Allegiant secures plane maintenance deal

Allegiant Air will have its growing fleet of aircraft maintained by the engineering division of American Airlines, in a deal lasting the next four years.

The comprehensive $30 million agreement will see Allegiant's 24 MD80 series aircraft – and any additional planes introduced – repaired, updated, and checked for reliability on a regular basis.

Allegiant's Senior Vice-President Michael Baxter said that the Nevadan carrier had "selected American Maintenance Services because of the value they offer", hoping to forward these savings on to customers while ensuring planes were maintained to the highest standards.

He added of American's service team: "They provide workmanship and materials of the highest quality and will expedite the return of the aircraft, meaning they can be back in revenue service faster."

Dennis Burchette, Vice-President of Transport Workers Union Local 514 in Tulsa, predicted that Allegiant "will not be disappointed" by the agreement.

Allegiant Air, formerly known as WestJet Express, flies to 50 destinations across the U.S., predominantly to smaller cities with limited airline coverage. The carrier will add a 51st destination on January 17, 2007 when it commences flights to Palm Springs, California.

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