Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) today begins operating flights with Indiana-based crews and aircraft from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), providing a foundation for future growth in the Hoosier State. Allegiant's 13th permanent base of operations opens with two Airbus aircraft and more than 80 locally based personnel.

The Indianapolis base is expected to significantly boost Allegiant's economic impact in the state of Indiana. According to a recent study by Campbell-Hill Aviation, in 2016 Allegiant generated more than $118 million in economic benefit to the state, bringing more than 68,000 new visitors and supporting more than 1,000 jobs.

"We're excited about the growth we've seen in Indianapolis, and the many opportunities ahead that our aircraft base will bring," said Scott Sheldon, Allegiant executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. "By continuing to grow our operations and contribute even more to the community and economy, we look to become a true hometown airline for Indianapolis flyers."

With a unique focus on leisure travelers, Allegiant flies all nonstop service built around an "out-and-back" model whereby aircraft and crews return to base after a day of flying. Having aircraft and crew based in Indianapolis affords the opportunity for additional routes to non-base cities such as Charleston, South Carolina and Sarasota, Florida – two recently announced routes set to begin service in April.

Allegiant expects to add a third aircraft to the Indianapolis base later this year.

"The value of our airport hinges on travelers being able to get 'there' from here, and Allegiant's business model has been instrumental in connecting our leisure travelers with a number of unserved and underserved markets – and in a very short period of time, too," said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. "It is that kind of commitment and investment that has enabled the Indy airport to break an all-time record with access to 51 nonstop destinations and puts us among the top 10 most-connected airports in the United States. That is value that feeds the Indianapolis and regional economies."

Allegiant currently serves 25 routes from four cities in the state of Indiana, including flights from Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville. The airline began operating out of Indianapolis in February 2015, and now offers nonstop service to 14 cities.

Known as the Crossroads of America, Indiana is within a one-day drive to 60 percent of the U.S. population and is home to more than 1,700 miles of interstate, three international ports, the second-largest FedEx hub in the world and the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport.

"Indiana continues to soar to new heights with its skilled workforce, pro-growth business environment and best in the nation airport," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. "We're thrilled Allegiant found a recipe for success in Indiana, committing to create good, high-wage jobs for Hoosiers and enhance Indiana's connectivity through new, nonstop services from our international and regional airports. With Hoosiers at the forefront of our mind, we'll enhance economic opportunities, livability and connectivity for Hoosier businesses and travelers, and continue to provide companies like Allegiant with the tools they need to grow and succeed."