Allegiant Air To Start Flights In November

Extensive efforts by New York's Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) to attract new commercial airline service appear to have paid off, as officials there announced this week Allegiant Air will begin flights from the airport in November.

Allegiant will operate flights to Fort Lauderdale, FL, effective November 16. Introductory fares will start at $79 each way.

"We are very pleased to again expand the Allegiant brand of low-fare, nonstop jet service to the Plattsburgh region," said Maurice Gallagher, Jr., President and CEO of Allegiant Air. "This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we celebrate another way to get to the sun of Florida."

In addition to a new route for Allegiant, the announcement was also vindication for officials at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, which recently opened a new passenger terminal in hopes of attracting commercial airline service.

As ANN reported, the terminal -- which was dedicated April 27 -- and related improvements were funded with $20 million in grants provided by the US Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration. It represents the final phase of a five-year conversion of the former air base into a multi-purpose regional airport and aerospace park, serving residents of upstate New York, southern Quebec and Vermont.

PBG's facilities include a 12,000 foot concrete runway, a 12 million square foot concrete apron, and 1.5 million square feet of aviation industrial space. It also features multi-modal assets including a direct interchange on Interstate Highway 87 and direct access to the main Montreal-New York City line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, including a siding and new railyard. The Port of Montreal is just one hour away by rail or road.

"Local residents have long sought a direct warm weather destination flight from a local airport," said James Langley, Jr., Chair of the Clinton County Legislature. "And I believe our friends north of the border will also delight in the convenience offered by Allegiant Air and Plattsburgh International Airport."

"Allegiant was the first airline we targeted last year," stated Garry Douglas, President and CEO of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, adding Allegiant hopes to expand routes from PBG over the next two years.

The airport also hopes to attract more airlines, hosting a full range of air carriers to serve the area's many businesses, colleges, institutions and resorts. This includes the Lake Placid-Adirondack region which expects to benefit from a major airport less than an hour away, providing access for tourists, convention attendees, athletes and others.

FMI: www.flyplattsburgh.com, www.allegiantair.com