Owensboro’s commercial air service could soon shift from Contour Airlines to United Express, with new connections to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles replacing the airport’s current Essential Air Service provider.
The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) Board voted Friday to recommend United Express service, operated by SkyWest Airlines, as the community’s next federally subsidized carrier.
If approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the change would connect Owensboro travelers to United Airlines’ global network while maintaining the same number of weekly flights currently required under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
SkyWest’s proposal calls for operating 12 subsidized weekly round-trip flights for up to a four-year term using CRJ200 regional jets that seat about 50 passengers.
Airport Director Tristan Durbin said the board’s recommendation now goes to the Department of Transportation, which will make the final decision on the contract.
“They have to approve that recommendation, or they’re able to select a different carrier that bid on our service,” Durbin said.
Durbin said the current contract with Contour Airlines will remain in place until at least July 31 and potentially longer if the federal review process takes additional time.
If approved, the flights would operate under United’s regional brand, United Express, meaning passengers would book travel through United’s website or mobile app and connect through United’s broader airline network.
“You will book everything through the United app or their website,” Durbin said. “Everything — including the aircraft — will be branded United. So you have seamless travel with United. You’ll earn United rewards points and receive notifications through their system just like any other United passenger.”
The arrangement would allow passengers to book a full itinerary on a single ticket, transfer baggage automatically at connecting hubs, and earn United’s MileagePlus rewards points.
Durbin said the aircraft size represents a notable increase in available seating compared to current service.
“Right now we’re flying a 30-seat aircraft,” Durbin said. “With this, you automatically increase the number of seats we have available significantly.”
He said the additional capacity could help meet demand during peak travel periods and improve the airport’s overall passenger numbers, which play a role in federal funding programs.
The proposed service would maintain the same number of weekly departures currently required under the Essential Air Service contract.
“Contour’s contract with DOT is 12 weekly flights,” Durbin said. “This one with United is the same — 12 weekly departures.”
Airport Board Chair Doug Hoyt said the recommendation reflects what board members believe is the best long-term option for the community.
“I think our board did a really good job of making decisions that we believe are best for the community,” Hoyt said. “Quite frankly, I think we did that tonight.”
Hoyt said bringing a major airline brand to Owensboro was a key factor in the board’s decision.
“We feel that it’s important for the community to have a major carrier,” Hoyt said. “You will see a plane that sits out there that says United, and that’s a real advancement for the community.”
Hoyt said the board also evaluated the strength of the destinations and the connectivity they provide.
Chicago O’Hare offers extensive domestic connections, while Washington Dulles serves as a major hub with significant international routes.
“When you consider the destinations themselves and the connectivity to markets beyond, both domestic and international, those were the main factors that caused us to make the decision,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt said the recommendation represents continued progress for Owensboro’s air service.
Three years ago, the airport transitioned from turboprop aircraft to daily jet service when Contour Airlines began operating flights.
“At that time, we made the decision as a board that we wanted to emphasize pressurized jet service out of Owensboro,” Hoyt said. “Contour gave us that. This particular decision advances that ball just a little bit more.”
Under federal Essential Air Service rules, the Department of Transportation ultimately selects the carrier, though local recommendations typically carry significant weight.
“This is an important step forward,” Hoyt said. “Sometimes you run away from something, and sometimes you run toward something. In this case, we’re running toward something, a real advancement for this community.”
If approved by federal officials, the new United Express service could begin later this year.
