Allegiant obtains Flag Carrier Status and ETOPS certification from FAA

Allegiant has obtained Extended-range Operations (ETOPS) certification and Flag Carrier Status from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"This is an important day for Allegiant," Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President, said. "Obtaining ETOPS and Flag Carrier status not only clears the path for our new service to Hawaii, but also opens up potential international opportunities and will play an important role in our company's future growth. Our operations team worked long and hard to ensure the completion of this certification and we thank them for their dedication in achieving this important goal."

The company announced earlier this year its entrance into Hawaii. ETOPS certification and Flag Carrier status are both necessary for flying to Hawaii.

Allegiant will offer nonstop air service to Honolulu, Hawaii from:

1. Las Vegas — begins June 29

2. Fresno, Calif. — begins June 30

3. Bellingham, Wash. — begins November 15

4. Monterey, Calif. — begins November 16

5. Eugene, Ore. — begins November 17

6. Santa Maria, Calif. — begins November 17

7. Stockton, Calif. — begins November 18

Allegiant will also offer nonstop air service to Maui, Hawaii from:

1. Bellingham, Wash. — begins November 14

"The new Hawaii service has proven very popular, and we are pleased with initial bookings. We look forward to serving the Hawaiian market with the same business model that has made Allegiant so successful on the mainland—linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations and offering great deals on vacation packages, including air, hotel and car rental," Levy added.

Due to the overwhelming success of the new Hawaii route in Fresno, Calif., the company announced in May that it will double its service between Fresno, Calif., and Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Allegiant will utilize 757-200 aircraft on its Hawaiian routes. The company operates four 757-200 aircraft and owns two additional, which are on lease to a European carrier. These aircraft are expected to be introduced into Allegiant's fleet during the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013.

Allegiant is more than an airline, it's an innovative travel company dedicated to providing the best travel deals to its customers. Linking U.S. cities to world-class leisure destinations, Allegiant provides low-cost travel packages that include not only air, but hotel, rental car and attractions. Allegiant partners with over 70 of the most popular hotel properties in Honolulu and Maui.

(Allegiant - Press Release)