Fuel prices key to gaining Vegas flights
Travelers in the greater Owensboro area have been eager to get an update on whether/when Allegiant Air will add flights to Las Vegas from the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport.
The company already flies to Orlando.
The answer as of Thursday is that Allegiant is monitoring whether to add the flights as the company keeps its eye on oil costs week to week, according to airport manager Bob Whitmer.
“The cost of oil recently spiked, and the forecast is questionable,” Whitmer said. “We recognize that this is a business decision. Needless to say, we’re disappointed that it’s not happening now, but we’re still optimistic that it will happen.”
Allegiant affirmed a year ago that adding flights to Vegas was in the company’s plans, but officials said they could not start service until the power lines at the end of Runway 18 were moved and the full 8,000 feet could be used.
“We’re prepared now,” Whitmer said. “The power lines have been moved, and Mid-America Jet, the fixed base operator at the airport that provides fuel for Allegiant, has acquired a 5,000-gallon fuel truck. That was key for us.”
Whitmer has said previously that Allegiant’s decision would hinge on the economy.
The flight to Vegas will be about 4 hours compared to 1 1/2 hours to Orlando.
