Tag Archives: Allegiant

Allegiant expands offerings to Los Angeles, Boston, Austin

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An Allegiant Airlines plan at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Supplied/Ford International Airport)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Allegiant airlines announced today that it would expand its service from Grand Rapids to Los Angeles, Boston, and Austin, Texas.

“We’re very excited to expand our presence in Grand Rapids by offering service to three of the most in-demand travel destinations in the country,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “With nonstop access to the history, culture and endless entertainment options found in LA, Boston, and Austin, local residents will be able to enjoy amazing vacation adventures at an affordable price.”

New seasonal service from Gerald R. Ford Airport (GRR) includes:

  1. Los Angeles, California via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – beginning June 5, 2020 with fares as low as $66. (Some restrictions apply.)
  2. Boston, Massachusetts via Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – beginning May 7, 2020 with fares as low as $33. (Some restrictions apply)
  3. Austin, Texas via Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – beginning May 22, 2020 with fares as low as $55. (Some restrictions apply)

The new seasonal flights will operate twice weekly. With the addition of this new route, Allegiant will now serve 14 cities from Gerald R. Ford Airport (GRR). Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.

“We are thrilled to grow our route map with the addition of Austin, Boston and Los Angeles as new nonstop service with Allegiant,” said Tory Richardson, president & CEO at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “Allegiant started service in Grand Rapids in 2009 with two cities. With the addition of these three new nonstop flights this summer, Allegiant is now serving 14 destinations out of Grand Rapids – more than any other carrier. We are proud to support Allegiant’s growth in West Michigan, and we appreciate their commitment to service and satisfaction in our market.”

Allegiant Air is an American low-cost airline that operates scheduled and charter flights. As a major air carrier, it is the ninth-largest commercial airline in the US. It is wholly owned by Allegiant Travel Company, a publicly traded company with 4,000 employees and over US$2.6 billion market capitalization. Allegiant offers Grand Rapids-area travelers with low base airfare and savings on rental cars and hotels.

June 2019 marks busiest ever at Ford Airport

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Airline partner Allegiant started new nonstop service to Nashville (BNA), and Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) in early June. (Ford Airport)

By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport


June passenger numbers topped nine percent, and the month goes down as the busiest June in history at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA).

Through June 2019, 1,770,050 passengers have traveled through the airport, and overall passenger traffic is up 11-percent from 2018 – the busiest year in GFIA history.

June 2019 saw 309,439 passengers compared to 282,863 in 2018. It also marks the busiest second quarter and busiest first half on record – also beating out 2018 totals. On average, 9,779 passengers are coming through the airport each day.

The Ford Airport has seen passenger increases in 71 of the last 78 months and 21 straight.

“2019 continues to be an impressive year and the growth we’ve seen in our community is concurrent to the growth at our airport,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “With new additions in air service, summer travel trends peaking upwards, and an overall satisfaction with our services at the Ford Airport we’re continuing to see these numbers climb. ”

Airline partner Allegiant started new nonstop service to Nashville (BNA), and Savannah-Hilton Head (SAV) in early June. Additionally, Allegiant started nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) in April, and is adding flights to New Orleans (MSY), and Jacksonville (JAX) in October.

With the growth, GFIA has invested in its facilities and is currently underway in Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions. Updates on construction at the airport can be found here: https://www.grr.org/construction.php

As passenger numbers continue to grow at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more information to make security screening smother are available at www.tsa.gov.

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available at https//www.flyford.org

Allegiant begins nonstop flights from Grand Rapids to Nashville

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By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport


Country music, a guitar-shaped cake, and plenty of cowboy hats helped kick off a celebration at the Ford Airport today. Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) began new nonstop routes from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Guests were treated to music from Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys, and local officials, staff, and politicians joined in the celebratory event.

“Thank you to Allegiant for investing in this service,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat at today’s news conference. “Nashville has been on the list of nonstops that the Ford Airport has been pin-pointing for some time, so this is a big win today.”

Allegiant flies nonstop from Grand Rapids to Phoenix-Mesa, Punta Gorda, Orlando, St. Pete/Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Sarasota, and now Nashville. Starting tomorrow, June 7, Allegiant is starting new service to Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), marking its ninth destination out of Grand Rapids.

“The Ford Airport has had six years of record-breaking growth, and that growth would not be possible without our airline partners investing in Grand Rapids,” said GFIA Board Chairman Dan Koorndyk. “In those last six years over 15-million passengers have come through our airport.”

In addition to new flights, Allegiant began operating a base in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, June 4. Allegiant’s growth plans in the state include creating 66 new, high-wage jobs, and establishing a two-aircraft base at the Ford Airport.

“Grand Rapids has been a great city for Allegiant, with solid demand and steady growth over the years,” said Keith Hansen, vice president of government affairs for Allegiant. “It’s a perfect location for a permanent base, where having locally-based aircraft and crews will open a world of opportunity to expand options for both new service and operational hours. This will make travel even more convenient and affordable for both residents and visitors to the area, and further establish Allegiant as a hometown airline for Grand Rapids.”

Allegiant has served Grand Rapids since 2009. The Nashville flights will operate twice weekly, and flight days, times, and the lowest fares can be found only at www.allegiant.com.

Allegiant starts nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Sarasota

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An Allegiant Airlines plan at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Supplied/Ford International Airport)

By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Allegiant(NASDAQ: ALGT) begins service today from Grand Rapids to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) beginning April 5, 2019. To celebrate, the company is offering fares on the new route as low as $55 each way*.

“We are excited to begin service to Sarasota/Bradenton from Grand Rapids,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “This beautiful destination offers fun for everyone in the family, and we’re sure that area travelers will enjoy getting away on these convenient, nonstop, ultra-low-cost flights.”

