The MD80 is a great airplane, one of the best. But the rear-engined ultimate stretch of the old DC-9 concept has been around for a while. While airlines such as American and Delta are shedding the venerable 1980s-vintage aircraft, one airline is snapping them up – perhaps to bolster its growing route structure.
When this Cheapflights reporter first flew in an MD80 it was a revelation. Sitting up front, in the first row of coach, the cabin was almost eerily quite on takeoff – the roar of the craft’s two engines far, far to the aft. It was like being launched from a slingshot compared to older, less rapier-like craft. In short, it was a thrill.
The thrill may be fading for some, but not for Allegiant. The discount airline says it’s purchasing as many as 13 MD80s from Scandinavian Airlines System. The buy comes with some spare engines too.
Allegiant specializes in flying routes that other carriers don’t. That, and packaging the product along with hotel rooms is the way the Allegiant Travel Company makes money, something they’ve managed to do quite nicely for the past 35 consecutive fiscal quarters.
The added MD80s could allow the Allegiant to expand its route structure, penetrating other small-city markets and linking them with the likes of Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Arizona and such. The latest example of Allegiant’s expansion comes as it connects rural Wisconsin with the deep desert. Nonstop Appleton flights to Phoenix-Mesa just got off the ground.
Appleton flights to Phoenix-Mesa depart Thursdays and Sundays at 7:35 p.m., arriving Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (not Phoenix Sky Harbor) at 10:30 p.m. Return Phoenix-Mesa flights to Appleton push back at 2:35 p.m. and arrive back in Appleton at 6:50 p.m.
Allegiant is selling a $99 intro fare on he route. It’s one way, doesn’t include taxes or fees and must be bought by Nov. 16.
Tell us, have you ever flown Allegiant? What was your experience like?
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Geoffrey Gallaway)
