A new low-cost airline has appeared in the USA: what is Avelo Airlines, where and for how long does it fly

Since the start of the pandemic, not one, but two new US airlines have launched: Avelo Airlines, which began flights from Burbank, California in April 2021, and Breeze Airways, which began flights in May. The Breeze has received more attention so far due to its enlarged route map and large air fleet. But Avelo has its own interesting strategies focused on the convenience of passengers, such as focusing on underutilized airports and various perks such as low-cost baggage fees. Aviation advisor to the nonprofit Consumer Reports Advocacy William McGee told the publication Conde Nast Traveler, why you should pay attention to Avelo Airlines.

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“I have previously opposed the mega-mergers of Delta-Northwest, United-Continental and American-US Airways because of the effect they would have on the industry as a whole, such as higher fares,” McGee writes. “So I was very excited to try out Avelo in flight, especially since the carrier is the first to launch scheduled passenger service in the United States since the launch of the now-defunct Virgin America in 2007—the longest stretch without a new carrier since its inception.” industry in 1914."

McGee was flying from Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, one of several newly launched routes from the small Connecticut airport to Florida.

In fact, Avelo's operations are split in half on each coast of the United States: in the west, the company uses Boeing 737-800s to connect its home airport in Burbank with 12 other cities in the region. In the east, it flies a Boeing 737-700 exclusively between Connecticut and Florida.

"They're really different, like two different small airlines," says Andrew Levy, chairman and CEO of Avelo Airlines.

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“My flight was on a 14-year-old Boeing 737-700 and I really enjoyed it and the fare was only $29,” McGee writes.

Tweed-New Haven Airport is a tiny facility hidden among suburban homes whose longest runway is just 5600 feet (1,7 km). But Avelo plans to have 100 crews and employees there by the end of the year.

The airport currently boasts one modest snack bar and a small seating area.

But Avelo's long-term plan includes investing $ 1,2 million in a new terminal, which is slated to open within two to three years.

“The flight itself went smoothly and on time, and the staff were friendly. Inside, the plane is equipped with only one economy class, the seats are a little cramped. The service consisted of free water and cookies,” McGee writes.

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There is no doubt that this is an inexpensive trip. Even though the rates are cheap, Avelo charges extra for most services. Fees apply for seat selection, priority boarding, checked baggage and carry-on baggage. However, the fees are not too high, with most starting at $5 or $10. Compare that to most carriers' baggage rates, which typically start at $30. Plus, there are no change or cancellation fees and free phone booking - a real bonus in the age of flight cancellations.

“One thing that is problematic about the new Connecticut-Florida service is the frequency of flights, such as only three times a week to Tampa. I was flying one way because there were no flights to Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday and Wednesday,” McGee writes. “I took JetBlue back to Hartford and took public transportation back to my car.”

Levy says Avelo is prioritizing new destinations over seven-day service on existing routes.

So far, Avelo has been doing very well on time on both coasts, but the risk is always there. Deliveries of four more aircraft in early 2022 should help. Meanwhile, Levy notes that Avelo is clearly avoiding direct competition on both coasts with carriers such as Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska.

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