Press Release: Allegiant
March 1, 2002
RENO, NV -- Allegiant Air yesterday announced that it has reached a two-year agreement with Harrah's Hotel and
Casino properties to provide MD-87 jet charter flights to Reno, Nevada from cities across the U.S.
The agreement is similar to a previously announced contract the airline has with Harrah's Laughlin Casino and Hotel.
The new Reno flights will operate Thursday and Sunday over the term of the agreement, with arriving passengers
staying as guests at Harrah's Reno, Harrah's Tahoe and Harveys Casino and Hotels.
``We are extremely pleased to expand our relationship with Harrah's as we grow our fleet and charter operations,''
said Maurice J. Gallagher, the airline's Chairman. ``Harrah's was looking for the operating performance capabilities
provided by the MD-87 and we were able to acquire the appropriate aircraft for the mission. The MD-87 is capable
of flying non-stop from any city in the U.S. to Reno.''
``Allegiant Air's reputation for safe, reliable, on-time operations and its acquisition of the MD-87 aircraft were
key factors in reaching this long-term agreement,'' said Michael Silberling, Senior Vice President and General
Manger for Harrah's Reno. ``Allegiant's new MD-87 aircraft is ideally suited for our Reno flights. For many years
now, we have brought our guests from communities throughout the country, and with the MD-87 we can provide them
with convenient, non-stop service. We are pleased that Allegiant has selected this aircraft for their fleet expansion.''
Allegiant Air recently acquired two, modern Boeing MD-87 jet aircraft that have enabled the company to make a major
expansion of its charter and scheduled airline operations, including the Harrah's charter service.
The MD-87s, a Stage III aircraft meeting reduced noise emission standards for take-off and landing, is configured
to seat 130 passengers with a crew of two pilots and three flight attendants.
About the Company
Allegiant Air, founded in 1997, is certificated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a ``Scheduled
Air Carrier'' with authority to fly scheduled and charter airline operations throughout the U.S. The Company also
has authority for charter service to Canada and Mexico.
The airline's charter customers include the U.S. Government, collegiate athletic teams, corporate customers, resort
properties, tour operators, private groups and individuals.
Allegiant Air's scheduled airline service includes daily non-stop flights between Fresno and Las Vegas and between
Las Vegas and Colorado Springs utilizing the carriers' 83 passenger DC-9-21 for those flights.
Headquartered in Fresno, California, the privately owned airline is under the majority control of Maurice J. Gallagher,
an airline industry veteran, who acquired his interest in the company last year.
For reservations and flight information, call Allegiant Air at 454-7730 (Fresno Area) or 888/594-6937 (Toll Free
outside Fresno area) or your travel agent. For Allegiant Vacations, call toll free 800/432-3810 or your travel
agent.
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Contact:
Allegiant, Fresno
Mark Peterson, 559/455-5715
or
Harrahs
Kerri Garcia, 775/788-3028