Allegiant Air announces a massive route expansion with 44 new nonstop routes. The Las Vegas based ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) expansion includes eleven routes to three new destinations: Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).
The new routes are scheduled to launch in February and will expand the airline’s network options in 51 cities around the country. Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer, had this to say about the expansion:
“We’re excited to announce that Allegiant is expanding nationwide, offering even more travel options to our customers. These additions reflect our ongoing commitment to meet customer demand. By connecting more cities, we’re making it easier for travelers to visit family and friends, access top leisure destinations, and create new memories. Our research shows that customers increasingly want affordability and convenience when they fly. Our low-cost fares and nonstop flights make Allegiant a top choice for leisure travelers.”
Today’s announcement ties the largest route expansion in the carrier’s history. In the press release, the airline stated that the expansion “is driven by robust leisure demand and the company’s commitment to providing ultra-low-cost airfare to underserved communities with limited or no air service”.
While I can’t go through all of the new additions in detail, I am happy to see that my hometown airport, Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), is getting additional service with flights to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Allegiant is currently the only airline operating regularly scheduled mainline aircraft to SHV, American Eagle, Delta Connection, and United Express also serve the city, so I’m happy to see their commitment is paying off.
Summary
Allegiant Air has announced a massive new route expansion, tying the largest single expansion ever by the Las Vegas based ULCC. With the announcement, Allegiant continues to target “underserved” airports with strong leisure demand and brought on three new destinations in the process.
While ULCCs are notorious for adding and removing routes quickly, an expansion of this magnitude must mean the airline is doing something right, unlike their ULCC friends over at Spirit.
And everytime they do this they chop about the same number of routes. No mention of that though?
No mention of the specifics as I don’t have the insight into which routes were cut, but I did state they are “notorious for adding and removing routes quickly”.
So sad. SHV used to have big jets from AA, DL, and others. Now, no big airlines, just the commuter airline brand with a similar name.
It’s a story that’s been told all over the country. I remember when we had 6 mainline carriers serving SHV with MD80s, 727s, etc. At one point, it seemed like Delta had a flight per hour between SHV and its now defunct DFW hub.
Delta just recently added a 5th daily flight to ATL. If SHV keeps growing, I can see them adding mainline service with the 717 or the A220. I hope to see that someday soon.
SHV is my home airport as well.
I didn’t realize they were up to 5x daily, probably competing with the additional AA service to CLT.
The precedent for an upgrade to the 717 is there with BTR seeing some mainline aircraft now, mixed with CRJs. Doubt they would add a more premium A220 to the route but if they keep getting more of them it’ll happen eventually.
What I’d really like to see is them operate something to the West, American and, to a lesser extent United, offer better connecting opportunities east and west. It’s hard to book with Delta if you have to go via Atlanta on your way to Vegas.
Yeah, they started the 5th daily back on October 8th.
I would love to see Delta service their MSP or DTW hubs out of SHV. Having to go east to go west doesn’t make alot of sense.
I haven’t been to SHV in about 2 months, but they are supposed enlarging their parking lot by 300 spaces. They need that some kind of bad.
I’m glad I found your page. I’m looking forward to catching up on past articles.
Joe
Thanks Joe, glad to hear it!
I’m AUS based now but grew up there and still have family in the area. I’m excited to see all of the upgrades with the food and beverage options next time I’m there.
Headed to GUF in May!
This does not surprise me at all.