The self-proclaimed "Official Airline for Sunshine" will launch the new scheduled service from Wilmington International Airport to Orlando Sanford International Airport with complete vacation packages including roundtrip air and three-night hotel stay for as low as $144**. (Price is per person, based on a three-night hotel stay at the Howard Johnson's Maingate Inn and double occupancy and reflects a Friday arrival and Sunday departure.)
"We are extremely pleased to expand the Allegiant brand of low-fare, nonstop jet service to Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast," Maurice J. Gallagher, Allegiant Air president & CEO, said. "This is an exciting new addition for our airline and our customers as we launch the only nonstop, air service between Wilmington and Orlando."
The new flights to Orlando will operate twice weekly, with service Monday and Friday. Flights will depart Wilmington International Airport at 4:10 p.m. arriving in Orlando Sanford International Airport at 5:40 p.m. Flights leaving Orlando will depart at 2:05 p.m. arriving in Wilmington at 3:35 p.m. (all flight times are local.)
"Wilmington International Airport is very excited to have nonstop jet service to Orlando, one of our top 10 destinations, provided by Allegiant Air," said Airport Authority Chairman Robert S. Rippy. "Allegiant Air is a new low-fare carrier for ILM and we look forward to a long lasting partnership."
Allegiant will utilize 150-seat, MD-80 series, jet-aircraft on the route. The airline said its market research and input from local community leaders indicate Wilmington and the Cape Fear Coast will welcome the new nonstop flights and low fares to Orlando as an alternative to connecting flights and long drives to other airports.
Located midway between Orlando's world-class attractions and the world's most famous beach - Daytona Beach, Orlando Sanford International Airport offers visitors the "best of both worlds." Both destinations are only minutes away, ideally situated for those hoping to take a break from the cold at the beach or to experience the fun of Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and the rest of the excitement Florida has to offer.
The Allegiant Vacations division of the company offers low-cost packages with 58 of Orlando and Daytona Beach's most exciting hotel properties. Partner properties include The Swan, The Dolphin, The Hilton in Lake Buena Vista and the Radisson Parkway. Low-cost packages are available to include hotel, car and amusement park tickets for additional savings.
Reservations may be made through the company's website at www.allegiantair.com, the airline's Reservations Center at 702-505-8888 or professional travel agents.
Allegiant's $39* one-way introductory fare is limited, not available on all flights and must be purchased by March 8, 2008, for complete travel by Aug. 31, 2008. After the introductory fare period, regular one-way fares on the route start as low as $59 one-way.