Avelo Airlines Flies 500,000th Customer at Tweed

Avelo Airlines Flies 500,000th Customer at Tweed

Avelo to fly 10,000th flight on “Pizza Express” between Chicago and New Haven

Avelo surprises every Customer aboard landmark flight with free roundtrip ticket

Tweed transforms Gate 3 into Second City with “live” Chicago blues performance

Avelo celebrates double milestone with $39 fare between HVN and Windy City

NEW HAVEN, Conn.; October 6, 2022 — Avelo Airlines announced today it has flown more than 500,000 Customers at Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) since the airline began serving Southern Connecticut last November. The milestone represents a 1,150% increase from the 40,000 travelers that utilized Tweed in 2019 (the last full year of pre-pandemic air travel prior to Avelo’s arrival).  

Tonight, Avelo will also fly its 10,000th flight since its first departure 18 months ago — when it became America’s first new airline in more than a decade. The milestone flight will depart Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) at 7:25 p.m. — arriving at Tweed at 10:25 p.m. The flight, which is known as the “Pizza Express,” connects Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport with The Second City’s most convenient airport. Both cities also lay claim to being home to America’s best pizza. 

Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “This double milestone spotlights Tweed’s growing popularity among Connecticut residents and out-of-state visitors. Over the past 11 months, half-a-million travelers have discovered the convenience, affordability and choice Avelo has introduced to Southern Connecticut. For years, this region has asked for nonstop air service to popular destinations like Chicago. This evening’s flight between The Second City and Tweed — which represents Avelo’s 10,000th flight as an airline — exemplifies the excitement our Customers have about all 14 nonstop routes we operate from New Haven, as well as the 31 destinations we serve across the country. This is just the beginning!”

To commemorate the occasion, Avelo is offering special “Pizza Express” one-way fares between New Haven and Chicago starting at $39* available at AveloAir.com. This evening, Avelo is also commemorating this double milestone by transforming Gate 3 at Tweed into a Second Citythemed celebration. Customers flying on Flight 421 from New Haven to Chicago (which departs at 5:15 p.m.) will be treated to a live Chicago blues performance by The Chicago Dawgs.

Additionally, every Customer aboard Flight 422 this evening from Chicago to New Haven — Avelo’s 10,000th flight — will be surprised upon boarding the aircraft at MDW with a free roundtrip ticket anywhere Avelo flies. Nearly 130 Customers are booked on the Boeing 737.

Chicago’s Most Convenient Airport 

Avelo began flying between New Haven and Chicago last May. Flights typically operate between HVN and MDW four days per week: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

In contrast to Chicago’s other major airport, MDW is conveniently situated just minutes (by car or train) from famed restaurants, world-renowned museums, a jaw-dropping waterfront, groundbreaking music and Tony Award-winning theatres. Chicago is bursting with world-class big-city culture. At the same time, visitors are greeted by The Second City’s warm and welcoming Midwestern hospitality. Chicago is also home to iconic architecture, championship professional sports teams, and over 300 parks and green spaces that are the soul of Chicago’s vibrancy.

Connecticut’s Most Convenient and Affordable Gateway 

Tweed-New Haven Airport Executive Director Sean Scanlon said, “For decades the people, families and businesses of southern Connecticut have been asking for an airport that meets their needs. Thanks to our growing partnership with Avelo Airlines, we’ve given them the airport they want and deserve. And since November, a historic 500,000 customers have flown in and out of Tweed. Whether you’re planning your next business trip or your family’s first visit to Disney, join half a million of your neighbors in trying the new HVN.”

Amidst the crowds, long lines, lengthy walks and traffic congestion encountered at other airports frequented by Connecticut travelers, HVN offers a refreshingly smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience. HVN’s adjacency to multiple major highways and commuter railways make it the region’s most convenient and easily accessible airport.

Economic Development Corporation of New Haven CEO Ginny Kozlowski said, “Southern Connecticut has wanted more convenient nonstop access to popular destinations and Avelo delivered. The airline’s arrival has been a game-changer for New Haven and we couldn’t be more grateful for their investment in our community. With 14 nonstop destinations to places like Chicago, it’s no surprise to us that Avelo has carried more than half-a-million travelers before even reaching its first anniversary at Tweed. Congratulations Avelo and Tweed!”

With 14 destinations, Avelo flies to more nonstop routes from Connecticut than any other
airline serving the state:

• Charleston, SC (CHS)
• Chicago, IL (via MDW)
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
• Fort Myers, FL (RSW)
• Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR)
• Nashville, TN (BNA)
• Orlando, FL (via MCO)
• Raleigh/Durham, NC (RDU)
• Sarasota/Bradenton, FL (SRQ)
• Savannah, GA / Hilton Head, SC (SAV)
• Tampa, FL (TPA)
• Washington, D.C. / Baltimore, MD (via BWI)
• West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)
• Wilmington, NC (ILM)

America’s Affordable and Convenient Airline  

Avelo was founded with a vision to help its Customers save money and time. Since taking flight April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 1.2 million Customers on 10,000 flights.

In addition to offering Customers everyday low fares on every route, Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Avelo also offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Additionally, the American-made Boeing 737 jets Avelo flies offer a more spacious and comfortable experience than the small regional aircraft currently operating at most of the airports Avelo serves. Customers who value an advance seat assignment can choose from several modestly priced seating options, including seats with extra leg room, as well as prereserved window and aisle seating. One third of seats on Avelo aircraft are available for Customers who appreciate the comfort of extra legroom.

Avelo now serves 31 destinations across the U.S. The airline has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition in air travel by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. At least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small hometown airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable.

At Avelo, every flight is also nonstop. This connection-free travel experience not only provides Avelo Customers with a faster and simpler travel experience, but also minimizes delays, cancellations and lost bags. In fact, Avelo has established itself as one of America’s most reliable airlines with a year-to-date flight cancellation rate of 1% and an industry-leading yearto-date checked bag handling performance.

Avelo is distinguished by its Soul of Service culture. The culture is grounded in Avelo’s One Crew Value which promotes a welcoming and caring experience. By caring for one another and owning their commitments, Avelo Crewmembers focus on anticipating and understanding Customer needs on the ground and in the air.

About Avelo Airlines  

Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel. The airline offers Customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares, and a refreshingly smooth and caring experience through its Soul of Service culture. Operating a fleet of Boeing NextGeneration 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 31 popular destinations across the U.S., including its three bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). For more information visit AveloAir.com or the Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom.