Category Archives: Allegiant Air

Allegiant celebrates flying 2,000 wish kids via Make-A-Wish

Allegiant Air on January 19 celebrated its 2,000th wish flight as a Make-A-Wish travel partner, flying Annabelle from Reno, NV, to Las Vegas, where she will fulfill her wish of hitting the ice as a professional hockey player.

Annabelle, 8, who battles cystic fibrosis, was given a superstar welcome when she landed at Harry Reid International Airport. There, she was met by dozens of Allegiant and Make-A-Wish staff members who cheered her on as she and her family made their way through the airport. Allegiant Chief Marketing Officer Scott DeAngelo presented her with a gift basket filled with Vegas Golden Knights gear, including a jersey signed by Mark Stone, a hockey stick, and other goodies.

Allegiant became a national partner with Make-A-Wish in 2012. Since then, the company has donated more than $7 million to the organization through in-kind flights and sponsorships. While wish fulfillments often involve amusement parks and beach destinations, Allegiant has flown several wish kids to Las Vegas over the years. In 2018, the airline’s 1000th wish kid – “Cuatro” — flew from his home in Texas to Las Vegas to attend the Monster Jam World Finals XIX.

Allegiant’s partnership with Make-A-Wish extends beyond wish flights. In 2017, the airline donated office space at its Las Vegas headquarters to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. This allows the nonprofit to reduce its administrative costs, dedicating those funds to wish fulfillment.

Allegiant also donates $1 from every Wingz Snack Packs sold in flight to Make-A-Wish and is the presenting sponsor of the annual Walk for Wishes event in Las Vegas.

Top Copyright Photo: Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 N218NV (msn 1229) (Make-A-Wish) FLL (Bruce Drum). Image: 104921.

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery:

 

Allegiant announces partnership with Dreamworks Animation and a new Puss in Boots: The Last Wish logo jet

Allegiant Travel Company hasannounced it is teaming up with DreamWorks Animation to celebrate the release of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, opening in theaters Dec. 21.

Throughout the holiday season, fans from around the country will be eligible to win prizes and enjoy special Puss in Boots-themed experiences including the chance to enter a vacation sweepstakes, fly aboard a special themed aircraft (N262NV), enjoy Puss in Boots-themed onboard snacks and more.

Hailing from the beloved Shrek universe, DreamWorks Animation presents a new adventure in which the charismatic, daring outlaw Puss in Boots realizes his passion for peril has taken its toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, and getting those lives back will take Puss and his friends on his grandest quest yet.

One grand prize winner can witness Puss in Boots embark on this journey to restore his lost lives by entering to win Allegiant’s Epic Adventure Sweepstakes through Dec. 22, 2022. The lucky winner will receive roundtrip airfare for four people to any Allegiant destination, along with a private screening of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in the winner’s home city.

Fans can also keep an eye out for an Allegiant aircraft sporting a Puss in Boots livery featuring a colorful depiction of the movie’s title character alongside his former partner and nemesis Kitty Softpaws, and the lovable mutt Perrito. The aircraft can be spotted across Allegiant’s network. Passengers on select flights will also get to experience the characters likenesses on special napkins, cups, snack packs and merchandise giveaways.

About Allegiant’s Epic Adventure Sweepstakes

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win. Purchase or payment does not improve your chance of winning. Allegiant’s Epic Adventure Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the U.S. States and the District of Columbia, excluding NY, age 21 and older at the time of entry. Void elsewhere and where prohibited. Promotion ends at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on December 22, 2022. Other restrictions may apply. See official sweepstakes rules for details: http://www.allegiantair.com/pibofficialrules

About DreamWorks Animation’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish 

This holiday season, everyone’s favorite leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline returns.

For the first time in more than a decade, DreamWorks Animation presents a new adventure in the Shrek universe as daring outlaw Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for peril and disregard for safety have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots on his grandest quest yet.

