By Michael J. Beyman
Allegiant Airlines is a low-cost carrier that flies from small, under-utilized airports to warm-vacation destinations. The airline was founded in 1999, but restructured in 2001. The airline currently operates 44 aircraft out of eight focus cities across the
United States.
History
Allegiant Air was founded in 1997 as WestJet Express. The airline changed its name to Allegiant Air after a trademark dispute. The airline began operation in October 1999 out of a hub in Fresno, California. The airline failed to generate enough passengers and went bankrupt in 2001. The airline radically restructured and adopted its point-to-point low-density city business plan it currently employs.
Business Model
Allegiant Airlines is innovative in the industry. Instead of flying to and from dense cities, the airline seeks to operate out of airports that have little or no service, ensuring little to no competition. Allegiant connects these small cities to warm-weather vacation destinations such as Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas. The airline does not sell connecting flight tickets.
Focus Cities
Because of its distinctive business model, Allegiant Airlines operates numerous focus cities. As of July 2009, Allegiant operated focus cities out of Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Bellingham International Airport, Charlotte County Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
Fleet
Allegiant Airlines operates 44 McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft, all previously owned by other airlines. As of July 2009, the airline's average fleet age was 19.4 years.
Incidents and Accidents
Allegiant Airlines has had two incidents of note. In March 2007, Allegiant Air Flight 758 had a hydraulic failure that prevented the front landing gear from deploying. The plane landed safely in Orlando with only one injury reported. In June 2009, Allegiant Air 746 made an emergency landing at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania, after one of the aircraft's tires exploded and got caught in the engine. No injures were reported.
About the Author:
Mike Beyman is a vice president at WVBR-FM. He also is the co-executive producer of "The Sunday Forum with Tommy Bruce" hosted by Cornell University's vice president of communications. Beyman is a Bachelor of Arts candidate from Cornell University.
