New Punta Gorda flight

PUNTA GORDA — Discount airline Allegiant on Wednesday inaugurated nonstop jet service from Punta Gorda Airport in Charlotte County to South Bend, Ind.

The new flight operates twice a week and introductory fares cost $95 each way.

Allegiant recently announced plans to launch nonstop jet service to additional cities from Punta Gorda this month, including Fort Wayne, Ind., Niagara Falls, N.Y., and Peoria, Ill.

The discount airline has established a base of operations at the Punta Gorda Airport with one 150-seat MD 80 aircraft, as well as the flight attendants and airport personnel.