Academy Award® nominee Antonio Banderas returns as the voice of the notorious PiB as he embarks on an epic journey into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. But with only one life left, Puss will have to humble himself and ask for help from his former partner and nemesis: the captivating Kitty Softpaws (Oscar® nominee Salma Hayek Pinault).

In their quest, Puss and Kitty will be aided—against their better judgment—by a ratty, chatty, relentlessly cheerful mutt, Perrito (Harvey Guillén, What We Do in the Shadows). Together, our trio of heroes will have to stay one step ahead of Goldi (Oscar® nominee Florence Pugh, Black Widow) and the Three Bears Crime Family, Jack Horner (Emmy winner John Mulaney, Big Mouth) and terrifying bounty hunter, the big, bad Wolf (Wagner Moura, Narcos).

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish features an all-star comedic cast that includes Oscar® winner Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone (Black Widow), Samson Kayo (Sliced), Emmy nominee Anthony Mendez (Jane the Virgin) and Tony nominee Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Trolls World Tour).

The long-awaited follow-up to the 2011 Academy Award®-nominated blockbuster, The Last Wish is directed by Joel Crawford and produced by Mark Swift, the creative team behind DreamWorks Animation’s smash, The Croods: A New Age. The film’s executive producer is Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri.

The character of Puss in Boots first appeared in 2004’s Oscar®-nominated Shrek 2 and instantly became a global, scene-stealing sensation. Puss then co-starred in two other Shrek sequels and his solo film, as well as in multiple DreamWorks Animation videos and TV series. The Shrek and Puss in Boots films have collectively earned more than $3.5 billionworldwide.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation (DWA), a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing, and location-based entertainment venues around the world. DWA’s feature film heritage includes many of the world’s most beloved characters and franchises, including Shrek and Puss in Boots, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Spirit, Trolls, The Boss Baby and 2022’s The Bad Guys have amassed more than $15 billion in global box office receipts. DreamWorks Animation’s television studio is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries with a diverse array of award-winning original content through streaming and linear broadcasters.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Note: N262NV is currently based in Las Vegas.

Allegiant announces two new routes from Nashville

Allegiant Air has announced two new nonstop routes to Nashville beginning service as soon as February 2023.

The new routes to Nashville International Airport (BNA) include:

  1. Provo, Utah via Provo Airport (PVU) – beginning Feb. 15, 2023
  2. Akron, Ohio via Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) – beginning Feb. 15, 2023

Top Copyright Photo: Allegiant Air Airbus A319-111 N322NV (msn 2528) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 957855.

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery:

Allegiant reports a net loss of $46.5 million in the third quarter

Allegiant Travel Company reported on its third quarter:

Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant Air) reported the following financial results for the third quarter 2022, as well as comparisons to prior years:

Consolidated Three Months Ended September 30, Percent Change
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts) 2022 2021 2019 YoY Yo3Y
Total operating revenue $           560.3 $           459.5 $            436.5 22.0 % 28.4 %
Total operating expense 591.2 393.2 364.4 50.4 62.3
Operating income (loss) (30.9) 66.3 72.1 (146.6) (142.9)
Income (loss) before income taxes (56.2) 50.2 56.9 (211.8) (198.7)
Net income (loss) (46.5) 39.3 43.9 (218.4) (205.8)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (2.58) 2.18 2.70 (218.3) (195.6)
Hurricane Ian special charge 35.0 — — NM NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share excluding Hurricane
Ian special charge (2) (3)		 $            (0.97) $              2.18 $              2.70 (144.5) (135.9)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, Percent Change
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts) 2022 2021 2019 YoY Yo3Y
Total operating revenue $        1,690.3 $        1,211.0 $        1,379.9 39.6 % 22.5 %
Total operating expense 1,687.8 981.3 1,108.6 72.0 52.2
Operating income 2.4 229.7 271.3 (98.9) (99.1)
Income (loss) before income taxes (60.9) 181.5 222.6 (133.6) (127.4)
Net income (loss) (50.0) 141.2 171.6 (135.4) (129.1)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (2.78) 8.18 10.54 (134.0) (126.4)
Hurricane Ian special charge 35.0 — — NM NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share excluding Hurricane
Ian special charge (2) (3)		 $            (1.18) $              8.18 $            10.54 (114.4) (111.2)
(1) Recognition bonus awarded despite not meeting internal profit-sharing targets
(2) Denotes a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the Non-GAAP Presentation section within this document for further information
(3) Adjusted to exclude estimated loss from property damage to Sunseeker Resort related to Hurricane Ian. The amount of the loss will be offset in future periods by amounts to be recovered under the company’s insurance policies

