Just a month after stretching its wings with initial flights out of Jacksonville International Airport, Avelo Airlines has unveiled plans for a new nonstop flight connecting the people of Jacksonville to the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region starting this summer. Beginning May 23, the low-cost carrier will operate flights to and from the Wilmington Airport in New Castle, Delaware, which positions travelers a stone's throw—roughly 40 miles—from the cobblestone streets of Philadelphia.
The new route—exclusive as claimed by the airline—will operate on a twice-weekly schedule with departures every Monday and Friday, First Coast News reports. Avelo's Founder and CEO Andrew Levy, in a statement obtained by First Coast News, expressed pride in the announcement, "This new route continues to highlight Avelo’s convenient, affordable and industry-leading reliability" and aims to bring Avelo travelers in close proximity to Northeast Florida's attractions.
With one-way fares beginning at a modest $59, the introduction of the new nonstop flight is anticipated to bolster tourism in Northeast Florida while providing an economical travel solution to residents seeking to experience the charm the Wilmington and Philadelphia regions offer. "Their newest nonstop will help increase tourism to Northeast Florida while also giving the local community an affordable option to the Wilmington and Philadelphia regions," Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh said in a release noted by News4JAX.
According to Avelo's communications manager Courtney Goff during a Jax Daily Record interview, the airline is actively exploring additional future flight options, although she declined to specify the destinations she did note that they'd likely be located in the Northeast. Goff emphasized the importance of timing and readiness, saying, "It's all about making sure the timing is right and having all of our airplanes equipped and ready to go for it."
The company has become the 10th carrier to grace Jacksonville International Airport and already offers nonstop services from Jacksonville to New Haven, Connecticut which began on February 14. Avelo continues to broaden its horizon serving 50 destinations across the United States, and beyond, with direct flights to Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic solidifying its presence as a contender in the budget-friendly airspace.
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