Allegiant Indianapolis Base Opens For Business Today

Flights with Locally Based Aircraft and Crews Will Propel Economic Growth

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Feb 07, 2018, 01:00 ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today begins operating flights with Indiana-based crews and aircraft from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), providing a foundation for future growth in the Hoosier State. Allegiant's 13th permanent base of operations opens with two Airbus aircraft and more than 80 locally based personnel.

The Indianapolis base is expected to significantly boost Allegiant's economic impact in the state of Indiana. According to a recent study by Campbell-Hill Aviation, in 2016 Allegiant generated more than $118 million in economic benefit to the state, bringing more than 68,000 new visitors and supporting more than 1,000 jobs.

"We're excited about the growth we've seen in Indianapolis, and the many opportunities ahead that our aircraft base will bring," said Scott Sheldon, Allegiant executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. "By continuing to grow our operations and contribute even more to the community and economy, we look to become a true hometown airline for Indianapolis flyers."

With a unique focus on leisure travelers, Allegiant flies all nonstop service built around an "out-and-back" model whereby aircraft and crews return to base after a day of flying. Having aircraft and crew based in Indianapolis affords the opportunity for additional routes to non-base cities such as Charleston, South Carolina and Sarasota, Florida – two recently announced routes set to begin service in April.

Allegiant expects to add a third aircraft to the Indianapolis base later this year.

"The value of our airport hinges on travelers being able to get 'there' from here, and Allegiant's business model has been instrumental in connecting our leisure travelers with a number of unserved and underserved markets – and in a very short period of time, too," said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. "It is that kind of commitment and investment that has enabled the Indy airport to break an all-time record with access to 51 nonstop destinations and puts us among the top 10 most-connected airports in the United States. That is value that feeds the Indianapolis and regional economies."

Allegiant currently serves 25 routes from four cities in the state of Indiana, including flights from Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville. The airline began operating out of Indianapolis in February 2015, and now offers nonstop service to 14 cities.

Known as the Crossroads of America, Indiana is within a one-day drive to 60 percent of the U.S. population and is home to more than 1,700 miles of interstate, three international ports, the second-largest FedEx hub in the world and the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport.

"Indiana continues to soar to new heights with its skilled workforce, pro-growth business environment and best in the nation airport," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. "We're thrilled Allegiant found a recipe for success in Indiana, committing to create good, high-wage jobs for Hoosiers and enhance Indiana's connectivity through new, nonstop services from our international and regional airports. With Hoosiers at the forefront of our mind, we'll enhance economic opportunities, livability and connectivity for Hoosier businesses and travelers, and continue to provide companies like Allegiant with the tools they need to grow and succeed."

Allegiant^®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities 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 more than 85 aircraft and 350 routes across the country with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF.

About the Indianapolis Airport Authority

The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana's largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND generates a $5.4 billion total annual economic impact for Central Indiana – without relying on state or local taxes to fund operations. More than 10,000 people work at the airport each day, and 22,600 area jobs have a connection to the airport. IND serves more than 8.5 million business and leisure travelers each year, averaging 145 daily flights – seasonally and year-round – to 51 nonstop destinations. IND is consistently ranked, year after year, as the best airport in North America and the nation, based on ease of use, passenger amenities, customer service, local retail offerings and public art. The airport is home of the world's second largest FedEx operation and the nation's eighth-largest cargo facility. IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND's Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport.

Allegiant Media Contact
Phone: 702-800-2020
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company