“I am proud of the team for the strong operational performance delivered in the third quarter,” stated John Redmond, CEO of Allegiant Travel Company. “We completed the quarter with a controllable completion of 99.4 percent, a significant improvement from the first half of the year. This was achieved on 17.0 percent more scheduled capacity than 2019. In addition, we saw another sequential improvement in load factors, with loads at nearly 89 percent for the quarter. The demand environment remained strong throughout the quarter, resulting in a total operating revenue increase of more than 28 percent as compared with 2019.

“Demand continues to outpace 2019. Forward bookings into the upcoming holiday season are tracking at higher loads and significantly higher yields than at this point in 2019. A new trend we are beginning to observe post-COVID is the increase in passengers combining business and leisure trips. A recent survey showed that nearly 15 percent of respondents were traveling for both business and leisure. Much of this travel happened in the traditional off-peak period of September, resulting in September TRASM1 20 percent higher than September of 2019 on 30 percent more capacity and a load factor improvement of 4.7 percentage points. As we move through the remainder of the year, this is a trend we will watch closely.

“Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, we tapered capacity a bit as a result of the impacts from Hurricane Ian. We expect scheduled capacity to increase roughly 15 percent year over three-year. Given the strong demand environment coupled with improvements in operations, we expect to expand margins, delivering a profitable fourth quarter. From a balance sheet perspective, we have total liquidity of roughly $1.2 billion. During the quarter, the team executed on the issuance of $550 million in senior secured notes, utilizing the proceeds to repay the Term Loan B. Additionally, we repaid the emergency relief loan received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Furthermore, our board of directors voted to remove the suspension on existing share repurchase authority with $54 million in authority remaining.

“In closing, I would like to thank our team members for all their hard work this quarter, particularly in regards to Hurricane Ian. The team swiftly came together to reposition aircraft, secure the operation, re-accommodate customers, and secure the property at Sunseeker Resort. As a result, we safely navigated the event and returned operations to normal as quickly as possible. Although we do expect a headwind to revenue resulting from Hurricane Ian during the fourth quarter, the impact was minimized due to the efforts of our team.”

