Allegiant Airlines, which has been dogged by maintenance issues in recent months, has slammed a report on the airline’s safety record, calling it ‘irresponsible and reckless.’
The report by the Aviation Mechanics Coalition Inc, which is part of the Teamsters union, highlighted ‘at least 98 separate and preventable maintenance issues.’
The report said this include ’35 engine issues such as failures to start, clogged filters and two instances of catastrophic engine failures in which engines came apart.’
It also found several instance of smoke in the cabin and pressurization during the five month period.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant called the report a bargaining ploy in labor contract talks.
The Teamsters represent Allegiant pilots.
"The Teamsters Aviation Mechanics Coalition has never inspected a single Allegiant aircraft and has no firsthand knowledge of our operation," said Jessica Wheeler, head of media relations at Allegiant.
"It has a history of manipulating the media to attempt to exert pressure on contract negotiations. It is irresponsible and reckless for the Teamsters to make unfounded claims regarding safety. Allegiant is a safe airline, and our robust maintenance program goes above and beyond manufacturer and FAA recommendations and guidelines."
"To insinuate otherwise as a means of gaining leverage at the bargaining table is irresponsible. Furthermore, it is demeaning to the vast network of aviation professionals at Allegiant," Wheeler added.
The group said it had been logging maintenance issues independently since 2014.
