Central Oregon will have nonstop flights to Las Vegas for the first time since 2012, Redmond Airport announced Monday.

Sun Country Airlines will begin twice-a-week service to McCarran International Airport on Sept. 5. The flights will run on Sundays and Thursdays through Dec. 15.

Las Vegas is the most requested route from Redmond, Airport Manager Zach Bass said. Flights formerly operated by Allegiant Airlines were typically about 90 percent full, he said.

“There’s a lot of talk about why they left,” Bass said. Allegiant, which ended its service in August 2012, told airport officials it wanted to use the aircraft in a different market, he said.

Sun Country, based in Minneapolis-St. Paul, will use either a Boeing 737-700 or a 737-800 with at least 150 seats, Bass said. Tickets are available now at Suncountry.com.

Sun Country operates 95 routes across 54 airports, according to a press release. The airline first expanded beyond its home base in June 2018 with service from Dallas-Fort Worth; Madison, Wisconsin; Portland; and St. Louis.

Sun Country has grown its route network 80 percent since 2018, according to the press release.

Bass said he met Sun Country representatives at an air service conference in Phoenix a few months ago. The airline will receive the airport’s standard incentive package, which was modified for the nondaily, seasonal service. Sun Country will receive $25,000 in local marketing assistance and a waiver of landing fees for up to six months, he said.

Like other low-cost carriers, Sun Country focuses on leisure travelers.

A company spokeswoman said via email that 90% of routes are seasonal, and the schedule reflects the peak demand period.

Sun Country advertises fares starting at $69 but charges for carry-on and checked bags. The airline’s policy allows one free personal item, which can be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger, the spokeswoman said. A carry-on or checked bag can be paid for online in advance of the flight for $30. Prices increase when passengers pay for their bags at the airport.

Fees will also be added for advance seat assignments, the spokeswoman said. There is no charge for seats assigned at check-in.

All Sun Country flights include new seats, free in-flight entertainment and a complimentary nonalcoholic beverage, the spokeswoman said. Most Sun Country aircraft also have USB power outlets for guests to charge their devices.

— Reporter: 541-617-7860, kmclaughlin@bendbulletin.com