(1) Total passenger revenue per available seat mile

Third Quarter 2022 Results

  • Loss before income tax of $56.2 million
    • Includes a $35 million special charge related to the estimated loss from property damage at Sunseeker Resort caused by Hurricane Ian – insurance recoveries will offset the special charge in subsequent quarters when recoveries can be estimated and are approved for payment
    •  Loss before income tax (1)(2)(3) of $11.9 million, excluding 2022 employee recognition bonus and Hurricane Ian special charge
  • Operating income, excluding 2022 recognition bonus and Hurricane Ian special charge (2),of $13.4 million, yielding an operating margin of 2.4 percent
  • Consolidated EBITDA, excluding recognition bonus and Hurricane Ian special charge (2), of $63.2 million, yielding an EBITDA margin of 11.3 percent
  • Total operating revenue was $560.3 million, up 28.4 percent year over three-year
    • Total system capacity up 14.5 percent year over three-year
    • Load factor of 88.5 percent, a 2.5 percentage point increase from the third quarter of 2019, and the best third quarter load factor since 2014
    • September load factor of 87.1 percent, the highest September since 2011
    • TRASM up 13.5 percent for the quarter versus 2019, despite a 17.0 percent increase in scheduled service capacity
  • Total average fare of $125.95, up 15.5 percent from the third quarter of 2019
    • Total average ancillary of $64.69, up 17.9 percent from 2019, driven predominantly by strength in bundled ancillary and the Allways Allegiant World Mastercard
    • Acquired 38 thousand new Allways Allegiant World Mastercard holders during the quarter, the strongest third quarter acquisition since the program’s inception
  •  Operating CASM, excluding fuel, recognition bonus, and Hurricane Ian special charge (1) (3), of 7.61 cents, up 13.9 percent when compared with the third quarter of 2019
  • Added 1.7 million members to the Allways Rewards program during its first year
  • Allegiant World Mastercard® and Allegiant Allways Rewards® were voted as the No. 1 Best Airline Credit Card and Best Frequent Flyer Program in USA Today’s 10 Best 2022 Loyalty/Rewards Readers’ Choice Awards
  • In October, named to Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces® list for the second consecutive year
  • Donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross for critical disaster relief to communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian
(1) Recognition bonus awarded despite not meeting internal profit-sharing targets
(2) Denotes a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to the Non-GAAP Presentation section within this document for further information
(3) Adjusted to exclude estimated loss from property damage to Sunseeker Resort related to Hurricane Ian. The amount of the loss will be offset in future periods by amounts to be recovered under the company’s insurance policies

Balance Sheet, Cash and Liquidity

  • Total available liquidity at September 30, 2022 of $1.2 billion, which includes $1.0 billion in cash and investments, and $225 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities
  • Board of directors removed suspension on existing share repurchase authority with $54 million in authority remaining
  • $221.8 million in cash from operations year-to-date
  • Total debt at September 30, 2022 was $2.0 billion
    • Net debt at September 30, 2022 was $990.7 million
  • Secured financing commitments for $200 million to support 737 MAX pre-delivery deposits – facility is currently undrawn
  • Issued $550 million 7.25% senior secured notes due in 2027, with proceeds used to prepay $533 million Term Loan B, previously due February 2024
  • Other Debt principal payments of $63 million during the quarter
    • Repaid $25 million dollar emergency relief loan received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
    • Scheduled debt principal payments of $38 million
  • Air traffic liability at September 30, 2022 was $429.9 million
    • Balance related to future scheduled flights is $367.8 million
    • Balance related to travel vouchers issued for future use is $62.1 million

Airline Capital Expenditures

  • Third quarter capital expenditures of $84 million, which includes $46 million for aircraft pre-delivery deposits, aircraft induction costs, and other related costs, and $38 million in other airline capital expenditures
    • Third quarter deferred heavy maintenance spend was $12.3 million
  • Full-year 2022 capital expenditures expected to be roughly $325 million, which includes $195 million for aircraft purchases and inductions, pre-delivery deposits, and other related costs, and $130 million in other airline capital expenditures
    • Full-year 2022 deferred heavy maintenance spend expected to be $55 million, a slight reduction from initial expectations

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor

  • Total project spend as of September 30, 2022 was $437 million with $249 million funded by debt and the remaining $188 million funded by Allegiant
    • Third quarter capital expenditures were $88 million relating to the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor and $3 million related to other Sunseeker capital expenditures
  • Recorded a $35 million special charge during the quarter related to estimated property damages at Sunseeker Resort resulting from Hurricane Ian, most of which was attributable to subcontractor cranes collapsing onto the buildings
    • Insurance recoveries to offset this charge will be recorded in subsequent quarters when recoveries can be estimated and are approved for payment
Guidance, subject to revision Current
Fourth Quarter 2022 guidance
System ASMs – year over three-year change(1) ~13.5%
Scheduled Service  ASMs – year over three-year change(1) ~15%
Total operating revenue – year over three-year change(1) 26.5% to 28.5%
Operating CASM, excluding fuel – year over three-year change(1) (4) 13% to 15%
Fuel cost per gallon $3.75
Full year 2022 guidance
Airline CAPEX
Aircraft, engines, induction costs, and pre-delivery deposits (millions) $190 to $200
Capitalized deferred heavy maintenance (millions) $50 to $60
Other airline capital expenditures (millions) $125 to $135
Interest expense (millions) (2) (5) $100 to $105
Recurring principal payments (millions) $150 to $160

