Pennsylvania Cities Will Gain New Air Carriers
The Department of Transportation will initiate new subsidized flight contracts for DuBois and Bradford beginning February 1.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Air Travel
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Starting February 1, 2027, the Department of Transportation will transition Essential Air Service contracts from Southern Airways Express to Contour Airlines and SkyWest. This shift will provide residents of DuBois and Bradford with larger aircraft and new hub connections.
Why it matters
The transition aims to improve connectivity to major markets while addressing concerns regarding passenger confidence in previous service. New carriers were selected to offer more robust travel options at a competitive subsidy cost.
Contour Airlines will operate 12 weekly round trips using 30-seat jets, while SkyWest will provide 12 weekly round trips using 50-seat aircraft. These upgrades replace current 9-seat Cessna operations in communities with populations under 8,000.
The players
Department of Transportation
This federal executive agency manages the nation's transportation systems, including the Essential Air Service program.
Southern Airways Express
This regional airline carrier provides commuter flights and has historically served various small-market airports.
Contour Airlines
This regional airline operates as a direct air carrier and frequently contracts for federal Essential Air Service routes.
SkyWest
This major regional airline operator partners with national carriers to provide service to smaller communities across the United States.
The details
The Department of Transportation ended its contract with Southern Airways Express, which had served the region since 2016 and 2017. The new service will link DuBois to Atlanta and Chicago, while Bradford passengers will gain access to Washington Dulles.
Timeline
Southern Airways Express began service to Bradford in 2016.
Southern Airways Express began service to DuBois in 2017.
The Department of Transportation solicited resident comments in summer 2026.
Original contracts for Southern Airways Express expired at the end of October 2026.
New subsidized flight contracts begin Feb 1, 2027.
Travel Outlook
This transition highlights the periodic renewal cycles inherent in the federal Essential Air Service program. Such changes reflect the broader industry strategy to prioritize connectivity through regional hubs over smaller aircraft capacity.
Travelers in DuBois and Bradford should prepare for a transition to larger aircraft and new destination hubs effective in February. Passengers with existing bookings should monitor updates from the respective airlines regarding the service handoff.
The takeaway
The move toward larger regional jets reflects an effort to improve reliability for travelers in smaller communities. Residents can expect expanded reach to major national hubs as the new contracts take effect this coming February.
What happens next
New subsidized flight contracts for Contour Airlines and SkyWest are scheduled to officially begin on February 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in regional transit at the Pennsylvania Air Travel page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
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