Allegiant chief operating officer resigns

The chief operating officer of Allegiant Air has resigned after just over a year on the job. according to the Las Vegas-based airline.

Steve Harfst, 52, joined the company as COO in December 2014. Before Allegiant, Harfst was the chief operating officer at IndiGo Airlines based in New Delhi, India.

Allegiant, in a news release, said it will use the 'leadership change” as an opportunity to refocus on operational needs and areas for improvement.

Harfst' resignation follows questions about the low-cost airline's safety record and several incidents involving emergency landings and mechanical issues. Allegiant recently ordered additional training for pilots and dispatchers after a plane had to land because it was low on fuel.

A former Allegiant pilot also is suing the airline for firing him after he ordered an emergency evacuation when he saw smoke was detected in a jet engine.

Allegiant has been involved in a labor dispute with its pilots, who voted to unionize two years ago. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents the pilots, contends the airline has reduced benefits, but a federal appeals court in April 2015 blocked the pilots' efforts to strike.

Allegiant serves The Eastern Iowa Airport with direct flights to destinations in the southeast and southwest United States.