LONDON – Earlier this week saw Avelo Airlines announce the opening of a new base in Raleigh-Durham, as the airline’s expansion continues in full flow.

It is understood that the base will open in February 2023, giving Avelo significant passage to expand out of the North Carolina basin.

From RDU, Avelo currently serves Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport — Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). Since launching this service last May, Avelo has flown more than 25,000 Customers on more than 200 flights between RDU and HVN.

The airline will initially position one Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 at RDU and plans to add a second 737 in the first quarter of 2023.

Over the next two years, Avelo plans to base as many as five to seven aircraft at RDU, which will fly hundreds of thousands of Customers annually.

RDU will be Avelo’s fifth base.

The airline currently operates bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Avelo will open its fourth base in early February at Delaware Valley’s Wilmington Airport (ILG).

Six New Routes…

Six new routes will open under the Avelo arsenal during the base opening, which are as follows:

• Orlando (MCO)
  Effective February 2, 2023 – Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
• Tampa (TPA)
  Effective February 3, 2023 – Monday and Friday
  Effective February 16, 2023 – Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  Effective February 16, 2023 – Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
• Fort Myers (RSW)
  Effective February 16, 2023 – Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday
• Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ)
  Effective February 17, 2023 – Monday, Friday, and Saturday
• West Palm Beach (PBI)
  Effective February 17, 2023 – Monday, Friday, and Saturday

Executive Comments…

Commenting on the base opening was Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy:

“RDU, say hello to more growth! Our Triangle-area Customers tell us they have loved flying Avelo since we took flight at RDU last May. Our six new nonstop Florida routes are just the beginning.”

“Establishing RDU as Avelo’s fifth base will enable us to bring affordable and convenient nonstop access to even more destinations. We appreciate the warm reception Avelo has received from Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas – we look forward to bolstering our presence in this vibrant community with the opening of Avelo’s new base here in February.”

Also commenting on the opening was Michael Languth, the President & CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority:

“The Research Triangle has long been recognized as one of the best places in the country to live, work and visit. We are excited to see Avelo expand its footprint at RDU and create exciting new job opportunities at the airport.”

Overall…

It remains clear that it is full steam ahead for Avelo as their number of bases begins to increase steadily.

Looking ahead, it’s going to be interesting to see where else the carrier aims to expand to and what sort of success they could have in the long term towards the middle of the decade.

It is clear that as the U.S comes out of the COVID-19 p[andemic, air travel is restoring itself at an alarming rate, with Avelo very keen to take advantage of that.