Expansion Means New Jobs And Five New Routes

Allegiant has announced plans to establish a two-aircraft base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (KVPS). As part of Allegiant's growth in Florida, the company anticipates adding more than 65 new, high-wage jobs during 2018. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport will become the airline's 14th year-round aircraft base.

The Las Vegas-based company is investing more than $49 million to establish a year-round base of operations, which will house two Airbus aircraft. Allegiant set the stage for this expansion by utilizing Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport as a seasonal base during the summer of 2017. Today Allegiant also announced new service to five cities – routes made possible only by establishing the Destin base.

"We are excited to continue our growth in Florida's Emerald Coast by establishing a full-time base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach," said Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant's chairman and CEO. "The base will not only afford many more options when it comes to adding routes and expanding service, but will also give us the opportunity to contribute even more to the community and the state's economy.

"We have a terrific partnership across many state and local agencies, without which today would not be possible," he continued. "We can't thank them enough for their support."

The aircraft base is expected to have a deep and lasting impact on the region's economy, bringing an anticipated $418 million in tourism revenue on a five-year horizon. "Allegiant's new announcement is such great news for the people of Okaloosa County. The creation of a new hub for a national airline that comes with over 65 new jobs at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport helps fulfill our mission of creating additional high-paying jobs in the county," said Commissioner Graham Fountain, chairman of the Okaloosa County Commission.

Allegiant, which employs more than 4,000 team members across the country, plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians and ground personnel to support operations. Positions are expected to offer average salaries more than double the area's average wage.

"I am proud to announce Allegiant has chosen to establish a new aircraft base at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which will create 65 new jobs," said Florida Governor Rick Scott. "Today's announcement is a great reminder of how our tourism industry supports Florida business and communities and creates new opportunities for our families. Tourism partners like Allegiant work hand-in-hand with Visit Florida to bring more visitors to our state and we must make sure this success continues by fully funding Visit Florida at $100 million. I look forward to seeing Allegiant's success in Destin and across the state as we continue to welcome families from all across the world to Florida."

Allegiant's service in Destin-Fort Walton Beach began with six routes in 2016, and expanded to 16 cities in 2017. 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. Allegiant also announced new, seasonal service to five cities, bring the total number of cities with service to the Emerald Coast to 21.

(Source: Allegiant news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.allegiant.com