Contour Aviation
Contour Aviation is a Smyrna, Tennessee-based diversified aviation services company offering private jet charter, regional airline service, MRO, FBO, aircraft management, and government ISR operations across the U.S. to HNW individuals, corporations, sports teams, and federal agencies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersSmyrna, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Contour Aviation does
Contour Aviation, operating legally as Corporate Flight Management, Inc., is a privately held, diversified aviation services company founded in 1982 and headquartered in Smyrna, Tennessee. The company operates across six integrated service lines: private jet charter, a scheduled regional airline branded Contour Airlines, aircraft sales and management, FAA/EASA/OTAR Part 145 maintenance and avionics (MRO), government and special-mission aviation services, and fixed-base operations (FBO) at Nashville's John C. Tune Airport. Contour is one of the ten largest Part 135 charter operators in the United States, with a fleet of 25+ aircraft ranging from light jets to 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135/140/145 regional jets, supporting 31,000+ flight hours and 460,000+ passengers in 2025.
The company generates revenue through multiple channels: usage-based private jet charter (quote-based), transaction-based regional airline ticket sales (with fares starting at $99 each way), managed-services aircraft management, professional-services MRO, contract-fee government ISR and special-mission work, and unit-priced FBO fuel and services. Distribution is hybrid: direct phone-based enterprise sales for charter and government, the contourairlines.com e-commerce site for regional airline tickets, a Flightbridge booking integration, white-label operating arrangements with leading travel brands, and an interline agreement with American Airlines. The customer base spans affluent individuals, U.S. Presidents and dignitaries, world-class entertainers, professional and collegiate sports teams, corporations requiring group shuttles, and U.S. government agencies including the Department of Defense. The company employs over 900 team members across bases in Smyrna (HQ), Nashville, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Indianapolis.
Contour Aviation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Contour Aviation
- Legal name
- Corporate Flight Management, Inc.
- Website
- https://contouraviation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Contour Aviation is a Smyrna, Tennessee-based diversified aviation services company offering private jet charter, regional airline service, MRO, FBO, aircraft management, and government ISR operations across the U.S. to HNW individuals, corporations, sports teams, and federal agencies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Contour Aviation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Services
- NAICS
- Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Scheduled Air Transportation (48111), Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation (481111)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512), Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Business Jet Charter (On-Demand) (THABAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators (THABAFAD), Private Jet Charter (Midsize/Super-Midsize/Heavy Jet) (TLAFABAB), Group & ACMI Charter Airlines (Ad-hoc/Wet Lease) (TLAFABAC)
Keywords
Where Contour Aviation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Smyrna
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices8 records
Markets served
Contour Aviation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Private Jet Charter: On-demand private jet charter services operating a fleet of aircraft from light jets to large cabin aircraft. Revenue is generated through hourly flight charges and charter fees.
- Regional Airline Service: Scheduled regional airline operations connecting rural communities and midsize markets. Revenue from ticket sales with fares starting as low as $99 each way on certain routes.
- FBO Services: Fixed Base Operations at John C. Tune Airport in Nashville providing fuel (Jet A, 100 LL), hangars, pilot lounge, conference rooms, and concierge services.
- Maintenance & Avionics (MRO): Maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for various aircraft types including Embraer, Bombardier, Hawker, and Cessna jets. Also includes parts sales and brokerage.
- Aircraft Sales & Management: Aircraft management services allowing owners to offset costs through charter revenue when not using their aircraft. Also includes aircraft listing and acquisition services.
- Government Services: Contracted aviation services for U.S. and foreign government agencies including passenger transport, cargo operations, ISR missions, and special-mission payload modifications.
- White Label Operations: Contour serves as the white label operator of aircraft for several of the world's most discerning travel brands, generating revenue through service contracts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Jet A Fuel at John C. Tune Airport |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 100 LL Fuel at John C. Tune Airport |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Regional Airline Fares - Santa Barbara Routes |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Private Jet Charter |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Contour Aviation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Contour Aviation is a diversified aviation services company operating private jet charter, regional airline service (Contour Airlines), aircraft sales and management, FAA Part 145 maintenance and avionics (MRO), government aviation services, and fixed-base operations (FBO) at John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The company, founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management Inc. and headquartered in Smyrna, Tennessee, ranks among the ten largest Part 135 charter operators in the United States, with a diverse fleet spanning light jets to 30-seat regional jets and over 900 team members.
Product overview
Contour Aviation operates as a diversified aviation services company offering private jet charter, regional airline service (Contour Airlines), aircraft sales and management, maintenance and avionics (Part 145 MRO), government/military aviation services, and fixed-base operations (FBO). The company, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Smyrna, Tennessee, is among the ten largest Part 135 charter operators in the United States. Its private jet charter division provides access to a fleet including Legacy 600, Challenger 850, VIP CRJ-200, and ERJ-135 aircraft. The regional airline operates ERJ-135/140/145 aircraft across routes in 12+ states with bases in Charlotte, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Indianapolis. The maintenance division holds FAA, EASA, and OTAR Part 145 certifications and specializes in Embraer, Bombardier, Hawker, and Cessna aircraft. FBO services are provided at John C. Tune Airport in Nashville.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Private Jet Charter Private jet charter service offering aircraft for individual, corporate, and government clients with 24/7 operational support. Features include dedicated flight attendants, custom catering, and access to a diverse fleet ranging from light jets to large cabin aircraft.
- Contour Airlines (Regional Airline) Regional airline service delivering low fares and regional connectivity to rural communities and midsize markets lacking nonstop service. Operates ERJ-135/140/145 aircraft with 30 seats, no middle seats, and 36-inch legroom, serving routes across the United States with interline agreement with American Airlines.
