CONCORD, N.C., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant
Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced plans to
establish a base of operations at Concord-Padgett Regional
Airport (USA). The Las Vegas-based company will invest
$50 million to establish the new base
in Concord, creating at least 66
high-wage jobs and housing two Airbus aircraft.
The company, which focuses on linking travelers in
small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations, plans
to begin its base operations in Concord on October 7,
2020. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport will become the
airline's 21st aircraft base.
Located minutes from Charlotte,
Concord is one of the nation's
fastest-growing cities, with a robust business infrastructure and a
diverse workforce. Home to some of North
Carolina's top tourist destinations, including NASCAR's
famed Charlotte Motor Speedway and Concord Mills, the city boasts a
historic downtown district and a wide variety of entertainment and
leisure activities for visitors and local residents. Concord is the largest city in Cabarrus County, with a population of more
than 94,000.
"Since Allegiant's first flight from Concord-Padgett Regional
Airport in 2013, their growth has been truly remarkable," said
Concord Mayor Bill Dusch. "We are very pleased that Allegiant
has selected Concord for a new
base of operations, which brings new jobs and travel opportunities
for the citizens of Concord and
the Charlotte region. We look
forward to continue developing our partnership with Allegiant in
the future."
"We're excited about making Concord a permanent base, and further
establishing Allegiant as a hometown airline for this
high-performance city," said Keith
Hansen, Allegiant's vice president of government affairs.
"With a growing and diverse population seeking affordable vacation
travel, and as a regional destination for race enthusiasts, arts
fans and more, Concord is an ideal
location for an Allegiant base. Having locally-based operations
will mean opportunities for expanded hours, as well as more – and
more frequent – flight offerings for residents and visitors
alike."
"This decision reaffirms that what began as a wonderful
opportunity for a growing destination has grown into a committed
relationship," said Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Aviation
Director Dirk Vanderleest. "My staff
and I are humbled by this opportunity and milestone for
USA. We look forward to working
hand in hand with Allegiant Air to ensure that both residents and
visitors alike are recipients of excellent customer service and
expanded vacation opportunities."
"Allegiant took Cabarrus
County's tourism industry to the next level with commercial
air service and we're proud to offer our support as they continue
to grow," said Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau
President & CEO Donna Carpenter.
"Visitor spending reached over $469
million in Cabarrus County
in 2018. These enhancements will fuel that figure, generating tax
revenues that will positively impact the local economy and quality
of life in our community."
Allegiant began operating at USA in 2013 and
currently offers seven non-stop routes: one to the Mardi Gras
City of New Orleans and six to premier Florida destinations, including Destin/Fort Walton
Beach, Fort Lauderdale,
Orlando/Sanford, Palm
Beach, Punta Gorda and St.
Pete-Clearwater. Since establishing service, Allegiant has flown
more than one million passengers through Concord, including 353,000 in 2019 alone.
"Cabarrus County's investment
in Allegiant emphasizes the power of collaboration," said
Cabarrus County Board of
Commissioners Chair Steve Morris.
"Our support of projects related to the Concord-Padgett Regional
Airport boosts the economic stability of all municipalities in our
county and throughout the region."
Both the Concord City Council and Cabarrus County Commissioners approved
three-year economic development grants for the expansion. Based on
a portion of the increased tax investment, the grant amount from
the City of Concord would not
exceed $48,649 and $75,001 from Cabarrus
County.
"The establishment of this base really reinforces Allegiant's
commitment to our community," said Cabarrus Economic Development
Existing Industry Director Page
Castrodale. "It sends a message that Cabarrus County is the right place to do
business."
Allegiant, which employs more than 4,300 team members
across the U.S., plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight
attendants, mechanics and ground personnel to support the
operations. The majority of the new positions are expected to offer
salaries that are more than double the state's average wage.
Interested applicants may apply online.
Allegiant Travel Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant
(NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at
its heart, focused on connecting customers with premier leisure
experiences - from vacations to hometown family entertainment.
Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium
cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop
flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant
serves more than 450 routes across the country, with base airfares
less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket.
Allegiant's Sunseeker Resorts subsidiary is currently
under construction with its inaugural resort property, Sunseeker
Resort Charlotte Harbor in Southwest
Florida - a unique waterside integrated resort like no
other. And a growing group of Allegiant Nonstop family
entertainment centers offer state-of-the art indoor games and
attractions to thrill seekers of all ages. For more
information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information,
including photos, is available
at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport opened in 1994 and has grown to
be one of the busiest airports in the Carolinas. The airport's
strong general aviation focus has been enhanced by the availability
of Allegiant Air's low-cost scheduled passenger service to seven
destinations. Over 40 City of Concord Aviation Department coworkers
operate Concord-Padgett Regional and provide aircraft fueling,
hangaring, tie-down, parking, and customer services. Other
aeronautical services such as aircraft rental, aircraft
maintenance, and flight instruction are offered through private
operators leasing space on-site. CPRA also has an on-site, staffed
fire station operated by the Concord Fire Department and a control tower
operated by contracted staff. The annual budget for the airport
currently exceeds $12 million.
Media Contacts:
Allegiant – 702.800.2020, mediarelations@allegiantair.com
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport – 704.920.5207,
sigmona@concordnc.gov
Cabarrus County – 704.920.2336,
kfthompson@cabarruscounty.us
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SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company