A mere week after launching operations in California, ultra-low-cost startup Avelo Airlines has announced it will be expanding its operations to the East Coast. From the third quarter of 2021, Avelo will open a second base at Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut, the airline said Thursday.

Sees enormous potential at HVN

Avelo Airlines, flying out of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) since April 28th, says it will be operating a single-class configuration Boeing 737-700NG to HVN. This means that it will take on more aircraft before Q3 as it currently only operates 737-800s.

It hopes the 737 will provide a more comfortable and attractive mainline jet experience for travelers from and to Southern Connecticut, compared to the smaller regional jets currently flying to the airport. Destinations are yet to be announced.

"We are very excited to partner with HVN as we begin to build our East Coast operations. Our surprisingly low fares and refreshingly smooth travel experience are sure to be embraced by residents of Southern Connecticut," said Avelo's Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy in a statement.

"Tweed New Haven has enormous potential, and our first East Coast base is great news for Avelo, New Haven, East Haven, and other local communities," Mr Levy continued.

Avelo Ribbon Cutting
CEO Andrew Levy, who has formerly held positions at Allegiant and United, cutting a ribbon before the inaugural flights. Photo: Avelo Airlines

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More than 100 staff by the end of 2021

Tweed New Haven Airport is one of only two airports in Connecticut with regularly scheduled commercial service, the other being Bradley International in Windsor Locks. It is served by American Airlines under its American Eagle brand, with flights operated by PSA Airlines and Republic Airlines.

Avelo Airlines is coming in with a $1.2 million investment towards the upgrade and modernization of the airport's operations. It expects to employ more than 100 crewmembers at its new base by the end of the year. This includes pilots, cabin crew, customer support personnel, and technicians, most of whom will be hired locally.

"It is critically important for us to work with partners who share our ideals to maintain the convenience that people love about Tweed New Haven, while respecting the existing character of the local cities and their communities that we serve," Sean Scanlon, Executive Director of Tweed New Haven Airport Authority, said.

"We cannot imagine a better air partner to do this with than Avelo, as an airline that prioritizes people with a culture of service," he continued.

American E175LR
A key standout this week is America's new offerings from Austin. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying.

New carbon-neutral terminal

The investment from Avelo is part of a larger modernization project, estimated at $100 million. The airport's operator Avports told Patch that it plans to build a new, carbon-neutral terminal and to extend the existing runway.

While travelers out of HVN may well prefer the Boeing 737s to the Embraers and Bombardiers, as Avelo's CEO hopes, this will depend on the destination being the right one. Even with attractive pricing and more comfort, it is hard to beat the connectivity of flying with American. We shall have to wait and see how the two airlines get along in Connecticut.

What do you make of Avelo Airlines' quick expansion? Is it the right time for it? Leave a comment below and let us know.