Startup Avelo boosts its presence in Florida with 3 new routes
Avelo Airlines hasn't operated its inaugural flight to Michigan yet, but it's already planning two new routes for the state.
The Houston-headquartered ultra-low-cost carrier on Thursday announced it will fly to the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) near Fort Myers from Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing and Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport (AZO). The seasonal service starts on Nov. 11 and will operate twice weekly.
In addition, the airline will launch flights between RSW and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Those flights are also seasonal and will start on Nov. 11.
Avelo last month announced flights between its base at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and those two cities in Michigan. That service begins just two weeks prior to RSW, on Oct. 26. The airline currently serves RDU from its other East Coast base, Connecticut's Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN).
One-way fares between both Michigan airports and Fort Myers start at $79. One-way fares between RDU and RSW start at $69.
Related: Startup airline Avelo adds 3 Florida routes from all-new destinations
"The addition of Fort Myers to our LAN and AZO schedules makes traveling to Florida even more affordable and convenient," Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said of the new Michigan routes in a statement. "Southwest and Mid-Michigan residents can now choose from two sun-soaked nonstop destinations — Orlando and Florida's majestic Gulf Coast. Say hello to quick, easy and cost-friendly hometown airport access to The Sunshine State and say goodbye to long, expensive and gas-guzzling drives to those other distant Michigan airports."
Avelo faces no competition on any of these three routes.
The new routes — and their seasonal nature — show that the airline continues to view Florida as a key part of its growth strategy and that it hopes to capitalize on those planning a visit the Sunshine State this holiday season. In addition to bases in New Haven and Orlando, Avelo also has a West Coast base at the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Its New Haven base is by far its largest and has grown quickly since its first flight from that base in November of last year.
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