Allegiant Air Expands Jet Fleet With 161-Seat MD-83 Aircraft; Jet Will be Used for Charters Throughout U.S., and to Destinations in Mexico & the Caribbean.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

FRESNO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2002

Larger Aircraft May Also Be Used in Scheduled Service

To Las Vegas on Peak Travel Days

Allegiant Air today announced that it has expanded its fleet through the acquisition of a 161-seat Boeing MD-83 jet aircraft. The airline took delivery of the aircraft on Tuesday (Oct. 23) and says it will be available for charter and scheduled airline operations in November. The aircraft addition increased the Allegiant fleet to four jet aircraft, including two MD-87s, a DC-9 and the MD-83.

"The MD-83 was selected for Allegiant Air based on its operating characteristics, reliability and suitability for our charter and scheduled airline operations," said Maury Gallagher, the airline's Chairman. "The MD-83 provides the necessary range, passenger capacity and overall operating efficiency the Company needs to further expand our charter operations in the U.S.," Gallagher said. "This aircraft can take a full passenger load cross-country from any airport in the Western U.S., and is equipped for `over water' flights enabling efficient operations from the U.S. to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico."

Gallagher said the airline also plans to use the aircraft on its peak traffic days on its scheduled routes to Las Vegas.

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 2500 miles at a cruising speed of 500 miles per hour. The aircraft is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines. The MD-83 is a Stage III aircraft meeting reduced noise emission standards for take-off and landing.

Gallagher said the operational commonality with the other aircraft in its fleet, particularly the MD-87, also led to the selection of the MD-83.

Allegiant Air is an all-jet air carrier providing charter service throughout the U.S. and to Mexico and Canada. The airline also operates daily low fare scheduled jet service linking Las Vegas, NV with Colorado Springs, CO and Fresno, CA.

Allegiant Air is a privately owned airline founded in 1997. The airline's administrative headquarters are in Las Vegas, and operational headquarters are in Fresno. For reservations and flight information, call Allegiant Air at 559-454-7730 (Fresno Area), 719-638-0072 (Colorado Springs Area), or toll free at 888-594-6937. For Allegiant Vacations complete air and hotel Las Vegas vacation packages call toll free 800-432-3810 or your travel agent.