Bay Area/ North SF Bay Area/ Transportation & Infrastructure
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Published on February 21, 2024
Avelo Airlines Bolsters Bay Area Flights, Adding Four New Routes from Sonoma CountySource: OrangeRye, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a bold expansion move, Avelo Airlines has announced it will be doubling its nonstop routes from the Bay Area's Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. The new destinations—Boise, Idaho; Kalispell, Montana; Portland/Salem, Oregon; and Pasco, Washington—are a leap from four to eight routes, the airline revealed on Wednesday.

The announcement, which was made amid a celebration replete with local dignitaries and Avelo officials, marks a significant increase in the travel options for Bay Area residents. Andrew Levy, Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO, stated, "Sonoma County Airport is by far the Bay Area’s best airport – it's small, smooth and seamless travel experience is unmatched by any other airport in the region." According to an official statement from Avelo Airlines, Levy expressed his enthusiasm about the growth prospects tied to the new base set to open in May.

Jon Stout, STS Airport Manager, shared his outlook on the expansion, noting, "This is the single largest announcement of new destinations at one time in the airport’s history." This development is not just about connecting more places but also about connecting people, showcasing the depth of possibilities that come from such new air service.

Starting in May 2024, travelers can look forward to the convenience of direct flights to picturesque Montana and the tech corridors of Idaho, among other destinations. Avelo will commence these new routes on Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, with introductory fares tempting travelers with a starting price as low as $62. With this expansion, Avelo anticipates hiring around 50 crew members for the Sonoma County base, including Pilots, Flight Attendants, and Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

Prospective flights to these new locales are scheduled to begin operation with varying start dates and flight frequencies. Portland/Salem will see flights starting on May 3, and Pasco routes will launch on May 1, with select weekday flights. The expanded service from Avelo also invites travelers to explore job opportunities as the company grows. Information regarding careers at Avelo can be found directly on their website.