Allegiant may soon fly internationally. Currently, the ultra-low-cost carrier exclusively operates within the continental U.S.
The airline’s commercial chief, Drew Wells, gave an “unequivocally yes” response when asked about international expansion on Tuesday, noting its pending joint venture with Mexico’s Viva Aerobus. In the past, Allegiant has operated some charter flights to destinations such as Cancun and Punta Cana.
“It’s just such a natural extension of the Allegiant route map and what we do so well of finding un[served] and underserved opportunities to some of the best leisure destinations currently in the U.S.,” Wells said during Skift’s Aviation Forum in Dallas. “But extending that to Mexico and potentially eventually the Caribbean, I think makes a lot of sense.”
Up until 2020, the airline served some longer overwater routes, albeit not international. These included San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a stint in the Hawaiian market.
“It’s really core to who we are as an airline and what our customers want,” Wells continued.
Last month, Allegiant took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which will initially be based in Florida. With the new jet, Wells said the airline expects to reduce operating costs by about 20% per flight.
