Allegiant Airlines Back in the Air with Upgraded MD 80s

Allegiant Airlines, which provides service out of Santa Maria, has all of its MD-80 jetliners back in service after overhauling its emergency exit slides.

Allegiant officials said they did not overhaul the emergency chutes every year as they’re required to do.

52 jets were taken out of service by the Las Vegas-based carrier while the repairs were made.

The carrier says 65 planes were upgraded.

Allegiant provides flights from Santa Maria to Las Vegas and Hawaii.