MOLINE/QUAD CITIES December 16, 2013 – Allegiant has partnered with the Quad City International Airport and Hy-Vee to hold a toy and gift card drive to support efforts for Make-A-Wish® Illinois. The toy and gift card drive will be held on Friday, December 20, 2013, at the Hy-Vee in Moline, located at 7th Street & John Deere Expressway. 

A representative will be available from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The drive is taking place in hopes of receiving new, unwrapped toys or gift card (to any major retailer.) Allegiant is a national corporate partner of Make-A-Wish® .   In the Quad Cities, Allegiant has supported approximately 6 travel wishes within the last year, and sixty nine travel wishes nationwide.  Allegiant is offering a chance to win tickets for two to your favorite vacation destination as offered out of the Quad City International Airport.  The winner will be randomly drawn at the conclusion of the event, and you need not be present to win.

Hy-Vee stores are generous supporters of Make-A-Wish®.  Just this year, Quad City Hy-Vee stores donated more than $16,000 to Make-A-Wish® of Iowa and Make-A-Wish® Illinois and helped to grant the wishes of two area children.

Make-A-Wish® Illinois grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength, and joy.  Since being founded locally in 1985, the chapter has granted more than 11,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish® with special children across the state.

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MOLINE, Ill. Nov. 1, 2013 – Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today celebrates new, nonstop jet service between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will offer fares as low as $68* one way.

"We are pleased to add the beaches of Southwest Florida as another affordable destination option for Quad City residents to escape the cold this winter," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "We are confident the community will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Punta Gorda and the value of booking hotel rooms and car rentals through us."

"We are very excited that this day has arrived," says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation, Quad City International Airport. "We know that hundreds of travelers throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois frequent the Southwest Florida region, including Ft. Myers, Naples and Sanibel.  This nonstop flight to Punta Gorda will make travel easier for those staying in, and visiting family or friends in those areas."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at Allegiant.com.

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Quad City travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting Allegiant.com.

Quad City residents can now get more out of their vacation when they book airfare and hotel on Allegiant.com. Current deals include :

About the $68* one-way fares:

Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Nov. 7, 2013, for travel by April 29, 2014. Price reflects debit card discount; credit card price higher. For baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, Allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/17bZ4xO.

Honor Flight of the Quad Cities 24th trip to Washington D.C took place on August 29. There was a combination of WWII and Korean era veterans on this trip. A special nod is being given to the guardians for this particular voyage, they are all 100% Vietnam era veterans- but they are traveling specifically as guardians to the WWII and Korean era vets who are aboard.

(Note:  we have had some issues with public folks thinking that since we took, for this flight only, Vietnam era veterans as GUARDIANS, that this means that HFQC is accepting them for the flights, as VETERANS. This is not the case. Right now, we continue to operate as WWII vets as #1 priority, as well as any terminally ill veteran from any war or conflict, then Korean Era veterans.  I just wanted you all to be aware of this because folks "read into" things, and perhaps there is some very careful way to make this differentiation about the guardians on this flight.)

The reason that HFQC has extended this Vietnam era guardian opportunity for this particular flight, is because over the many months & years we have seen an outpouring of Vietnam era support at the airport in many forms. We thought this would be a way to recognize the Vietnam Era vets from the local & regional era by allowing them to have the honor of escorting a WWII and/or Korean Era veteran for the day.

A special "thank you Vietnam Era Veterans, for being guardians" banner will be hanging at the airport to recognize their support tomorrow. The banner also says "Welcome Home", which is I am told, a phrase that has been adopted for Vietnam veterans. If you want to know more about the origin of that phrase, Dave Woods at the Scott County Vets affairs would be a good one to talk to, or any VVA chapter.

The usual welcome home ceremonies occured around the 10 p.m. hour.

MOLINE, Ill. July 30, 2013 - Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces today new, nonstop jet service between Moline, Ill. and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport, beginning November 1. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $99.99* one way.

 

"We are pleased to add the beaches of Southwest Florida as another affordable, convenient destination option for Quad Cities area residents," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President. "Our vacation packages and nonstop service to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida have been very popular with residents. We are confident the community will appreciate the convenience of flying nonstop to Punta Gorda and the value of bundling their air, hotel and car rental reservation together."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) seasonally, beginning Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, through April 2014. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. Punta Gorda is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination from Moline.  

