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Allegiant Airlines establishes operational base at Flint Bishop International Airport

Flint Bishop International Airport is gaining a new airline next year, bringing in 77 million in private investments and creating 88 new high-wage jobs in Flint.

Officials say Flint was selected by Allegiant because the market of the area provided itself valuable to the company. Allegiant began operating at Bishop international Airport in 2017, and at that time accounted for six percent of air traffic at the airport. Today, they have grown to make up fifty four percent.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in coordination with the Michigan Strategic Fund, provided a $200,000 job creation grant to the company.

“This is big, because this is going to be a trickle-down effect throughout the region. These jobs and these employees are going to be based here in flint so they're going to buy homes in the community, or rent, or spend money in the community.” said Nino Sapone, the Chief Executive officer of the Bishop International Airport.

The project is currently undergoing renovations and beginning hiring. Officials say the establishment of Allegiant Air will greatly benefit the community.

Kylie Sczepanski is a newsroom intern at WCMU.