Tag Archives: Nashville

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.

Saugatuck Center for the Arts goes a little country with next featured artist

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The Babbas perform July 25.
The Babbas perform July 25.

The Babbas, a Nashville-based jazz duo, will be performing at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts on July 25 at 8 p.m. as part of the Summer in the Studio concert series. Tickets are $15 each and are available online at www.sc4a.org or at 269-857-2399.

 

The duo, made up of vocalist Annie Sellick and versatile guitar player Pat Bergeson, are well known for their jazz-based ensembles. However, their music draws on many different styles and features acoustic guitars, harmonicas and some percussion.

 

Sellick is a highly regarded Nashville-native who enjoyed stardom in her hometown and across the world. She has toured nationally and internationally and has recorded with many notable artists including Joey DeFrancesco, Bela Fleck, and Mark O’Connor.

 

Bergeson moved to Nashville and has performed alongside Chet Atkins, The Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings. While in Nashville, Bergeson recorded with other chart-topping artists including Lyle Lovett and Wynonna Judd.

 

“I love our Summer in the Studio concerts for their intimacy. Annie’s voice has the power to move people – I know concert goers will be knocked out!” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “Together Annie and Pat really create jazz magic.”

 

The Summer in the Studio series rounds out with two-time Grammy nominee Matthew Santos, and perfectly blended vocals and guitar playing with Drive South. More information can be found at sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

 

The performance is part of the Summer in the Studio Concert Series sponsored by Carol and Greg Josefowicz. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is at 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.