 

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor Project (millions) 
Total projected project spend(3) $618
Allegiant contributions through September 30, 2022 $188
Allegiant contributions remaining to be spent $80
Project spend funded by debt through September 30, 2022 $249
Remaining project spend expected to be funded by debt $101
(1) Year over three-year percentage changes compare 2022 to 2019
(2) Includes capitalized interest related to pre-delivery deposits on new aircraft as well as the construction of Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
(3) Amounts do not contemplate physical damage and remediation to the property resulting from Hurricane Ian
(4) Excludes any hurricane damage and insurance recoveries
(5) Interest expense includes loss on debt extinguishment of $7 million

Aircraft Fleet Plan by End of Period

Aircraft – (seats per AC) 1Q22 2Q22 3Q22 YE22
A319 (156 seats) 35 35 35 35
A320 (177 seats) 22 22 22 21
A320 (186 seats) 55 58 59 67
Total 112 115 116 123

The table above is provided based on the company’s current plans and is subject to change

Top Copyright Photo: Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 N288NV (msn 4537) AZA (Jarrod Wilkening). Image: 957850.

Allegiant Air aircraft photo gallery:

Allegiant reports its September traffic in the wake of Hurricane Ian

Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant Air) reported its preliminary passenger traffic results for September 2022 as well as third quarter 2022.

“We ended the quarter with adjusted1 earnings, excluding 2022 employee recognition bonus in-line with our updated guidance,” stated Gregory Anderson, president and chief financial officer. “Demand remained strong throughout the quarter with strength continuing into the upcoming holiday season. Third quarter loads were more than 88 percent, 2.5 points higher than the third quarter of 2019, on 17 percent more capacity. As expected, incremental operating costs associated with Hurricane Ian in addition to reducing capacity by roughly 1.5 percent, contributed to a roughly 13.9 percent increase in CASM, excluding fuel and employee recognition bonus, as compared with the third quarter of 2019. Third quarter results are summarized in the table below.

“Although we are still assessing the impacts of Hurricane Ian, as of October 6, air service has been restored to all airports that we serve in Florida. While airports have resumed normal operations and demand shows good promise, we do expect a revenue headwind related to our Florida markets in the fourth quarter. Additionally, we are in the process of working with our insurance partners to measure the financial impact to Sunseeker Resorts. The physical damage to the structures was predominantly caused by several cranes collapsing onto the building. Based on limited information available to us today, we are currently estimating this damage to be approximately $35 million. However, because investigations are ongoing, and we continue to ascertain new information daily, this number is subject to change. The estimated physical damage of $35 million will be recorded as a one-time, special item on our third quarter income statement. As insurance proceeds are approved in subsequent quarters, these recoveries will offset the loss. I want to express my gratitude to our team members and partners for their efforts to safely restore our network.”

 

Actual Guidance
System ASMs – year over three-year change2 14.5 % ~14.5%
Scheduled service ASMs – year over three-year change2 17 % ~17%
Total operating revenue – year over three-year change2 28.4 % ~27.5%
Operating CASM, excluding fuel and 2022 employee recognition bonus – year over three-year change1 3 13.9 % 13 to 14%
Fuel cost per gallon $3.85 $3.87

 

Scheduled Service – Year Over Three-Year Comparison

 
September 2022 September 2019 Change
Passengers 1,005,535 770,768 30.5 %
Revenue passenger miles (000) 884,285 639,534 38.3 %
Available seat miles (000) 1,014,779 775,906 30.8 %
Load factor 87.1 % 82.4 % 4.7 pts
Departures 6,768 5,638 20.0 %
Average stage length (miles) 851 808 5.3 %
3rd Quarter 2022 3rd Quarter 2019 Change
Passengers 4,316,163 3,753,611 15.0 %
Revenue passenger miles (000) 3,820,339 3,170,826 20.5 %
Available seat miles (000) 4,315,984 3,687,473 17.0 %
Load factor 88.5 % 86.0 % 2.5 pts
Departures 28,436 26,238 8.4 %
Average stage length (miles) 860 824 4.4 %

