Allegiant Air to Inaugurate Scheduled Jet Service at Des Moines International Airport; New Year-Round Service Will Feature Non-Stop Flights between Des Moines and Las Vegas

Business Wire, April 9, 2003

Business Editors/Travel Writers

DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2003

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

Low fare non-stop scheduled jet service and affordable vacation packages to Las Vegas available year-round are now a sure bet for Des Moines area travelers.

Allegiant Air, a Las Vegas-based airline, today announced that it will inaugurate scheduled service at Des Moines International Airport on Thursday, June 19, 2003 with non-stop jet flights to the fun and entertainment capital.

Allegiant said the new Des Moines-Las Vegas service will initially operate on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday each week, the peak demand days for flights in the market. The airline said it is offering introductory fares of $79 each way and complete air and hotel vacation packages starting at $189 (per person, Monday departures, with three hotel nights).

The carrier will use its 161-seat MD-83 aircraft on the route.

Allegiant Air said that reservations on the new Des Moines-Las Vegas flights could be confirmed starting today. Allegiant Air customers can make reservations for the new flights and vacation packages on its website at www.allegiantair.com, through professional travel agents, or by calling its reservation centers at 888/594-6937 for "air only" and 800/432-3810 for Allegiant Vacations packages.

"We are extremely pleased to be introducing the Allegiant Air and Allegiant Vacations brand of service to the city and people of Des Moines 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 Des Moines and Las Vegas.

"Las Vegas is the number one leisure destination for Des Moines travelers, and Des Moines travel agent professionals, community leaders and customers have made it clear there is strong demand for an alternative to the connecting flights and high fares previously necessary to fly to Las Vegas," said Gallagher. "Allegiant Air is making it easier and more affordable than ever for Des Moines travelers to fly and vacation in Las Vegas."

"Allegiant Air's introduction of non-stop service from Des Moines to Las Vegas is a major milestone for our community and the State of Iowa," said John Fitzgibbon, Des Moines International Airport Board Chair. "This new service will be Des Moines' first experience with year-round, non-stop jet service to our primary leisure destination and we couldn't be happier," said Fitzgibbon.

"Allegiant's new service will provide significant value for central Iowa travelers and we are grateful for Allegiant's commitment to our airport, our community and our state. We look forward to a long and successful partnership," noted Fitzgibbon.

According to Allegiant Air, flights will depart Des Moines at 3:30 PM arriving in Las Vegas at 4:35 PM. Flights leaving Las Vegas will depart at 10:00 AM arriving in Des Moines at 2:50 PM (all flight times are local).

Allegiant Air is now offering fares starting at $79 one-way for its new flights between Des Moines and Las Vegas. The $79 fare must be purchased by May 9 for travel through Dec. 31, 2003. Seats are limited and subject to availability. After the introductory fare period, fares will range from $99 to $179, and there will be no advance purchase requirements, overnight stays, roundtrip purchase 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 Des Moines travelers packages starting at $189 per person. The introductory package rate includes airfare and a three-night stay, double occupancy at the Four Queens if booked prior to May 10, 2003. Travel on the introductory vacation package rate is good on Monday departures commencing June 23 and must be completed by Sept. 11, 2003. Longer stays and other properties are available at other rates.

Allegiant Vacations has 18 Las Vegas hotel properties to choose from including the Venetian, Paris, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, Mirage, Golden Nugget, Excalibur, Tropicana, Bally's, Flamingo, Four Queens, Riviera, Frontier, Luxor, Circus Circus, Imperial Palace, San Remo and Stardust. Reservations for Allegiant Vacations packages can be made online at www.allegiantair.com or by calling 800/432-3810.

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. Allegiant's fleet includes four jet aircraft, including two 130-seat MD-87s, and two MD-83s. The airline is contracted to take delivery of an additional MD-83 later this year.

Allegiant Air is an all-jet air carrier providing low fare scheduled jet service linking Las Vegas with Colorado Springs, Colo., Fresno, Calif., and Wichita, Kan. The airline also operates charter service throughout the U.S. and to Mexico and Canada. The carrier's charter customers include Harrah's Resorts, Apple Vacations, U.S. Forest Service, collegiate athletic organizations, film production companies and corporations.