Published: September 16, 2008 10:54 pm      

Allegiant Air coming to Blue Grass Airport

Lexington — Blue Grass Airport welcomes low-cost airline Allegiant Air LLC to Lexington today with new, nonstop jet service to Florida beginning Nov. 6.

The low-fare carrier will celebrate the new service to Orlando and the Tampa Bay area with introductory fares as low as $69 each way, when booked at www.allegiantair.com.

The self-proclaimed Official Airline for Sunshine will launch the new scheduled service from Blue Grass Airport to Orlando Sanford International Airport on Nov. 6 and to St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport in Tampa Bay on Nov. 7.

“We are extremely pleased to extend the Allegiant brand of low-fare, nonstop jet service to the Central Kentucky community,” Maurice J. Gallagher, Allegiant Air president and CEO, said.

“This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we launch the only low-cost, nonstop air service between Lexington and Florida.”

“We are delighted to welcome Allegiant Air to Central Kentucky,” said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport.

“Travelers will enjoy the affordable and convenient, nonstop flights Allegiant will offer to Orlando and Tampa Bay. This will provide customers with more choices and low-fare options when flying from Blue Grass Airport.”

As the only low-cost air service between Lexington and Florida, Allegiant will utilize MD-80 series, jet-aircraft with 150 seats on the routes. The airline said its market research and input from local community leaders indicate that the Lexington community will welcome the new nonstop flights and low fares to both Orlando and Tampa Bay as an alternative to connecting flights and long drives to other airports.

The new flights to Orlando will operate two days weekly, with service Thursday and Sunday. Flights will depart the Blue Grass Airport at 7:30 p.m. arriving in Orlando Sanford International Airport at 9:25 p.m. Flights leaving Orlando will depart at 4:50 p.m. arriving in Lexington at 6:50 p.m.

For its Tampa Bay service, flights will operate on Monday and Friday. Flights will depart Lexington at 7:30 p.m. arriving into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport at 9:30 p.m. Flights leaving St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport will depart at 4:45 p.m. arriving in Lexington at 6:50 p.m.