- Aircraft Sales & Management Bespoke aircraft management and charter sales services including pilot hiring and management, aircraft maintenance, trip planning, flight operations management, and revenue optimization through charter utilization when aircraft is not in personal use.
- Maintenance & Avionics (MRO) FAA, EASA, and OTAR Part 145 certified repair station providing fixed-wing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Specializes in Embraer regional jets, Bombardier Global and Challenger business jets, Hawker business jets, and Cessna Citation business jets. Includes parts sales and brokerage services with a national support network.
- Government Services Customized aviation solutions for U.S. and foreign government agencies including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, special-mission payload modifications, CARB approved passenger and cargo transport, and complete turn-key project management worldwide.
- FBO Services (John C. Tune Airport) Fixed base operations at John C. Tune Airport near Nashville offering fuel services (Jet A, 100 LL), on-site concierge, catering coordination, rental cars, flight training, repair station access, hotel discounts, WiFi, pilot lounge, conference room, flight planning, and hangar space.
- White Label Aircraft Operations Contour operates aircraft as a white-label provider for several of the world's most discerning travel brands, managing their private aviation operations under the partner brands.
Quantifiable outcome
- 31,000+ flight hours completed in 2025
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Contour Aviation
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Contour Aviation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature4 records
Contour Aviation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- American AirlinescoreInterline agreement with American Airlines offering single ticket booking, through check-in, and baggage transfer for regional airline customers connecting to American's network.
- Leading Travel Brands (White Label)coreContour is the white label operator of aircraft for several of the world's most discerning travel brands, providing private aviation services under partner brand names.
- Go RentalsminorOn-site car rental partner at John C. Tune Airport FBO location, phone (615) 703-9210
- BlademinorTechnology platform partner for private jet charter booking and coordination services
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)coreState economic development authority providing incentives including up to $1.5M minimum revenue guarantee and $550K in conditional tax credits for establishing Indianapolis base with up to 55 new jobs
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Contour Aviation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- NetJets: NetJets is the largest fractional ownership and private jet card operator globally, operating a fleet of thousands of aircraft under Part 91/135. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the same private aviation space Contour serves via charter and management.
- Flexjet: Flexjet offers fractional jet ownership, jet card, and lease programs with a fleet of Bombardier, Embraer, and Gulfstream aircraft. Comparable to Contour's fractional-adjacent charter and aircraft management services from a broader, established position.
- Wheels Up: Wheels Up provides membership-based private aviation and on-demand charter through a managed fleet of light and midsize jets. Comparable to Contour's charter and managed services offerings but at significantly greater scale.
Direct peers
- Boutique Air: Boutique Air operates scheduled regional flights to small and underserved communities, often under EAS contracts, using PC-12s. Highly comparable to Contour Airlines' regional/EAS scheduled service on small jets.
- Surf Air Mobility: Surf Air offers a membership-based regional air service plus on-demand charter using PC-12s and other turboprops. Comparable to Contour's scheduled regional and charter operations targeting underserved markets and premium travelers.
- Tradewind Aviation: Tradewind provides on-demand private charter and scheduled shuttle services in the Northeast and Caribbean using Pilatus PC-12s and Phenom 300s under Part 135. Closely mirrors Contour's dual charter-and-shuttle model on light-to-midsize aircraft.
- JSX: JSX runs semi-private scheduled flights between smaller city pairs using 30-seat ERJ-135/145 regional jets under Part 135. Directly comparable to Contour's regional airline and charter offerings on the same airframes and similar customer base.
- Linear Air: Linear Air is a Part 135 on-demand charter operator and air-taxi broker focusing on light jets and turboprops. Comparable to Contour's light-to-midsize jet charter and aircraft management business.
- PlaneSense: PlaneSense operates a fractional and whole-aircraft program on Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 turboprops and light jets under Part 135. It is directly comparable to Contour's Part 135 charter, aircraft management, and fractional-style offerings in the U.S. business aviation market.
Emerging players
- Breeze Airways: Breeze Airways is a newer U.S. point-to-point airline operating E190/195 and A220 aircraft on underserved city pairs. Comparable in serving secondary/midsize markets similar to Contour's regional network, though operating under Part 121 rather than Part 135.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Contour Aviation social profiles
Digital presenceContour Aviation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Contour Aviation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Contour Aviation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Contour Aviation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Contour Aviation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Contour Aviation
What does Contour Aviation do?
Contour Aviation is a diversified aviation services company operating private jet charter, regional airline service (Contour Airlines), aircraft sales and management, FAA Part 145 maintenance and avionics (MRO), government aviation services, and fixed-base operations (FBO) at John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The company, founded in 1982 as Corporate Flight Management Inc. and headquartered in Smyrna, Tennessee, ranks among the ten largest Part 135 charter operators in the United States, with a diverse fleet spanning light jets to 30-seat regional jets and over 900 team members.
Is Contour Aviation a public or private company?
Contour Aviation is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Contour Aviation founded?
Contour Aviation was founded in 1982. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Contour Aviation based?
Contour Aviation is headquartered in Smyrna, United States, in the North America region.
How does Contour Aviation make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Private Jet Charter is the primary driver. The others are regional Airline Service, FBO Services, maintenance & Avionics (MRO), aircraft Sales & Management, government Services and white Label Operations.
Who are Contour Aviation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are NetJets, Flexjet and Wheels Up. Direct peers are Boutique Air, Surf Air Mobility, Tradewind Aviation, JSX, Linear Air and PlaneSense. Breeze Airways is listed as an emerging player.
Does Contour Aviation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Contour Aviation.
What industry is Contour Aviation in?
Contour Aviation's product category is Aviation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THABAFAA, Business Jet Charter (On-Demand), with a secondary code of THABAFAD, Aircraft Management & Part 135/135-equivalent Operators. Its NAICS code is 481211 and its SIC code is 4522.