LONDON – US ultra low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines will take flight for the first time today from the Delaware Valley’s most convenient airport – Wilmington Airport (ILG).
Avelo Airlines’ inaugural flight will depart for Orlando at 10:00 a.m. ET – the first of five nonstop Florida destinations Avelo begins serving this week.
The fourth operating base
The opening of Avelo’s fourth base at ILG today unlocks a new era of convenient, affordable and reliable air service for the Delaware Valley region.
Avelo’s new ILG base will enable nonstop flights to five popular Florida destinations: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA) and West Palm Beach (PBI).
Avelo Airlines will fly to Fort Lauderdale on Thursdays and Sundays; Fort Myers on Mondays and Fridays; Orlando on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays; Tampa on Thursdays and Sundays; and West Palm Beach on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To commemorate today’s base opening, Avelo is operating a special inaugural flight to Orlando International Airport – Central Florida’s most convenient and popular airport.
Avelo’s Chairman and CEO will welcome customers aboard with a commemorative boarding pass before joining the flight himself.
Management statements
Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Delaware Valley – it’s time to say Hello, Avelo! Last October, we announced our plans to bring convenient, affordable and reliable air service to the Delaware Valley region.”
“The strong booking trends we are seeing across all five Florida routes make it abundantly clear that people throughout this four-state region are excited about the faster and easier way Avelo will get them to The Sunshine State.”
U.S. Senator Tom Carper said, “Like so many Delawareans, I am excited to say hello to Avelo as the airline returns commercial service to Wilmington Airport.”
“Keeping our local airports safe, convenient, and operational is an all-hands-on-deck effort, and I welcome Avelo Airlines’ commitment to our region.”
Delaware Governor John Carney said, “We are excited to welcome Avelo Airlines to Delaware. Avelo provides passengers from our region an affordable and convenient way to travel.”
“Recent investments in Wilmington Airport’s infrastructure will lead to an effortless travel experience. Thank you to Avelo for choosing Delaware.”
A huge welcome ceremony
Officials from Avelo and the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) will celebrate the occasion with a Delaware Air National Guard and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) color guard ceremony.
There will also be a ceremonial flyover by a Delaware State University Aviation Program student piloting a Piper Arrow aircraft. For 130 years DSU has been one of America’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Finally, a water salute will be performed by the ILG Fire and Rescue Team as Avelo’s first flight taxis to the runway.
Avelo Airlines at ILG
Avelo is basing one Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737-700 at ILG.
The airline has hired approximately 50 part-time and fulltime Crewmembers (employees) based at ILG, including Airport Customer Service, Aircraft Technical Operations and Maintenance, Flight Attendants, Pilots and Supervisors.
Avelo is considering adding a second 737 later this year — enabling additional destinations and more ILG-based jobs.
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