be purchased on the Contour website for only $49 each way. Thanks to Contour’s relationship with American Airlines, passengers continuing past Philadelphia can buy tickets from Plattsburgh to their destination with automatic baggage transfer. CEO Chaifetz said Contour is ranked very high for its punctual and reliable service.

Local officials welcoming Chaifetz included Airport Manager Chris Kreig, Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature Mark Henry, County Legislature Airport Committee Chairman Bob Hall, and Kristy Kennedy representing the North Country Chamber of Commerce. The speakers said many people worked very hard to secure a new airline. Mark Henry officially welcomed Contour Airlines and extended his special thanks to Committee Chairman Bob Hall and County Executive Mike Zurlow for their outstanding work securing an airline. Henry emphasized the importance of quality air service saying. “This new service is important to this airport and a key to the development of our region.” Bob Hall thanked the North Country Chamber of Commerce for its many contributions to the effort. Kristy Kennedy thanked several people, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who advocated for the airport in Washington.