Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch joined executives from Allegiant Travel Co. on Aug. 2, as the company announced plans to establish a two-aircraft base at the Indianapolis International Airport. As part of Allegiant’s growth plans in Indiana, the company plans to create up to 66 new, high-wage jobs by 2017.
"As a state that's home to a top-ranked infrastructure system, a business-friendly environment and the best international airport in the nation, it's no surprise Allegiant found a recipe for success in Indiana," said Crouch. "In addition to creating new, high-wage jobs, Allegiant's decision shows the airline's commitment to future growth in Indiana, creating more direct flight opportunities and continuing to connect Indiana with the rest of the world."
The Las Vegas-based company is investing more than $40 million to establish its new, base of operations, which will house two Airbus aircraft. The company, which is focused on linking travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class leisure destinations, plans to begin its operations at the Indianapolis International Airport in February, allowing Allegiant to offer more new routes in the future.
Known as the Crossroads of America, Indiana is within a one-day drive to 60 percent of the U.S. population and is home to more than 1,700 miles of interstate, three international ports, the second-largest FedEx hub in the world and the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, which has been named the best airport in North America for the fifth consecutive year from Airports Council International. As part of Governor Holcomb’s plan to make Indiana a magnet for jobs and take the state to the next level, Indiana is committed to improving the state’s connectivity by attracting new nonstop and direct flights to and from Indiana's airports.
Today, Allegiant serves 23 routes from four cities in the state of Indiana, including flights from Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville. Of the routes, 17 are non-competitive, providing Hoosiers more nonstop options across the country.
“We’re thrilled to continue our growth in the Indianapolis area and contribute even more to the community and economy with the establishment of a permanent aircraft base,” said Keith Hansen, vice president of government affairs for Allegiant. “Having a base in Indianapolis will further increase the efficiency of our operations and better position us for even more growth in the near future.”
Allegiant began operating at the Indianapolis International Airport in February 2015 and now offers 12 nonstop routes to Las Vegas; Phoenix; Austin, Texas; New Orleans; Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and six cities in Florida: Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Tampa/St. Pete, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Sanford and Jacksonville. Indianapolis will become the airline’s 14thaircraft base, which will allow Allegiant to expand its service to and from Indianapolis, offer more new nonstop routes in the future, increase the airport’s existing 47 nonstops and further connect Hoosier businesses, residents and tourists to destinations around the world.
"Allegiant not only has become the airline many Hoosiers choose for their leisure destinations, but over the last several years it has also expanded Indy's connection to a number of unserved and underserved markets," said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. "Today Allegiant has made it clear that Indianapolis is the place to invest and grow -- and we completely agree!"
Allegiant, which employs more than 3,500 associates across the U.S., plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and ground personnel to support the operations. Positions are expected to offer average salaries more than 85 percent above the state’s average wage. Interested applicants may apply online.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Allegiant Air LLC up to $1,000,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports the project in partnership with Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber.
"Indianapolis is a global destination with an international workforce. Allegiant Air’s latest news of expansion is a testament to their company’s strength and the needs of our evolving, thriving city," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. "We're proud of Allegiant Air's commitment to add good paying, local jobs, and we look forward to our community continuing to grow alongside them in the years to come.”
