Allegiant Travel Company has signed a forward purchase agreement to acquire six Boeing 757-200 aircraft to support expanding into Hawaii.
Currently Allegiant operates a fleet 46 MD-80s, but expects to swiftly introduce the 757s. It is targeting delivery of two aircraft within the next two months for entry-into-service during the fourth quarter. Deliveries of the remaining four aircraft are scheduled for November 2010, January 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2011.
Allegiant says the aircraft are equipped for extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS), and have been in service with a single European operator since they were delivered from Boeing.
The company plans to spend between $75 million to $90 million through 2012 to add its second fleet type.
"Allegiant is acquiring this fleet with the express purpose of serving Hawaii," says company CEO Maurice Gallagher.
The carrier stresses planned growth of its MD-80 fleet remains unchanged with a targeted year-end fleet count of 54.
Allegiant offers low-frequency service from its bases in Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale to smaller US cities.
Allegiant has been consistently profitable, and achieved an operating margin of 21.9% in 2009.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