 

Total System* – Year Over Three-Year Comparison
September 2022 September 2019 Change
Passengers 1,031,908 799,592 29.1 %
Available seat miles (000) 1,079,809 855,962 26.2 %
Departures 7,287 6,248 16.6 %
Average stage length (miles) 840 802 4.7 %

 

 3rd Quarter 2022 3rd Quarter 2019 Change
Passengers 4,359,417 3,806,369 14.5 %
Available seat miles (000) 4,450,595 3,888,400 14.5 %
Departures 29,432 27,707 6.2 %
Average stage length (miles) 857 823 4.1 %

Scheduled Service – Year Over Year Comparison
September 2022 September 2021 Change
Passengers 1,005,535 803,349 25.2 %
Revenue passenger miles (000) 884,285 689,600 28.2 %
Available seat miles (000) 1,014,779 977,759 3.8 %
Load factor 87.1 % 70.5 % 16.6 pts
Departures 6,768 6,714 0.8 %
Average stage length (miles) 851 834 2.0 %
3rd Quarter 2022 3rd Quarter 2021 Change
Passengers 4,316,163 3,834,956 12.5 %
Revenue passenger miles (000) 3,820,339 3,302,519 15.7 %
Available seat miles (000) 4,315,984 4,312,893 0.1 %
Load factor 88.5 % 76.6 % 11.9 pts
Departures 28,436 29,593 (3.9 %)
Average stage length (miles) 860 834 3.1 %

Total System* – Year Over Year Comparison

 
September 2022 September 2021 Change
Passengers 1,031,908 829,029 24.5 %
Available seat miles (000) 1,079,809 1,050,489 2.8 %
Departures 7,287 7,304 (0.2 %)
Average stage length (miles) 840 823 2.1 %

 

3rd Quarter 2022 3rd Quarter 2021 Change
Passengers 4,359,417 3,872,651 12.6 %
Available seat miles (000) 4,450,595 4,441,201 0.2 %
Departures 29,432 30,663 (4.0 %)
Average stage length (miles) 857 829 3.4 %
 

*Total system includes scheduled service and fixed fee contract. System revenue passenger miles and
system load factor are not useful statistics as system available seat miles include both ASMs flown by
fixed fee flying as well as non-revenue producing repositioning flights used for operational needs.
Fixed fee flying is better measured through dollar contribution versus operational statistics.

 

Preliminary Financial Results

 
$ per gallon
September 2022 estimated average fuel cost per gallon – system $3.75
$ per gallon
3rd quarter 2022 estimated average fuel cost per gallon – system $3.85

1 Adjusted to exclude a one-time loss of $35 million related to the impact of Hurricane Ian on Sunseeker Resorts
2 Year over three-year percentage changes compare 2022 to 2019
3 Operating CASM, excluding fuel, excludes the impact of excess profit sharing

Top Copyright Photo: Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214 WL N255NV (msn 7989) (Brian Worthington). Image: 959230.

Allegiant Air slide show:

 

Allegiant and Viva Aerobus get Mexican approval for their alliance

Allegiant and Viva Aerobus today announced that the Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE) unconditionally authorized the Commercial Alliance Agreement between both airlines announced in December 2021. This alliance also includes a strategic equity investment by Allegiant in the Mexican airline.

This agreement, a first-of-its-kind in the airline industry between two ultra low cost carriers (ULCCs), will seek to expand low-fare service between Mexico and the United States. Ultimately, this alliance will give the public access to safe and reliable air transport between both countries with a focus on serving destinations that do not currently offer nonstop service

“COFECE’s authorization is one step forward to forging an alliance that will strengthen a competitive environment with a larger offering between Mexico and the U.S.,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. “Working as a team, we will boost air travel and tourism while reaping the economic benefits associated with the travel industry.”

