Allegiant Air will open a new base at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. The $42.8 million expansion will create at least 66 new jobs and bring new aircraft and routes to Grand Rapids.

This morning, The Right Place, Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced the expansion. The new base will house two Airbus-series aircraft which bring the flexibility to add additional routes in the future.

Two new routes were announced separately this morning. Beginning this June, Allegiant Air will add nonstop flights to both Nashville and Savannah from Grand Rapids.There could be more routes to come with the expansion. Today, Allegiant flies to seven nonstop destinations from Grand Rapids, including five in Florida, one in Arizona and one in Nevada.

Today's announcement was one of several for Allegiant Air. Allegiant announced a total of 16 new routes, including their first flights into Alaska.

More From 98.7 WFGR