Avelo Airlines Plans Wilmington, Delaware Flights With Business Arrangement
On October 20, 2022, Avelo officially confirmed five new routes from Wilmington. View the article here.
Updated on October 14, 2022 to include more details on the upcoming announcement
Updated on October 6, 2022 to include new details on Avelo’s lease agreement.
Avelo Airlines could soon become the only airline to offer regular passenger flights out of Delaware. Avelo—which commenced operations last year—is planning a Comprehensive Business Arrangement with the Delaware River and Bay Authority—the agency that oversees Wilmington, Delaware’s New Castle Airport (ILG).
Within the last year, Avelo Airlines rapidly expanded its network in the eastern side of the United States, growing its available schedule from zero to 20 destinations. This growth is primarily fueled by its bases in New Haven (HVN) and Orlando (MCO). Avelo’s latest buildup comes from the addition of unserved routes between Florida and markets in the eastern United States. Now it appears Avelo is slated to expand its eastern presence with the addition of Wilmington, Delaware.
Photo by Avelo Airlines
The Delaware River and Bay Authority reveals that Avelo Airlines intends to enter an agreement to provide air service out of ILG Airport. The agreement is valid for five years—and could be extended for another five years—with flights expected to begin later in 2022. The Authority approved this agreement at a recent meeting with a 9-0 vote.
According to the Delaware River and Bay Authority:
”Avelo Airlines has approached the Authority about a desire to begin scheduled commercial service operations at the Wilmington Airport ILG. The airport is a certified FAR Part 139 airport by the FAA, which allows for the operation of commercial air carriers. The airline has requested to begin operations at the airport late in 2022. Staff have been working with the airline to place the airport in a position (TSA screening, parking requirements, ground handling services, etc.) to begin these operations at that time.”
The DRBA’s arrangement with Avelo Airlines
Additionally, in late September the Delaware River and Bay Authority approved Avelo’s request to lease 3,900 square feet of hangar and office space at an annual rate of $23,400.
Here are the details from the Delaware River and Bay Authority:
“The Delaware River and Bay Authority owns a hangar located at 153 North DuPont Hwy at the Wilmington Airport. Avelo wishes to lease the hangar in order to support their commercial service operation at the adjacent terminal building. They will be storing ground support equipment and developing some office space in the hangar for their administrative offices.”
On October 10, Avelo started to hire flight attendants to support its Wilmington operations. While not clearly confirmed, it appears Avelo is planning to establish a base at the airport.
Photo by Frontier Airlines
Frontier Exits, Avelo Enters
Frontier Airlines launched flights to ILG Airport in 2013 with several destinations, such as Chicago (Midway), Houston (Hobby), Tampa, Orlando, and more. The carrier exited the airport years later but resumed service in 2021. However, Frontier ended flights to Wilmington in June 2022. This left Delaware with the unfortunate designation as the only U.S. state without regular passenger flights. ILG Airport likely suffers from significant leakage to Philadelphia International Airport which is located just 25 miles away.
Regardless, Delaware is now anticipating the resumption of passenger service later this year. Avelo’s initial flights—if launched—would likely comprise of nonstop flights from ILG to its Orlando base with several weekly flights. There is certainly potential for additional service, such as flights to other cities in Florida.
Avelo also plans to enter an Air Service Incentive Agreement with the airport, making the airline eligible for marketing support and fee waivers.
Avelo Airlines’ exciting growth continues with this new reveal. The formal announcement is expected to take place on October 20.
Thank you for reading my first article on this website. Stay tuned for more updates.