Ogden wants a Las Vegas flight
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Scott Schwebke
Standard-Examiner staff
sschwebke@standard.net
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strong>Allegiant Air may run several flights a week
OGDEN -- The city is gambling on improvements at Ogden-Hinckley Airport to help land commercial jet service to Las Vegas.
Discussions are under way between the city and Allegiant Air to provide several flights a week between Ogden and Las Vegas McCarran Airport.
A decision on whether Allegiant will serve the Ogden-Hinckley Airport with McDonald Douglas MD-80 jets capable of carrying 154 passengers could be made within the next four months, said Ed Rich, the airport's manager.
Allegiant has had conversations with city officials, but formal negotiations haven't begun, said Tyri Squyres, spokeswoman for the Las Vegas-based airline. "Population-wise and market-wise it's attractive to us," she said.
Allegiant links 50 small cities throughout the United States to leisure destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla.
In preparation for possible commercial service, Ogden-Hinckley Airport is converting a small open area that features a grassy area, bench and swing set into parking for an additional 300 vehicles, said Rich.
The airport is also upgrading its Federal Aviation Administration certification so it can handle commercial flights and may eventually construct a passenger terminal on the west side of the airport property, Rich said.
In the meantime, the airport's existing terminal building is adequate to handle passenger arrivals and departures, said Rich.
Jet service between Ogden and Las Vegas would be a good first step in attracting other regional carriers to the airport, said Rich.
Las Vegas is a major hub for connecting flights to Los Angeles and other cities, Rich said.
In addition, flying out of Ogden-Hinckley Airport is more convenient for Top of Utah residents than Salt Lake City International Airport, he said.
Ogden could also be a tourism draw for travelers from Las Vegas, particularly during the winter with skiing at Snowbasin Resort, said Dave Harmer, the city's community and economic development director.
In addition to Allegiant, the city has also been in contact with other airlines about providing direct service to Ogden, said Harmer. He did not identify the other carriers.
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