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BUSINESS
Allegiant plans flights to Orlando International
Tri-State Airport's recent growth, thanks to traffic on the low-cost carrier Allegiant Airlines, is a good sign in a struggling economy. Allegiant's numbers are expected to get even better with its new destination flight to Myrtle Beach at the end of this month.
Purchase this photoHUNTINGTON -- Allegiant Airlines will soon be flying from Tri-State Airport into Orlando International Airport, and it's introducing this new service with one-way fares of $59.99, beginning Feb. 16, 2010.
Currently the airport flies into Orlando-Sanford International Airport, which is farther from several Orlando attractions, including Disney World.
The move gives Allegiant a new competitive edge against other airlines that fly into Orlando International, the company says. Right now, the plan is to move only 10 cities from Orlando-Sanford International Airport to Orlando International Airport, a spokeswoman said. The airline's 21 other cities will continue to fly into Orlando-Sanford.
"Huntington has been an outstanding market for us," said Allegiant spokeswoman Tyri Squyres. "You can see by the number of routes we've added, we've continued to be pleased with what the community has given us."
The Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air also provides nonstop, low-fare service from Huntington to Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Just as Tri-State Airport has, Allegiant has maintained a good run through the feeble economy. In 2008, Allegiant was the only airline that remained profitable all four quarters. It has remained profitable for the first three quarters of 2009, Squyres said.
Beginning Feb. 16, Allegiant flights will depart from Huntington at 10:35 a.m., arriving in Orlando International at 12:30 p.m. The flight will depart Orlando at 8 a.m. arriving in Huntington at 9:55 a.m.
"Passengers traveling from the Tri-State area will now have closer access to the many theme parks and attractions in the Orlando area," Jerry Brienza airport director of Tri-State Airport, said in a press release from Allegiant.
Orlando International also offers shuttles to numerous sites, he said, including Disney World resorts and the cruise lines operating from Port Canaveral.
Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. It's International Drive is more than 10 miles long and features more than 100 hotels, 450 stores, several attractions and two major outlet malls, the release said. Orlando is also home to more than 175 golf courses.
Allegiant offers hotel packages with more than 60 resorts in the greater Orlando area. Air/hotel packages are available. Allegiant's $59.99 one-way introductory fare is limited, must be purchased by Dec. 16, 2009, and is valid for travel through May 31, 2010. Introductory fares are not available on all flights. After the introductory fare period, regular fares on the route start at $79.99 one-way.
Visit www.allegiantair.com or call 702-505-8888 for more information.
