Airline to Use 161-Seat MD-83 Aircraft on Route & Offer $79 Fares

Wichita area travelers will soon have low fare non-stop jet service and vacation packages to Las Vegas, the top leisure destination for the community, when Allegiant Air inaugurates service at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport on Thursday, February 27, 2003 with non-stop flights to McCarran International Airport.

The airline said the new Wichita—Las Vegas service will initially operate on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday each week. The airline said it is offering introductory fares of $79 each way and complete air and hotel vacation packages starting at $199 (per person, three hotel nights).

Allegiant Air said that reservations on the new Wichita—Las Vegas flights could be confirmed starting today.

“We are extremely pleased to be introducing the Allegiant Air and Allegiant Vacations brand of service to the city and people of Wichita and the surrounding communities,” said Maurice J. Gallagher, the airline’s chairman. “This is an exciting development for our airline and our customers as we launch the only scheduled non-stop service between Wichita and Las Vegas.

“We heard loud and clear from Wichita travelers and travel agents there is strong demand for an alternative to the connecting flights, high fares, or long drives to other airports previously necessary to fly to Las Vegas,” said Gallagher. “Allegiant Air is making it easier and more affordable for Wichita travelers to go to the fun and entertainment capital of the world.”

Wichita officials say the new service is another success in the on-going efforts to make Wichita Mid-Continent Airport the best airport in the midwest.

“We set out not only to lower air fares, but increase the number of non-stop flights to the most traveled destinations. Allegiant Airlines is helping us meet both of those goals,” said Wichita Mayor Bob Knight.

According to Allegiant Air, flights will depart Wichita at 2:05 PM arriving in Las Vegas at 2:50 PM. Flights leaving Las Vegas will depart at 9:00 AM arriving in Wichita at 1:20 PM (all flight times are local).

Allegiant Air is now offering fares starting at $79 one-way for its new flights between Wichita and Las Vegas. The $79 fare must be purchased by January 31 for travel through September 30, 2003. After the introductory fare period, fares will range from $99 to $159, and there will be no advance purchase requirements, overnight stays, or other restrictions on Allegiant’s fares.

Allegiant Vacations, the airline’s vacation company featuring complete air and hotel Las Vegas vacation packages, is offering Wichita travelers complete air and hotel vacation packages. Three night tour packages inclusive of airfare are available for as low as $199 per person based on double occupancy if booked prior to January 31, 2000. Starting February 1, vacation packages can be purchased starting at $241 per person. Allegiant Vacations has 15 Las Vegas hotel properties to choose from including the Venetian, Paris, MGM Grand, Excalibur, Tropicana, Bally’s, Flamingo, Four Queens, and others.

Allegiant’s MD-83 is configured for 161 passengers with a crew of two pilots and four flight attendants. MD-83 aircraft have a range of over 2,500 miles at a cruising speed of over 500 miles per hour. The aircraft is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines. The MD-83 is a Stage III aircraft meeting reduced noise emission standards for take-off and landing.

Allegiant Air says it markets its service directly through its reservations offices and through travel agents. The airline continues to pay travel agents a commission for booking their customers. “We look forward to building a strong relationship with the travel agent community in Wichita, and making them partners in our success in the market,” said Gallagher.

Allegiant Air is an all-jet air carrier providing low fare scheduled jet service linking Las Vegas, NV with Colorado Springs, CO and Fresno, CA. The airline also operates charter service throughout the U.S. and to Mexico and Canada.

Allegiant’s fleet includes four jet aircraft, including two MD-87s, one MD-83 and one DC-9.

Allegiant Air is a privately owned airline founded in 1997. The airline’s administrative headquarters are in Las Vegas, and operational headquarters are in Fresno. For reservations and flight information, call Allegiant Air toll free at 888-594-6937.

For Allegiant Vacations complete air and hotel Las Vegas vacation packages call toll free 800-432-3810 or your travel agent.