Another airline is coming to CVG. Allegiant says it will begin nonstop jet service from the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky international airport to the Orlando/Sanford and Ft. Meyers/Punta Gorda airports starting in February.
Allegiant's Brian Davis says it aims to keep prices low and maybe encourage other airlines to drop rates as well.
"This is rated as one of the top highest fare communities in the country," says Davis. "This is historically within the top three. We believe that there's a huge opportunity for an airline like Allegiant to come in and drive down fares."
A spokeswoman wouldn't say how many jobs the move will create but says it will be less than 20.
The airline will offer introductory roundtrip fares for as low as $100 for travel before April 29th.
CVG chief executive officer Candice McGraw says it is actively going after more airlines.
"We're seriously talking to every carrier," says McGraw. "We love all our carriers. We love our existing (carriers) and we're talking to a lot of carriers. Hopefully you'll hear some more announcements in the months to come."
Here's the release from the airline:
HEBRON, Ky. Oct. 15, 2013 - Allegiant known for its exceptional travel deals, announces today new, nonstop jet service from Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport to Orlando / Sanford International Airport starting Feb. 12, 2014 and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport beginning Feb. 14, 2014. Today's announcement marks the 100th U.S. city served by Allegiant's low-cost, nonstop service to popular vacation destinations, more than any other low-cost carrier in the U.S. To celebrate this milestone, the company will introduce Cincinnati service with roundtrip fares as low as $100*. "We are pleased to add Orlando and Southwest Florida as affordable, convenient destination options for Cincinnati residents," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "We are confident the community will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to these Florida destinations and the value of bundling their air, hotel and car rental reservation together." The new flights to Orlando are on sale for $100*roundtrip including taxes and fees and will operate twice weekly between Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Orlando / Sanford International Airport (SFB) beginning Feb. 12, 2014. The new flights to Punta Gorda Airport are on sale for $70* one-way and will operate twice weekly beginning Feb. 14, 2014. Cincinnati travelers can take advantage of everyday low fares and save even more when they book air, hotel, car and even activity and attraction reservations together. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. "We are excited to add Allegiant to our family of carriers at CVG," said Candace McGraw, Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport. "Orlando and Southwest Florida are popular destinations for our passengers. We are thrilled to have a vacation-centered low-cost carrier to serve the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky community." Allegiant differs in many ways from other U.S. airlines. The Company's sole focus is on low-cost, nonstop leisure travel, providing customers with low base fares and great value. Allegiant's innovative business model has allowed it to grow from one plane and one route just over a decade ago, to offering access to low-cost, nonstop travel to 14 vacation destinations in 100 communities nationwide. Allegiant also offers discounts on vacation packages, including hotels, rental cars and attraction tickets, through its website, allegiant.com. Located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando is home to the world's most exciting theme parks and has plenty of shopping, dining, outdoor activities and entertainment. Allegiant partners with more than 60 of the Orlando area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car and offers great deals on activities such as theme park tickets, dinner shows, and day tours. Cincinnati travelers can book their entire Orlando vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com. Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities. Allegiant partners with many of the area's most picturesque hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Cincinnati travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com. About the $100* roundtrip Orlando fares: Seats are limited. Fares are roundtrip and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 22, 2013, for travel by April 29, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply. About the $70* one-way Punta Gorda fares: Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 22, 2013, for travel by April 29, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply. Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ® Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years.