This fully-integrated agreement will enable Allegiant and Viva Aerobus to have cross-functionality between their respective loyalty programs, codesharing, sales systems and route networks to operate flights together with all the benefits and advantages of both airlines. Through this alliance, Allegiant, which currently does not serve Mexico, will be able to rapidly enter and expand in the market, while Viva will be able to grow its presence in multiple U.S. markets.

“This approval is a critical next step to achieving a historic and unique alliance between two low-cost carriers in the world’s most dynamic airline market,” said John Redmond, CEO of Allegiant. “Together, we will make it possible for more people to fly and enjoy the unique culture, traditions and scenic destinations both countries have to offer.”

The joint application requesting approval and antitrust immunity for the alliance is still pending approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Viva Aerobus is Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airline. It started operations in 2006 and today it operates the youngest Latin American fleet with 65 Airbus: 40 Airbus A320 and 25 Airbus A321. With a clear vision to give all people the opportunity to fly, Viva Aerobus has democratized the airline industry with the lowest fares in Mexico and the lowest cost structure in America, making their flights the best value offer.

Top Copyright Photo: Viva Aerobus Airbus A320-271N WL XA-VIW (msn 9523) (Spurs) LAS (Michael B. Ing). Image: 959121.

Viva Aerobus aircraft photo gallery:

Allegiant is hit hard in its Florida destinations including Punta Gorda, donates $100,000 to the American Red Cross

Allegiant made this announcement:

Allegiant Travel Company (Allegiant Air) has announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross as the nonprofit provides critical disaster relief to communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

In addition, the Las Vegas-based company activated an online giving platform to empower anyone wishing to make an immediate donation to the American Red Cross. To donate, please visit HERE.

The nonprofit has more than 500 volunteers in the hardest-hit areas in Florida, providing lifesaving assistance including shelter, food, water and other relief supplies for more than 60,000 victims. Hundreds of evacuation centers are open, providing shelter to more than 10,000 people displaced by the hurricane.

“Our hearts are with everyone grappling with the destruction carved out by Hurricane Ian,” said John Redmond, Allegiant’s CEO. “As we confront difficult days ahead, we cannot forget the incredible resiliency that has been demonstrated by the people of Florida. Time and time again, we have seen first responders, volunteers, Allegiant team members and entire communities step up to help. With this donation, we hope to make a difference to Florida residents impacted by this storm.”

Sunseeker resort in Charlotte Harbor, FL

In addition to serving 10 airports throughout Florida, Allegiant is building Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, near Punta Gorda Airport. The community was among those hardest hit by the storm. Other Allegiant communities impacted by the storm include St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Orlando-Sanford, Sarasota/Bradenton, Key West and Jacksonville.

Damage to the Sunseeker Resort under construction:

https://www.businessobserverfl.com/article/towering-cranes-fall-on-port-charlotte-resort-construction-site#:~:text=Sunseeker%20Resort%20officials%20are%20assessing%20damage%20after%20Hurricane,Charlotte%20Harbor%20were%20knocked%20down%20during%20Hurricane%20Ian.

Statement of Sunseeker Resort:

“The Red Cross is thankful for Allegiant’s generous donation, which enables us to provide shelter, food and comfort to families and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said Elizabeth Penniman, vice president of communications at the American Red Cross.

The greatest needs during these times are funds, blood donations and volunteers, according to the American Red Cross. However, monetary donations are the most efficient way to make a difference immediately. For that reason, Allegiant and the American Red Cross activated a “microsite,” an online platform for disaster relief donations. To donate, please visit HERE. Through this initiative, Allegiant has previously raised hundreds of thousands of dollars after hurricanes wreaked havoc on communities where Allegiant employees live and work.  

