The business models for JET2 and Allegiant ARE identical. Allegiant are concentrating on the MD80, while JET2 have opted for the B737 and B757. Now Allegiant is wanting to expand to Hawaii and have signed an agreement with Thomson to take 6 of their B752's. I assume the foregoing since Thomson is providing the first two B752s. This is Allegiant news:
Allegiant Travel Company announced it has signed a forward purchase agreement to acquire six Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
The introduction of the 757 aircraft will enable Allegiant to expand its leisure travel strategy into Hawaii with flights to be operated by Allegiant Air, LLC, its airline subsidiary.
Allegiant plans to take delivery of these aircraft and place them in service with Allegiant Air on the following schedule:
* Two aircraft delivered within the next two months to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2010
* One aircraft delivered in November 2010 and another in January 2011 to be placed into service in the first half of 2011
* Two aircraft delivered in the fourth quarter of 2011 with planned in-service dates in the first half of 2012
The six 757 aircraft are sister-ships and have been in service with a single European operator since original delivery from Boeing. The aircraft come equipped for extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS), as required for long overwater flights.
Allegiant expects to spend between $75 to 90 million through 2012 acquiring and preparing this fleet for service. While Allegiant is able to acquire and prepare the aircraft for cash, it believes it will finance some portion of the purchase.