For the second time in less than a week, Allegiant Airlines is in the spotlight for mechanical issues that have led to emergency landings.
Wednesday morning, pilots leaving Orlando were forced to land in Jacksonville after a pressurization issue.
This latest tech trouble comes in the midst of a 3-year-long battle between pilots and Allegiant execs over aircraft safety.
In a letter released by airline union "Teamsters", Allegiant pilots say: "the fleet is plagued by persistent mechanical problems due to poor equipment and the company's unwillingness to invest in its operation."
These claims surprised people that Fox 4 spoke to at the Punta Gorda airport.
"It should be investigated," said Fred Daler. "You got to have safe equipment.”
Frequent Allegiant flyer Judy Murphy says she enjoys the convenience of the so-called no-frills carrier, but is concerned with the claims of faulty aircrafts. "This is an eye opener, this letter,” said Murphy. “Unfortunately there are a lot of business people that prefer making the dollars to the safety of passengers.”
That's also the assertion Allegiant pilots have made, who allege the company is putting profits over passenger safety.
Fox 4 contacted Allegiant Airlines to get their side of the story.
In a statement the company said they have addressed the concerns in the letter...and are "focused on reaching a contract that is beneficial to our pilots, the company and our passengers."
But the frequent mechanical failures leave travelers like Judy wondering about safety. “I definitely would prefer safety over convenience," said Judy.