The American Red Cross anticipates a great need for additional volunteers in the next 30 to 60 days. For more information, please visit this website. Additionally, people are asked to participate in community blood drives during this time of urgent need for donors. Click here to schedule an appointment to give blood.

Anyone affected by Hurricane Ian needing a safe place to go can find information for open Red Cross shelters on redcross.org, the Red Cross emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS(800-733-2767).

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Announcements from Allegiant Air for Hurriance Ian

Allegiant Air has made this announcement:

Based on forecasted weather conditions, there is a possibility our scheduled service may be disrupted (flights may be delayed, diverted, and/or cancelled) to and from the following cities on the dates indicated below.

Monday, September 26, 2022 – Friday, September 30, 2022

  • PIE  St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport 
  • SRQ  Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
  • PGD  Punta Gorda Airport
  • FLL    Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
  • SFB   Sanford International Airport
  • VPS   Destin-Fort Walton Airport
  • EYW  Key West International Airport
  • JAX   Jacksonville International Airport

If you would like to CHANGE your flight for a later date, we MUST make that change for you to avoid any additional costs by calling Allegiant Customer Care at 702-505-8888 at any time 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Please note we are experiencing a very high volume of calls and appreciate your patience.

If your flight is CANCELLED, you will not have to take any action. Allegiant will automatically refund your flight back to the original form of payment within 72 hours of your flight cancellation notice.

For the most up to date information on your flight please visit Flight Status | Allegiant Air.

We’re currently experiencing unusually long hold times, so if you’re unable to manage your travel online or need additional support, you can live chat with an agent.

Allegiant is enhancing its onboard experience with rebranded inflight magazine and new fall menu selections

Allegiant Air has made this announcement:

Allegiant Air is adding vegan and vegetarian food options.

Allegiant has also announced a rebrand of its signature inflight magazine – an expert guide to the best places to eat, drink and have fun throughout its all-nonstop network –  as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the inflight experience and delivering meaningful, fulfilling travel experiences to its customers.

Allegiant nonstoplife, formerly known as Sunseeker magazine, is now available in the seatback pockets aboard every aircraft.

In recent customer feedback surveys, passengers overwhelmingly indicated their desire to have more meaningful experiences, travel more and visit dream destinations. Allegiant nonstoplife is reimagined with these needs in mind. Situated in the nexus of travel and lifestyle, the refined inflight magazine guides visitors to live the nonstop life with expert travel advice and local recommendations, helping them experience each destination to the fullest and get the most from their travel experiences.

The fall issue, published in September, also features a special section with new inflight dining options.

The Las Vegas-based airline continues to enhance its inflight experience with a refreshed fall menu. Select brands, such as Finnish Long Drink, are exclusive to Allegiant passengers. New snacks, spirits, cocktails and beverages are available for purchase on Allegiant flights including several unique offerings such as:

  • Premium cocktail mixers by Stirrings
  • Filthy Margarita Mix, Filthy Bloody Mary Mix, and Buffalo Trace Cream brands
  • Campari and DAOU Wine

In addition, passengers will notice vegan and vegetarian labels on the menu for drink and snack offerings.

The airline is proud to continue its partnership with Make-A-Wish® by offering additional menu items that help fund charitable programs. Part of the proceeds from every Deluxe Wingz Snack Pack purchase will benefit Make-A-Wish®.

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Allegiant repays the $24.8 million dollar emergency relief loan

Allegiant has announced it has repaid the $24.8 million dollar emergency relief loan the company received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in April 2020.

The government assistance, coupled with proactive initiatives from Allegiant and its employees, allowed the airline to preserve liquidity and strategically position itself to withstand the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19. Allegiant’s unique business model, focused entirely on leisure travel, helped the company respond to the unprecedented challenges that the entire airline industry faced when demand for air travel dropped so suddenly and precipitously in 2020, as a result of the global pandemic.

The CARES Act, signed into law in April 2020, established the Payroll Support Program to provide assistance to U.S. companies that were impacted by the global pandemic. The funds helped Allegiant support the airline’s employee salaries and benefits.

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