Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO — Allegiant Travel Company on Tuesday announced plans to invest about $95 million to expand in Provo, resulting in over 150 "new high-wage jobs."
Executives with the Las Vegas-based company said they plan to establish a four-aircraft base at Provo Airport that will begin operations by mid-November as a part of the expansion. The airline, which focuses primarily on linking small-to-medium city airports, currently has eight routes in Provo.
"We're delighted to grow alongside Provo, a market with phenomenal growth and convenient access to some of Utah's most treasured destinations," said Keith Hansen, Allegiant's vice president of government affairs, in a statement. "Allegiant understands the value of Provo Airport. ... (and) our investment means having locally based aircraft and crews, opening the door for future new destination opportunities for residents."
Allegiant officials say they are currently hiring pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and ground personnel that will work at the new Utah base. They plan to hire at least 157 people who will work out of Provo, saying that most new positions will be "more than double the state's average wage." The Utah Department of Workforce Services listed Utah's average wage as close to $49,000 in 2019.
The announcement comes just as the $55 million new Provo Airport terminal nears completion. There are events planned for May 5-7 to celebrate the expansion, according to KSL NewsRadio. That's a month ahead of schedule from what was anticipated last year. It's expected to have as many as 10 gates.
Allegiant Air, which first began flying in and out of Provo in 2013, is currently the only carrier that flies out of Provo. City officials welcomed Tuesday's announcement as they say Provo Airport has moved up to being the state's second busiest airport as it grows.
"While many will appreciate the personal conveniences of flying out of a regional airport, including shorter lines and personalized service, the economic benefits are substantial with each new roundtrip destination bringing an estimated $15 million into our local, regional, and state economy," said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, in a statement.