 

"Many local and regional travelers have been waiting with anticipation for nonstop access to the Southwest Florida region, and we are now able to offer that with Allegiant," said Bruce Carter, Quad City International Airport director of aviation. "This is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination being offered. We are happy that their confidence in this market has grown in such a short time since they entered the market in October 2010."

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities.  Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Moline travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com.

About the $99.99* one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2013, for travel by Feb. 11, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/SQmY7O. 

 

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MOLINE, Ill. July 30, 2013 – Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) announces today new, nonstop jet service between Moline/Quad Cities and Southwest Florida via Punta Gorda Airport, beginning November 1. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service with fares as low as $99.99* one way.

"We are excited to extend our brand of convenient low-cost travel with nonstop service from the Quad Cities to Southwest Florida," said Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant President. "We are confident the residents of the entire regional area will appreciate our affordable, nonstop service to popular Southwest Florida destinations, as well as take advantage of the value of booking hotel rooms, car rentals and attractions through us."

The new flights will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays between Quad City International Airport (MLI) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD.) Flights begin Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, using MD-80 series aircraft. Travelers can take advantage of everyday low fares and save even more when they book air, hotel, car and even activity and attraction reservations together. Flight days and times can be found at allegiant.com. 

"We have been in discussions with Allegiant for the past several months to secure this new service," says Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation. "Many local and regional travelers have been waiting with anticipation for nonstop access to the Southwest Florida region and we can now offer that with Allegiant," Carter adds. "This is Allegiant's fifth nonstop destination with us since they entered the market in October, 2010.  We are happy that their confidence in the Quad City area has grown in such a short time." 

Catering perfectly to a personal, romantic or family getaway, the Southwest Florida Coast destination features exquisite beach-front dining, exotic wildlife and a wide variety of recreation in the warm, pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Punta Gorda Airport is centrally located midway between the white-sand beaches of Fort Myers shore and Sarasota's tropical island communities.  Allegiant partners with many of the area's most exciting hotel properties, provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car, and offers great deals on activities such as dinner and ocean exploration cruises. Travelers can book their entire Southwest Florida vacation for less by visiting allegiant.com or by calling the company's travel experts at 702-505-8888.

About the $99.99* one-way fares:
Seats are limited. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 6, 2013, for travel by Feb. 11, 2014. For baggage fees, please visit allegiant.com. Additional restrictions may apply.

Allegiant, Travel is our deal. ®

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations. The company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, while also offering other travel-related products such as hotel rooms, rental cars, and attraction tickets. All can be purchased through the company website, allegiant.com. The company has been named one of America's 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine for four consecutive years. For downloadable press kit, including photos, visit: http://gofly.us/SQmY7O.

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June 18, 2013

Moline/Quad Cities Allegiant is kicking off their national Dodge High Fares campaign, focused on providing great deals to top vacation destinations. To accompany this theme, the Quad City International Airport is hosting a dodgeball tournament which will benefit three local charities- Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, New Kingdom Trailriders, and the Quad Cities Sports Commission.  The event will be held Friday, July 19th, 2013, at Augustana's Pepsico Rec Center, 30th Street, Rock Island, IL. The event will take place from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Teams should gather for rules and instructions at 5:15 p.m.

"The dodgeball tournaments will give us the opportunity to interact with the residents of our communities and educate them about just how much they save when booking with Allegiant," said Rich Winiarski, Allegiant Travel Company Vice President of Marketing.

Quad City International Airport Marketing Representative Cathie Rochau says, "We are so excited to be putting on this charitable dodgeball tournament.  We are receiving guidance from the National Dodgeball League, and even have "official" dodgeballs in hand. We are ensuring that 100% of the registration fees collected will go back to the three charities that are participating. The winning team decides which charity will receive 50% of the entry fees collected, while the other two teams will pass along the remaining half of the entry fees received (25% each) to the other two charities," Rochau said.. "It's important to note that the first three teams that place also receive a cash team prize- $500 for 1st, $250 for second, and $150 for 3rd. This provides great incentive to come out and have fun. The tournament will be considered a success if we have anywhere from 15-25 teams, in order to benefit the charities involved," she adds.

