News in brief

NW airport to get

Destin flight in June

HIGHFILL -- Allegiant Airlines announced Tuesday a new, nonstop, seasonal route from Northwest Arkansas to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Fla., that is expected to take flight in June.

The flights will operate twice weekly from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

"At Allegiant, we really appreciate the support of the Northwest Arkansas community," said Daniel Meyer, manager of airports for the carrier. "On June 6th will be our first departure from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Destin. We're going to have introductory fares starting at $68 one way."

Kelly Johnson, airport manager, said the future of the route will depend on popularity.

"If you don't use service, you lose that service," she said. "We managed to reel these guys in, so let's take full advantage of this opportunity."

Allegiant also offers nonstop service from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla.

-- NWA Democrat-Gazette

Murphy Oil's Eckart

preparing to retire

John Eckart, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Murphy Oil Corp., has announced his plans to retire.

Eckart, 59, joined El Dorado-based Murphy in 1990 as auditing manager and was promoted to his current position in 2015, the company said.

The company said it already has begun a search for Eckart's successor and said he will remain in his job to help with the transition until a successor is named.

Roger Jenkins, Murphy's president and chief executive officer, praised Eckart for his "sound strategic advice in managing the financial affairs of the company."

Eckart, in a statement released by the company, said he is "enthusiastic for Murphy as it enters this year with a solid portfolio of assets and robust business opportunities."

-- Stephen Steed

Arkansas Index adds

5.12; 14 issues gain

The Arkansas Index, a price-weighted index that tracks the largest public companies based in the state, climbed 5.12 to 406.23 Tuesday.

Fourteen stocks moved higher and four fell back.

"Wall Street enjoyed gains for a third straight session, buoyed by Amazon.com and Apple, while investors focused on inflation data to be released today," said Chris Harkins, managing director with Raymond James & Associates in Little Rock.

Total volume for the index was 20.5 million shares.

The index was developed by Bloomberg News and the Democrat-Gazette with a base value of 100 as of Dec. 30, 1997.

Business on 02/14/2018

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