LAS VEGAS (KMJ/AP) Low-cost carrier Allegiant Air has responded to claims made in a “60 Minutes” investigation, which alleged numerous mechanical incidents have been impacting safety on board.
The CBS report, which aired Sunday, revealed figures from the Federal Aviation Administration showing in-flight breakdowns to be three-and-a-half times more likely on Allegiant Air than services operated by American, United, Delta, JetBlue or Spirit.
Allegiant Air flies between Las Vegas and Fresno Yosemite International. Callers to KMJ described incidents of engine failure, significant delays, and shaking inside the cabin during normal conditions.
“My brother and sister-in-law were on the show together, as a result of our continued harassment of Allegiant on Facebook,” explained Scott Shuemake.
Shuemake said he was on board a flight which had landed in Fresno and began filling with fumes and smoke. Shuemake added that efforts to contact officials about the incident has resulted in silence.
“We only found out yesterday that, thanks to the ’60 Minutes’ reporting, that it was hazardous hydraulic fluid that we were breathing.
“It wasn’t just a simple light mist as the press release that they put out [said], before we were even out of the airport.”
In an open letter to customers, Allegiant’s Vice President of Operations said he was outraged about the report.
“The story is outdated, bears no resemblance to the Allegiant I know, and shows a real and troubling misunderstanding of the FAA’s rigorous oversight of Allegiant and all US airlines, which is truly the worldwide gold standard in transportation safety,” wrote Captain Eric Gust.
“To you, a member of our Allegiant family of travelers, I want to be very clear: safety is at the core of every aspect of our operation, every day.
“Allegiant complies with all FAA requirements and participates in numerous voluntary safety programs to ensure we operate at the highest possible standard.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