Interested parties can read team rules and register at www.qcairport.com/dodgeball. Registration for the local tournament is open through Friday, July 12th, at 12 noon.

In addition to offering great opportunities to Dodge High Fares to four nonstop cities from the Quad Cities (Las Vegas, Orlando-Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa and St. Petersburg/Clearwater) Allegiant is giving away a free round trip ticket each week through August at their special website, www.dodgehighfares.com.   ###

(Moline/Quad Cities) For the first time in history, Delta Air Lines will provide mainline service to the Quad City International Airport.  Airport officials were informed late last week that Delta will use an A-319 Airbus once per day, for one departure and one arrival.  The aircraft seats 126 passengers- twelve in first class, and 114 in coach.

Flights will be to/from Atlanta, and will depart the Quad Cities at 6:00 a.m., arriving in Atlanta at 8:51 a.m. The evening flight will depart Atlanta at 9:21 p.m., and arrive in Moline/Quad Cities at 10:17 p.m. (All times local.)  These flight times are already in the current schedule, along with two other daily arrivals and departures offered between Moline and Atlanta by Delta.

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation, says "We are very excited that Delta is inaugurating service with a mainline aircraft.  This opens up more opportunities for operating larger aircraft from the Quad City International Airport.  We have already made the investment in special ground handling equipment to support the A-319 operations," Carter adds.  "We know our leisure and corporate travelers, in particular, who use these flights for domestic and international connections through the Atlanta hub, will enjoy and appreciate the upgraded aircraft."

The flights utilizing the A-319 will begin June 10, 2013.  Delta currently serves the Quad Cities with three popular hub, or connecting cities: Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The Quad City International Airport strives to make travel an easier experience. There are four airlines serving travelers from throughout eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. There are currently 10 nonstop destinations,  with dozens of daily departures and hundreds of connections beyond. Visit qcairport.com.

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Moline, Illinois-The Quad City International Airport today unveiled two new Level II Electric Vehicle (EV) charging units in the short-term parking lot.  Each dual charging unit has the capacity to charge two vehicles in 4 - 6 hours.  The installation is part of a broader effort to expand the charging infrastructure to support anticipated growth in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle use over the next five to 10 years.

The new EV charging units are the result of a partnership between the Quad City International Airport and Delta Institute, a Chicago-based non-profit environmental and economic development organization, initiated by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.  Genesis Health System is also participating in the project, and will install two of the same type of units at its new Medical Center being built on a brownfield site in Moline.  When completed, the installations will increase the number of away-from-home charging locations in the Quad Cities area to six, complementing existing facilities at the parking garage near the Rock Island City Parking Ramp, Lujack's Nissan Dealership, Courtesy Car City and Tri-City Electric.

"We are pleased to be one of the first public facilities in the region to offer EV Charging service to those customers who have an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle," said Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation for the Quad City International Airport.  "It is critical that we move forward with technology, and keep up with the most current needs of our travelers."

Charging units are popping up at hotels, restaurants, retail sites and tourist attractions around the nation. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that there are approximately 4,600 public charging stations currently installed in the U.S and the number is expected to grow in the coming decade.  Kohl's Department stores recently announced that by the end of fall, it will have a total of 101 charging stations at 52 locations across 14 states. Walgreen's has been in the process of installing charging stations in 800 locations over the past year.

According to Carter, the units will also allow the airport to play a role as an alternative fuel hub on a national level. "This is part of a broader movement to establish airports as a reliable location for alternative vehicle fueling."

The installation of Quad Cities' latest charging units was made possible by a grant from the U.S. EPA. Delta Institute purchased four Dual EV Charging Units from Eaton Corporation, after being funded by the EPA to identify sustainable reuse opportunities for brownfields in weak market areas.  Since 2011, Delta has worked with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to identify potential partners and sites.  Both the Airport and Genesis Health System seized the opportunity to provide the service to their customers and employees.  The Airport and Genesis will install and maintain the units, and will provide the electricity without cost for a five year period.  After applying for the Illinois DCEO's EV rebate program, they each could be reimbursed for half the cost of installation.

"Delta Institute works to drive economic and environmental improvements," said Jean Pogge, CEO. "The availability of charging infrastructure not only helps grow demand for alternative fuel vehicles, it creates new market opportunity for manufacturers, dealers and suppliers working in that sector."

