Pensacola International Airport and Contour Airlines launch new nonstop flight to Alabama

Pensacola travelers have a new destination to fly direct to: Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) celebrated Contour Airlines’ inaugural direct flight to Northwest Alabama Regional Airport (MSL) on Saturday.

The city of Pensacola announced in February that the direct flight will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Aug. 2, offering a convenient connection between the Florida Gulf Coast and the Shoals region.

Fares will start at $99 one way.

According to the city’s February announcement, the flight schedule is Wednesdays and Saturdays:

• MSL-PNS 12:50 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

• PNS-MSL 3 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.

Contour has become ninth airline operating at Pensacola International Airport, according to the city.

Who is Contour Airlines?

Contour Airlines offers a premium, low-fare airline product that includes a complimentary first-checked bag and snack and beverage service on all flights. Contour operates a growing fleet of Embraer regional jets featuring leather seating with expanded legroom in every row.

Contour Airlines is one of the largest Part 135 operators in the United States and operates a diverse fleet of aircraft that includes regional airliners for its commercial service as well as numerous business jets available for private charter.

The company also offers fuel and aircraft handling services at the John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, as well as retail aircraft maintenance at a facility adjacent to its headquarters in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Where is Muscle Shoals, Alabama?

Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is located in Colbert County, which sits on the northwesternmost tip of the state. It’s one of the largest cities in the county, with a city population of 16,275 and a metropolitan population of 147,317, according to the latest United States census.

What is Muscle Shoals, Alabama, known for?

Muscle Shoals is probably most famous for its music history. Artists like Aretha Franklin, the Osmonds, Mac Davis and Duane Allman recorded many of their hit songs at Fame Recording Studios, which became known as the “Hit Recording Capital of the World,” according to the city of Muscle Shoals.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: PNS adds new direct flight to Alabama through Contour Airlines