ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES A CHANGE IN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Rhea-AI Summary

Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) announced the immediate departure of Chief Operating Officer Keny F. Wilper after 23 years with the company. Tyler Hollingsworth, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, will serve as interim COO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.

Wilper, who joined in 2002, was instrumental in transforming Allegiant into an ultra-low-cost carrier and developing the airline's first ancillary inflight and baggage programs. He will remain as an advisor during the transition.

Hollingsworth, who has been with Allegiant since 2010, brings extensive experience from his roles as Vice President of Safety and Security and Senior VP of Flight Operations. He currently oversees the airline's Operation Control Center and manages more than half of the company's 6,100 employees. Under his leadership, Allegiant received recognition as a "Seven-Star airline for safety and COVID-19 protection" from Airline Ratings.

Positive

• Smooth leadership transition with experienced internal candidate
• Departing COO remains as advisor ensuring continuity
• Interim COO oversees 50% of company's 6,100 employees
• Company maintains strong operational leadership structure

Negative

• Unexpected departure of long-term COO with 23 years experience
• Uncertainty period during search for permanent COO replacement

LAS VEGAS, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) announced that Chief Operating Officer Keny F. Wilper will step down effective today. He will stay on as an advisor while the company conducts a search for his successor. Tyler Hollingsworth, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, will serve as interim COO. 

Mr. Wilper has had an illustrious 23-year career with Allegiant, during which he served in several key operations roles. Shortly after joining the company in 2002, he began working with the team to shape Allegiant into an ultra-low-cost carrier. Notably, Mr. Wilper helped develop the airline's first-ever ancillary inflight and baggage programs, which have been a cornerstone of Allegiant's business model. Throughout his career, he has held critical leadership roles, each contributing to the company's operational strength and financial performance.

"Keny has been instrumental in our company's success," said Gregory C. Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allegiant. "As COO, his leadership and collaborative approach greatly improved our operations. His legacy includes the strong team he has helped develop. I speak on behalf of Team Allegiant in thanking Keny for his many years of service and contributions."

Mr. Wilper said he is grateful to his colleagues and the entire Allegiant team.

"The decision to step down from my role as COO was not made lightly, but I need to take time away to focus on my family, who have faced some significant challenges," Mr. Wilper said. "It has been a tremendous privilege to be part of this company. When I first joined Allegiant, I had high hopes that we would become a successful airline. We have far surpassed my dreams, becoming not just an airline but a driving force in leisure travel. I've had the pleasure of working alongside the most passionate, dedicated, and hard-working team members in the industry. I am proud of all we have accomplished together and confident in the bright future that lies ahead for Allegiant. I look forward to continuing my work for Allegiant in a different capacity, confident that the operation is in good hands with a skilled and talented leadership team." 

Mr. Hollingsworth has been with the company since 2010. After operating as a line pilot for four years, he assumed the role of Vice President of Safety and Security. In this position, he led a team through a consolidation of the Safety and Security departments at Allegiant, implementing a transformative methodology for safety system design. His vision led to Allegiant's adoption of an integrated data management approach, facilitating robust oversight and hazard identification programs. In addition, his contribution  during the COVID-19 pandemic were instrumental, and his leadership resulted in the airline being recognized by Airline Ratings as a "Seven-Star airline for safety and COVID-19 protection."

Following his success in Safety and Security, Mr. Hollingsworth was promoted into the role of Senior Vice President of Flight Operations. He currently oversees the airline's Operation Control Center, Flight Operations, and Inflight Operations, as well as more than half of the company's 6,100 employees.

Mr. Hollingsworth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics, aviation and aerospace science and technology from Everglades University.  

"Tyler's extensive experience, dedication and outstanding leadership provides us conviction that we will maintain our momentum and continue to enhance our strong operations. He has shown an exceptional ability to unite teams in navigating challenges and making well-considered decisions. These attributes make him the right choice for the role of interim COO." Mr. Anderson said.

Allegiant – Together We Fly^TM
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant's fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF

Allegiant Media Contact
Phone: 702-800-2020
Email: mediarelations@allegiantair.com

 

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SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company

FAQ

Why did Allegiant's COO Keny Wilper step down from ALGT?

Keny Wilper stepped down to focus on family matters, citing significant challenges. He will remain with ALGT as an advisor during the transition period.

Who is the interim COO replacing Keny Wilper at ALGT?

Tyler Hollingsworth, previously Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, will serve as interim COO of Allegiant.

What are Tyler Hollingsworth's qualifications as ALGT's interim COO?

Hollingsworth has been with Allegiant since 2010, serving as VP of Safety and Security and SVP of Flight Operations, overseeing half of the company's 6,100 employees.

What major achievements did Keny Wilper accomplish during his tenure at ALGT?

Wilper helped transform Allegiant into an ultra-low-cost carrier and developed the airline's first ancillary inflight and baggage programs during his 23-year career.