Genesis Health System will be installing two units in the new Medical Building on 41st Street in Moline. The building is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2013.  A former brownfield site, the planned structure will include a number of "green" features, including an outdoor walking path and nature area.

"We are pleased to be a part of advancing the Quad Cities capacity to accommodate electric vehicles and welcome new opportunities to bring innovative green technologies to the region," said Tara Barney, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce CEO.

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About Delta Institute: Delta Institute is a Chicago-based center of innovation that creates market opportunities to build regional economies that are job rich and inclusive. In partnership with business, government and local communities, Delta tackles the hard problems using creative approaches to find cost-effective sustainability that values natural resources, energy efficiency and waste stream reductions.

 

About the Quad City International Airport: The Quad City International Airport (QCIA) offers dozens of daily departures to 10 nonstop cities, with hundreds of connections beyond.  The QCIA strives to make travel an easier experience for their customers.

 

About the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce: The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. Our mission is to enhance the business environment, represent the interests of our members, and foster balanced growth in the Quad-Cities region. Go to QuadCitiesChamber.com for more information.

(Moline/Quad Cities) The Quad City International Airport and Allegiant invite you to VOTE FOR VACATION on your drive home from work on Tuesday September 18th, 2012 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the west parking lot, adjacent to the Isle Casino/Hotel, Bettendorf.  The Allegiant Campaign Tour Bus is rolling into town and you can vote for your favorite Allegiant vacation destination from the Quad Cities- Las Vegas, Orlando-Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, or St. Petersburg/Clearwater.

Voting will take place at the "Vote for Vacation" bus by using a voting app on a tablet device.  A valid email address is needed to vote. Qualified entries will receive an instant "tax rebate" for $21.60, sent to your email address.  Anyone who votes on-site is entered to win round-trip tickets for two, to the destination that you voted for-- so choose carefully! (*21 & over per rules.)  One nation-wide voter will win vacations for 4 years on Allegiant!  How's that for a 4-year term? If you can't make it to the voting site, there is an absentee ballot vote option on Allegiant's facebook page, but those entries do not qualify for the local prize.  (Entries do, however qualify for the NATIONAL PRIZE!)

WLLR will conduct a live remote. Allegiant & airport representatives will be on-site to discuss the Allegiant schedule from the Quad Cities, which is now posted through April 16, 2013. Representatives will also be playing various games and have prize giveaways. More information is available at http://www.qcairport.com/contestsspecials

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bcarter at aaae podium.jpg

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation, Quad City International Airport  was just named as Chair for 2012-2013 of AAAE, the American Association of Airport Executives. It's a very prestigious role, as he will be involved at the regional and national levels, representing the membership of this organization. (I have included the AAAE history below.)

I have included a link to the AAAE release (below).  I have also included his biography which we typically use for introductions prior to speaking engagements, for more detail about his career history.

ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world's largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

BIOGRAPHY:

Bruce Carter started his aviation career in 1975 as an FBO fueler and later became a charter pilot in Mankato, Minnesota.  In 1978, he was hired as an air traffic controller until the PATCO strike in 1981. Bruce owned a Fixed Based Operation in Clarion, IA, before becoming involved in the airport management field in 1984 when he became the Operations Manager at the Waterloo Airport. In 1986, he became the Airport Director at Waterloo Airport. He was Director of Aviation in Springfield, Illinois, for three years and Director of Airports in Peoria, Illinois, for five years.  Since 1999, Mr. Carter has served as the Director of Aviation at the Quad City International Airport.  Mr. Carter is an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) and has served as President of the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE, chaired the NAC and the Airport Ground Handling Association (AGSA). He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the American Association of Airport Executives as Chair, as well as serving on the International Association of Airport Executives.   Mr. Carter is also a commercial pilot, holding an instrument and multi-engine rating, and was previously a certified flight instructor logging over 2800 hours.

Personal:  Bruce is married to Faith Carter and they have two grown sons and two grandchildren.

Born:                            Kanawha, IA

Graduate:                      Waldorf College, Forest City

Airport Manager:          Clarion & Waterloo, IA

Dir. Of Aviation/Dir. Of Airports:  Springfield, IL, Peoria, IL, Quad City International Airport, Moline, IL

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