Since inaugurating low-fare air service at Bellingham International Airport in 2004, Allegiant Air has grown the number of weekly departures from four to 14 and the number of destinations from one to four.
In recognition of the growing importance of Bellingham to the Allegiant system, officials announced today that beginning March 1, the low-cost carrier will make Whatcom County an official "home," basing two 150-seat MD-80 series jet aircraft at the airport and employing more than 80 team members to handle the operation. Employees include ground handlers, customer service agents, flight attendants, pilots and aircraft technicians.
"We’re extremely pleased to reinforce our commitment to Whatcom County by making Bellingham an Allegiant base," Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant Travel Company president and CEO, said. "We’d like to recognize the efforts of Bellingham International Airport Director, Art Choat and the airport board for their efforts in supporting our growth and paving the way for the new base."
"Allegiant Air is a very favorable community asset and partner, providing reliable service to a growing number of destinations," said Port Commission President Doug Smith. "The Port is very pleased that Allegiant is basing two aircraft out of Bellingham and is adding new jobs to our economy."
"Allegiant Air has proven to be an important link from Bellingham to a number of western cities," said Ken Oplinger, President of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce. "I look forward to the new services Allegiant will provide, ensuring more connectivity for Whatcom County area businesses, and for the 2.5 million people in Greater Vancouver."
"Expansion of the Allegiant Air service through the Bellingham Airport has a tremendous impact on our local economy -- both through the development of additional jobs, and through the increased access they provide to visitors and business travelers," said Loni Rahm, President and CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism.
Allegiant Air is seeking customer service agents, ground operation agents and aircraft maintenance personnel to assist in the Bellingham operations. A part-time customer service/ground operations agent recruitment session will be held Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Quality Inn Baron Suites located at 100 E. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, Wash. Airframe and powerplant mechanic positions are also available. Please visit the "careers" page on the
www.allegiantair.com website to find out more information regarding any of the jobs listed.
On Aug. 4, 2004, Allegiant Air began four-day-a-week, nonstop service to Las Vegas, Nev. from Bellingham. Since that day Allegiant has expanded its flights to Vegas to 14 per week and has inaugurated nonstop service to three more popular destinations, which include Palm Springs, Calif., Reno, Nev. and Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz. Since Aug. 4, 2004, Allegiant has carried more than 333,000 passengers to and from all of its vacation destinations and saved the community well over $5 million in airfare savings.
The company commented that market research, its customers and local community leaders have all indicated the greater Whatcom County and Vancouver communities appreciate the value and convenience of flying nonstop out of Bellingham International Airport.
As a full-service travel company, Allegiant provides even greater savings to customers by offering complete, low-cost vacation packages. Allegiant partners with 101 hotels in Las Vegas, Reno-Tahoe, Palm Springs and Phoenix areas. The company provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.
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