Merced's regional airport unveils new terminal and airline for Valley travelers

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- "It's a new era of travel in Merced," said Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto.

The Merced Yosemite Regional Airport rolled out the welcome mat for passengers at its new terminal building Wednesday morning. The airport now offers flights from its new commercial air carrier, Contour Airlines, providing nonstop service to the City of Angels and Sin City.

"That means we can fly through here. It's a 30-passenger jet into LAX and the connect anywhere in the world," said Rhett Williams, City of Merced Airport Manager.

"What's different about us is we have a lot more leg room than what traditional airlines do so it's a much more guest-friendly experience when you fly on board us," said Andrew Chevalier, Vice President of Airport Operations for Contour Airlines.

"I feel privileged," said Ted Weathersbee, who was one of the first passengers to travel on Contour through the new terminal.

It is now the fastest way between LA and Merced for Valley air travelers.

"I only came to the World Cup and it's a surprise for me," said Gustavo Hernandez, who flew to Los Angeles to watch Spain compete in the World Cup.

The City said the new airport will bring in a wide variety of visitors and investment to Merced.

"It serves primarily local residents, but you're also going to serve Yosemite travelers; people coming to UC Merced; people coming to visit Merced for other reasons," said Mayor Serratto.

In 2023, Merced broke ground on what would become the City's new terminal.

"Truly was a cold, foggy morning when we broke ground, and to see three years later that this building is up and operating. It's exciting," said Merced City Manager Frank Quintero.

The project was planned for years, but take-off was delayed.

"Planning it. Finding the money, all the construction, it's taken years of executing this vision, but now we have an absolute treasure," said Mayor Serratto.

Inside that treasure, visitors will find a state-of-the-art TSA checkpoint and security equipment.

"It's better than the last one; it's way bigger and looks way nicer inside, too," said Charlie Whitby, an Atwater High student who traveled on Contour and experienced the terminal for the first time on Wednesday.

Contour has partnerships with Alaska, American and United Airlines to offer passengers connecting flights to destinations around the world.

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