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EL CENTRO – imperial County supervisors are weighing new airline options for the Imperial County Airport,possibly boosting service to Los Angeles,Phoenix,and beyond. The board heard presentations from Contour airlines and SkyWest Airlines on Tuesday, Feb. 3, as they consider bidders for the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program.
New Routes on the Horizon?
A decision could bring more frequent flights and expanded destinations to the region.
- Currently, Southern Airways Express serves the airport with flights to Los Angeles and Phoenix.
- Contour Airlines proposes service to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, anticipating over 20,000 passengers annually.
- SkyWest Airlines, partnering with United Airlines, aims to connect Imperial County to major hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Imperial County Airport currently relies on Southern Airways Express LLC, offering multiple daily, direct round-trip flights between Imperial County Airport (IPL) and both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). These flights utilize nine-seat Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft and operate through interline reservations, accommodating approximately 3,536 passengers in 2025.
Contour Airlines: Expanding Options
Ben Munson, president of Contour Airlines, highlighted his company as the largest independently branded airline within the essential Air Service (EAS) program. The EAS program, a U.S. government initiative, ensures continued commercial air service for smaller communities. Contour is well-suited for Imperial County’s existing interline operations, which coordinate passengers across multiple airlines and connecting flights.
Contour operates 30-seat, twin-engine regional aircraft and boasts the highest level of safety accreditation available to airlines, operating under Part 135 regulations. The airline has established partnerships with Alaska Airlines, and…
SkyWest Airlines: Connecting to United
