Allegiant won't offer Hawaii flights in 2011

Nov. 19, 2010

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Nov. 19--Allegiant Airlines won't be offering flights to Hawaii before mid-2012 because of the time involved getting federal certification to provide trans-ocean service with its newly acquired Boeing 757s.

The announcement came in a Tuesday, Nov. 16, presentation to Allegiant Travel Co. stockholders by Maurice Gallagher, chairman and CEO. In the presentation, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gallagher said Allegiant has already bought two of the larger 200-passenger jets to complement its existing fleet of roughly 150-passenger MD-80 aircraft.

Allegiant plans to use the 757s on other routes beginning as early as summer 2011, but certification issues will postpone planned Hawaii service until 2012. Allegiant officials have discussed Bellingham-Hawaii flights with Port of Bellingham staff, but have not made any commitments.

Last summer, Alaska Airlines announced daily Bellingham-Honolulu flights to begin in January 2011.

Reach JOHN STARK [email protected] or call 715-2274.