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Update #2: Allegiant Operational Delays

Direct News Source

20-Sep-2013 Update #2: Allegiant Operational DelaysNext Press Update From Allegiant Will Be Monday, Sept. 23, 2013Media Call-in Number Will Be Sent One Hour PriorPlease Send Questions To Mediarelations@allegiantair.comTo Review The Digital Archive Of The Sept. 20 10 A.m. Press Update Dial 1-800-475-6701, When Prompted Dial 303818 And #To Review The Digital Archive Of The Sept. 20 3 P.m. Press Update Please Visit

Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announced it has discovered a compliance issue which will require immediate inspection and overhaul of many emergency exit slides in its MD80 fleet. The Company has already begun the inspections and expects to complete the process by the end of September. MD80 aircraft will be placed back in service as soon as possible. Allegiant has verified a number of slides are compliant and has returned 18 MD80 aircraft into service, leaving as many as 32 out of service, causing Allegiant to delay, reschedule or cancel a number of flights over the next several days.

At this time, it is unknown how long the disruption in flight schedule will last. The company has secured sub-service on seven aircraft from other carriers to assist in operating its Sunday and Monday flight schedule and expects to have 22 MD80 aircraft in service by Saturday. Allegiant expects delays and reschedules to continue, but is working around-the-clock to reaccommodate and update passengers.

Allegiant has activated additional call center staff, and Allegiant will be contacting affected travelers directly. Customers may also sign up for flight alerts for individual flights at https://www2.allegiantair.com/flight-status or call 702-505-8888.

During a thorough incident review earlier this week, Allegiant maintenance became aware of a discrepancy in its slide maintenance schedule. In 2007, the original manufacturer recommendation for slide maintenance schedule changed from once every three years to once a year for slides older than 15 years. Allegiant discovered that many of the slides had not been inspected within the last year and did not comply with this recommendation. This prompted Allegiant to proactively remove aircraft from service until all slides could be brought into compliance. To inspect and overhaul the slides, the slides must be removed and sent to a regulated inspection and maintenance facility.

"We apologize for the disruption to our passengers and ask that they please remain patient as we work to correct the issue, reschedule affected flights and accommodate any passengers impacted," said Andrew Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "Allegiant is committed, above all else, to the safety of our passengers and crew, and we are dedicated to working around-the-clock to ensure that all of our fleet meets the highest standards."

Allegiant teams are working to accommodate all affected passengers and will offer the following compensation:

  • Flights delayed less than four hours: $100 voucher for future travel

  • Flights delayed 4-6 hours: $150 off voucher for future travel

  • Flights delayed 6 or more hours: $200 voucher for future travel

  • Reschedule flights: Full refund and $200 voucher for future travel

For passengers delayed overnight, hotel accommodations and meals will be provided. For travel and compensation questions, please call Allegiant Customer Care at 702-505-8888