The new year-round flights will operate twice weekly. With the addition of this new route, Allegiant will now serve seven cities from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). Beginning in June, the company will also operate an aircraft base at GRR. Also in June, Allegiant will add service to Nashville, Tennessee and Savannah, Georgia. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com. 

“We are thrilled to add a seventh Allegiant destination to our route map, and our ninth destination in Florida,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “We had a long winter, and starting service to Florida’s Gulf Coast is a great treat to kick us into spring. We are thankful that our partners at Allegiant recognize the growth opportunities in Grand Rapids and continue to invest their services in our market.”

Allegiant offers a unique option to Grand Rapids-area travelers with low base fares and savings on rental carsand hotels. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less. 

*About the introductory fares:

Price displayed reflects purchase of a round-trip itinerary and includes taxes, carrier charges and government fees. Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by April 7, 2019 for travel by June 28, 2019. Price displayed reflects purchase of a round-trip itinerary and includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.

Allegiant®Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers to world-class leisure destinations. The airline offers industry-low fares on an all-jet fleet while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms and rental cars. All can be purchased only through the company website, Allegiant.com. Beginning with one aircraft and one route in 1999, the company has grown to over 80 aircraft and more than 400 routes across the country with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic round-trip ticket. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/ToZT30iauev.

The Right Place helps carrier with $42 million expansion at Ford Airport

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One of the Allegiant airbuses. The airlines plans to house two such planes at Grand Rapids. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced that Allegiant Air, LLC will be opening a new base at GRR in Grand Rapids. This expansion will result in the creation of at least 66 new jobs and a capital investment of $42.8 million.

Founded in 1998, Allegiant is known as one of America’s premier, ultra-low-cost carriers. The airline offers nonstop service to more than 120 popular destinations across the United States, primarily from small and medium-sized communities. Allegiant currently flies to seven nonstop destinations from GRR, including five in Florida, one in Arizona and one in Nevada. However, with its new base in GRR, the airline will house two Airbus-series aircraft in the city, bringing the resources and flexibility to serve additional routes in the future.

An Allegiant Airbus (Supplied)

To support Allegiant’s two aircraft, the airline will establish a crew and maintenance base that will add at least 66 additional jobs to the airport with a majority of them coming from technical career fields to include pilots, flight attendants and aircraft maintenance personnel. A majority of the new positions are expected to pay more than double the Michigan average wage. These jobs – in addition to existing ground support team members – will continue to fuel the carrier’s already incredible growth at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Also as part of today’s presentation, Allegiant announced it would service two new cities, Nashville, Tennessee and Savannah, Georgia. Plans to begin its base of operations at the Gerald R. Ford Airport start June 4.

“Grand Rapids has been a great city for Allegiant, with solid demand and steady growth over the years,” said Keith Hansen, vice president of government affairs, Allegiant. “It’s a perfect location for a permanent base, where having locally-based aircraft and crews will open a world of opportunity to expand options for both new service and operational hours. This will make travel even more convenient and affordable for both residents and visitors to the area, and further establish Allegiant as a hometown airline for Grand Rapids.”

“Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the support of key state and local agencies and partners,” said Hansen. “We’d like to thank both the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Right Place, as well as our long-term partners at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.”

The MEDC is supporting the expansion with the approval of a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

Birgit Klos, president and CEO of The Right Place (Supplied)

“Allegiant’s decision to open a base at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a big win for the region, and will have a ripple effect through our economy beyond the initial jobs and investment,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. and Board Member of the GRR Airport Authority Board. “It speaks to the strength of our growing airport, which is critical for companies doing business in West Michigan and beyond.”

“Echoing our community partners, the team here at GRR is excited that Allegiant has made the decision to establish a base at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said Brian Picardat, Interim President & CEO, Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “This will bring additional jobs to West Michigan and more travel options for passengers. Thank you to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and The Right Place for their assistance in bringing this base to Grand Rapids.”

Allegiant began operating at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in 2009 and with today’s announcement now offers nine non-stop routes – to Las Vegas; Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona; to five cities in Florida: Tampa/St. Pete, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford and Sarasota/Bradenton; and seasonal service to Nashville and Savannah beginning in June.  Allegiant currently carries more than 300,000 annual passengers through Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids will become the airline’s 16th aircraft base, which will allow Allegiant to expand its service to and from the city, offer more new non-stop routes in the future, and further connect Grand Rapids businesses, residents and visitors to destinations around the world.

Allegiant announces new nonstop service to Sarasota from Grand Rapids

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Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces service from Grand Rapids to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) beginning April 5, 2019. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $55.*

 

“We’re thrilled to grow again in Grand Rapids,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “We’re sure that area travelers will enjoy getting away to beautifulSarasota on these convenient, nonstop, ultra-low-cost flights.”

 

The new year-round flights will operate twice weekly. With the addition of this new route, Allegiant will now serve seven cities from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.

 

“We are thrilled to add a seventh Allegiant destination to our route map. There is no greater way to please West Michigan travelers than to announce service to Florida’s Gulf Coast right as our winter season is gearing up,” said Tara Hernandez, marketing and communications director at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “We are thankful that our partners at Allegiant recognize thegrowth opportunities in Grand Rapids and continue to invest their services in our market.”

 

“We have had a record-breaking year, and with Allegiant adding another nonstop flight to our 2019 schedule, we’re going to continue record numbers into next year,” said Dan Koorndyk, GFIABoard Chair. “We’re proud to have had Allegiant here since 2009, and we love to see the airline’s continue growth.”

 

Allegiant offers a unique option to Grand Rapids-area travelers with low base fares and savings on rental cars and hotels. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less.

 

*About the introductory one-way fares:

 

Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by Nov. 14, 2018 for travel by Aug. 13, 2019. Price displayed reflects purchase of a round-trip itinerary and includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.