LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced this week Allegiant Air LLC, a provider of nonstop air service to 120 destinations in the United States, had received a $200,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to support an expansion of its operations at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Kent County’s Cascade Township.
State officials said the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of more than $42.8 million and create at least 66 permanent jobs, and that Michigan was chosen over competing airports in several other states.
The company’s current operations in Michigan feature flights in and out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport as well as Bishop International Airport in Flint. To support these operations, the company uses a third-party contractor and does not have any permanent full-time employees. Allegiant currently serves 11 nonstop flights from Michigan, including flights from Grand Rapids and Flint.
Allegiant plans to base two Airbus A320 planes in Grand Rapids and expand its operations there in order to continue to serve new customers. With the new base, Allegiant will add service to Nashville, Tenn. and Savannah, Ga. The project will create at least 66 high-wage jobs, and the company plans to immediately begin hiring pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and ground personnel.
“Grand Rapids has been a great city for Allegiant, with solid demand and steady growth over the years,” said Keith Hansen, vice president of government affairs for Allegiant. “It’s a perfect location for a permanent base, where having locally based aircraft and crews will open a world of opportunity to expand options for both new service and operational hours. This will make travel even more convenient and affordable for both residents and visitors to the area, and further establish Allegiant as a hometown airline for Grand Rapids.”
The Right Place of Grand Rapids plans to offer staff time and resources in support of the project.
For information on careers with Allegiant, visit https://www.allegiantair.com/careers/home-page.
For more information on the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org.