Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) Allegiant is expanding its fleet with the addition of the Boeing 737 MAX. The first delivery is anticipated in late March or early April, and upon arrival, the new aircraft will be gradually integrated into the carrier’s schedule.
Boasting 190 seats, including 21 ‘Allegiant Extra’ seats with increased legroom, the 737 MAX 8-200 replaces older Airbus Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft initially on routes from the carrier’s base at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Allegiant has up to 130 737 MAX aircraft on order.
As first reported by Ishrion Aviation, over a dozen routes are destinations to transition to the new aircraft, including Akron/Canton, Albany, Allentown, Bangor, Bloomington, Columbus/Rickenbacker, Concord, Dayton, Evansville, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Lexington, Memphis, Omaha, Peoria, Plattsburgh, Springfield, and Toledo.
According to its schedule, Allegiant anticipates placing the 737 MAX into revenue service in mid-August. Schedules are likely to change depending on aircraft delivery timelines.
‘Uncertainty’ on Delivery Schedule
In a Q4 2023 earnings call, Allegiant executives said they expect the first 737 MAX to be delivered nearly four months behind schedule. The airline had initially planned to take delivery of the aircraft in the first week of 2024.
“Our current estimates differ from contractual commitments,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, during the earnings call. The airline says it is “conservatively planning” to receive 12 737 MAX aircraft in 2024 with 10 entering revenue service.
“The continued uncertainty around the timing of our MAX deliveries means we are being extra flexible with our 2024 capacity plans,” added Allegiant’s President Greg Anderson during the same call.
