Low-cost airline Allegiant Air, a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company, announced a new base at Orlando International Airport beginning February 1st, 2010. Initially, the carrier will serve 10 U.S. cities from the airport. Already, Allegiant maintains a base at Orlando-Sanford, which spurs questions pertaining to the future of their base at Sanford.
Located northeast of Orlando, Sanford provides an inexpensive and a relatively delay-free experience to customers. Having recently toured the airport, it’s one of the more interesting airports in the United States (especially in the management aspect). Like most airports in the U.S., the airport is managed by the government, however the terminal and cargo operation is managed by TBI Management Inc., a well-known airport management firm in Europe. Due to TBI’s presence in Europe, Sanford offers service to Europe via European carriers. As TBI is a private firm, their management method is likely more efficient than the government’s, which usually reduces costs. I’m curious as to what really spurred the move – it could be a number of things; costs, passenger demand, location, etc. This is what Allegiant says:
“Moving these markets from Orlando-Sanford to Orlando International accomplishes two things for Allegiant. First, it allows us to be responsive to the many Orlando travelers who prefer the proximity of Orlando International to the most prominent attractions in the Orlando area, including, most obviously, Walt Disney World. Second, it improves our position relative to competitors with service to Orlando International.” - Robert Ashcroft, the vice president of planning for Allegiant.
Furthermore, Allegiant announced plans to base five MD-80 series jets (150-seat configuration) at Orlando International by March 5th. According to their fare sales, its looks as though the final aircraft will be flying the Des Moines, Iowa route. Service will begin with flights to Knoxville, TN and Lexington, KY. The carrier is offering introductory fares starting at $45.99 a way on their new routes out of Orlando-International.
It’ll be interesting to follow what happens to their operations in Sanford, and whether they’ll be cut back or not.
