Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air is acquiring up to 13 twin-engine MD-80 jets and 12 spare engines, giving the company the flexibility to expand its fleet or cut maintenance costs.
The company announced today that it has entered a purchase agreement with Scandinavian Airlines System to buy the jets and engines in 2012 and 2013. Allegiant did not disclose the purchase price.
The company said the deal is primarily for replacing engines that will be due for major overhauls in the next two years, optimizing engine-related maintenance expenses. The agreement also gives the airline, which specializes in flights between small cities and resort destinations, the flexibility to increase the size of its MD-80 fleet if demand warrants it.
SAS, which operates in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, has sold aircraft to Allegiant in the past.