People in Southern Illinois can now fly to Chicago in the morning and return in the same afternoon through Contour Airlines.
Airport Director Doug Kimmel says in the last 25 years they’ve had 6 different airlines and is surprised by the amount of people taking advantage of this new service.
“We've never seen as much involvement and support already, just to the point of the first flight with Contour, as we've seen with anyone else.”
SIU Chancellor Austin Lane says the one hour trip up north is going be a big asset for the university and the region.
“It's an area we recruit. It's an area our students are loves are there. Our students that are from southern Illinois are able now to get to Chicago. This is, as the mayor just mentioned, it's a game changer for the university as we continue to grow the enrollment.”
Contour Airlines has a three year contract with Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois.
