Low-Cost Carrier Announces New Base in Grand Rapids and New, Nonstop Service to Myrtle Beach With $58.88* Fares

Announces Allegiant Scholarship For West Michigan Students

Low-cost carrier Allegiant Air, LLC, a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company, announces it will establish a new base at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, and will start low-cost, nonstop service to its sixth destination from Grand Rapids with service to Myrtle Beach, S.C.  In addition, the company announced a new Allegiant funded West Michigan scholarship program to show its appreciation and commitment to the community.

Beginning April 27, the carrier will base two 150-seat MD-80 series jet aircraft at the airport. Allegiant's operation will grow to 34 flights per week and 60 well-compensated positions including pilots, ground handlers, customer service agents, flight attendants and aircraft technicians.

"We're extremely pleased to increase our commitment to West Michigan by making Grand Rapids an Allegiant base," Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant Travel Company CEO, said. "Though we have been in the community for only a year, the support we've been shown for our unique brand of low-cost, nonstop air service has been outstanding. We are happy to further our investment in the community by bringing more service and jobs to the marketplace. Further, we are pleased to announce a new scholarship program for area students."  

Since inaugurating nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Orlando and Tampa Bay, Fla. Feb. 3, 2009, Allegiant has added service to the Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  Since Feb. 3, 2009, Allegiant has carried more than 131,000 passengers to and from all of its vacation destinations and saved the community well over $5.5 million in airfare.

"We are very pleased that the West Michigan community support of Allegiant Air at Gerald R. Ford International continues to be strong," Jim Koslosky, executive director of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, said.  "It is this support that has fueled their service growth to now include six nonstop destinations and the creation of a base of operations in Grand Rapids.  The new jobs created by this expansion are further evidence that West Michigan is vibrant, successful and growing."

As a community partner, Allegiant will contribute three, $1,000 scholarships annually to West Michigan students.  Details about the scholarship program and eligibility will be forthcoming; however the company is committed to providing $3,000 in scholarship funds annually while providing air service to the community.  

Allegiant's nonstop service to Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Grand Rapids will begin April 30.  The carrier will celebrate the convenient new service to the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World," with introductory fares as low as $58.88* each way.

The new flights will operate two times weekly with service Monday and Friday. Beginning April  30, flights will depart Grand Rapids at 11:30 a.m. arriving in Myrtle Beach International Airport at 1:30 p.m. Flights leaving Myrtle Beach will depart at 7:10 p.m. arriving in Grand Rapids at 9:10 p.m. (all flight times are local).  Allegiant will utilize 150-seat, MD-80 series, jet-aircraft on the route.

Known as the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World," Myrtle Beach offers endless world-class golf and 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches. Recognized as the "World's Best Beach" and one of the "Top 10 places for Families to Visit in the U.S." by Yahoo! Travel, the Grand Strand has something for everyone. With more than 100 golf courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach boasts many of the world's most challenging courses, personally designed by golf greats like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Family fun begins at the beach, inviting visitors to make a splash at any of the many water parks or embark on numerous aquatic adventures like deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, boat rides and jet skiing.  The city's shopping features fashion from couture boutiques to flea market districts.  Visitors can indulge in the city's culture by watching award-winning live entertainment or sampling an assortment of delicious world cuisine—all while enjoying the ocean view.

The company offers low-cost packages with many of Myrtle Beach's most exciting hotel properties, including: Bay View Resort, Breaker Resort, Caribbean Resort & Villas, Compass Cove Resort, Dunes Village Resort, Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, Long Bay Resort and Ocean Reef Resort.  The company also provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

Allegiant's $58.88* one-way fares are limited, not available on all flights and must be purchased by Feb. 24, 2010 for complete travel by Sept. 20, 2010.