By the Caribbean Journal staff

Leisure carrier Allegiant has big plans in Mexico.

The company, which specializes in connecting small-to-medium cities to vacation hotspots, has filed an application with the United States Department of Transportation to offer scheduled flights to Mexico.

It would be the company’s first venture into scheduled international flights.

“Allegiant has always been laser-focused on leisure travel and providing access to affordable, non-stop flights for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go on vacation,” said Maury Gallagher, chairman and chief executive officer of Allegiant. “Offering service to Mexico will provide a whole new array of options for travelers to discover world-class destinations that may have been previously out of reach.”

The company said projected dates and locations for the service launch would be announced at a later date “as the process moves forward.”

It’s likely any Mexico network would include Mexico’s vacation hub of Cancun, which has seen a massive influx of new airlift in recent years.

“We believe that providing scheduled service to Mexico will also be of great economic benefit, by stimulating traffic and providing additional competition in the international leisure market,” he continued. “It will not only bring exceptional value to travelers, but will also enhance both tourism and business impact in the communities we serve.”

Allegiant already operates several routes to the wider region, with nonstop flights from cities like Cincinnati and Pittsburgh to Puerto Rico.

— CJ