ILM adds new flight destination

Wilmington’s airport has a new non stop destination courtesy of Allegiant Air.

The low cost carrier is offering non stop flights to Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg.

A sluggish economy and rising oil prices add up to a difficult time for the aviation industry but ILM keeps growing. Allegiant Air has added a non-stop flight.

Bill Kopp, New Hanover County Commissioner said “In this economic environment, a lot of small regional airports like ours are losing destinations, so yes, this is great.”

The economic downturn does not seem to have affected Allegiant travelers from Wilmington International.

Allegiant Air flew out of ILM for the first time in April to the Orlando-Sanford airport. Since then, demand for tickets warranted the added destination of St. Petersberg-Clearwater International Airport.

John Feyes of Allegiant Air is happy with the communities acceptance. “The community supported our service, they flew us non stop, and it was time to come back and add service to Tampa/St. Pete.”

Travelers said the added destination is not only a sign of growth but a measure of convenience.

“I think this is good news. The more choices people have to fly out of Wilmington, the better it is” said a local frequent traveler.

The price also seems to be right. Tickets start at $49 one-way if you buy them before October 15, 2008 for travel by February 5, 2008. After that, regular one-way fairs start at $69.

Flights take off and land on Thursdays and Sundays. The first flight to St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport takes off November 20, 2008.