Manhattan Regional Airport is now offering flights twice a week through Allegiant Air to Phoenix-Mesa, Arizona.

The inaugural flight to Phoenix-Mesa left Manhattan today at 3:30 p.m. with over 130 passengers.  MHK and Allegiant announced their partnership back in August.

Peter Van Kuren, Airport Director said that the public’s response has gone extremely well and,”now folk’s will get on the flight, they’ll experience the travel to Arizona and back and I think they will tell their friends and we should have a pretty good go of it.”

Eric Fletcher, Airports Manager for Allegiant Air explained that they chose to partner with MHK because it under serves the region,”There is a lot of people looking to have valuable travel options, looking to get out and book a good vacation. There’s not enough air service as there should be, we saw it, thought it would be a great opportunity and wanted to fly here.”

Van Kuren noted the growth of the region as a reason for the additional air service,”We’re just part of it. We are providing a service here that is in response to the demand and in response to the growth that’s going on throughout the region.”

The flights to Phoenix-Mesa will be offered twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays.