KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) — The folks at McGhee Tyson Airport say Allegiant Airlines is responding to their requests for more air service. With travel up at McGhee Tyson, more flights could soon follow.

Part of that deal is Allegiants’ announcement they will house a crew base here in our community. Two planes will be here all the time as well as maintenance and all the supplies they may need during a flight.

Jim Evans with Knoxville’s airport authority told Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association leaders Thursday the new base will eventually lead to more expanded flight options on Allegiant. He says tourism in the Smoky Mountains is a major part of that.

“It’s a regional airport for all of east Tennessee. So we’re Pigeon Forge’s airport, we’re Gatlinburg’s airport. We’re Union County’s airport. Things are going great, numbers are up, more flights to more places everyday,” said Jim Evans, Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.

Right now, the number one flight for all of air travel is the Allegiant flight out of the airport to Newark, New Jersey, right outside of New York City.