The city celebrated Avelo Airlines’ first passenger flights into and out of Lakeland Linder International Airport on Thursday with lots of fanfare and photo ops.
An Avelo Boeing Next Generation 737-700 from New Haven, Connecticut, was welcomed upon its arrival with a water cannon salute from Lakeland fire trucks creating a liquid arch over the plane. Mayor Bill Mutz personally greeted the 135 arriving passengers as they disembarked. Then they proceeded through a new one-way security lane.
Why it matters
- Lakeland Linder International Airport has not had passenger service for 12 years.
- Avelo signed a 15-year contract with the city. For now, it will offer flights between Lakeland and New Haven, Connecticut two days a week. More destinations may be added.
- The city spent more than $1.6 million to upgrade the airport with security screening checkpoints, passenger amenities and one-way exit lanes.
Outgoing travelers and media checked in with purple-uniformed Avelo employees at the airline counter and then were screened at the airport’s new Transportation Security Administration checkpoint — removing their shoes, putting belongings in gray plastic bins, setting them on a conveyor belt and walking through a metal detector.
The departure lounge was crowded with dignitaries, media and security personnel, as well as those planning to board the inaugural flight.
After a few speeches and a failed attempt to cut a purple ribbon with large scissors, the plane taxied down the runway and took off at 12:12 p.m. with 133 of its 149 seats filled.
Polk County Commissioner Martha Santiago told the passengers — including Lakeland Commissioner Mike Musick, who purchased the first ticket — “You’re not only taking a flight today. You’re making history.”
Mutz said if local residents prove that they can fill planes, he expects by this time next year, the low-cost carrier will offer direct flights from Lakeland to three to five destinations, instead of only one.
Jim Olson, Avelo’s head of brand and communications, called it a “new era of convenience, affordability and reliability for Central Florida.” He said the 3-year-old airline loves small airports and will be offering $81 one-way fares between Lakeland and Tweed-New Haven Airport through June.
For now, Avelo flights will depart Lakeland twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
Avelo executive speaks
Slideshow: The updated terminal
A new car rental counter. 
The airport’s lobby. 
Avelo employees at the airline’s new counter. 
Passengers and local officials checking in. 
The security checkpoint. 
New Haven passengers arriving. 
A small concession shop operated by the Aerospace Center for Excellence opened in time for the first flight. 
Photos by Cindy Glover, LkldNow
Slideshow: Media frenzy in the passenger lounge
Media jostled to capture speeches before the ribbon cutting. | Cindy Glover, LkldNow 
Airport Director Kris Hallstrand thanked the city, Avelo, the Transportation Security Administration and the contractor who worked on the airport. | Cindy Glover, LkldNow 
Mayor Bill Mutz predicted a long a prosperous relationship between the airport and Avelo. 
The event was covered by many media outlets. | Stephanie Claytor, LkldNow
Slideshow: Ribbon-cutting struggle
Slideshow: All aboard
Slideshow: Passengers
Commissioner Mike Musick, who bought the first ticket, and his wife Niki share a selfie aboard the inaugural flight. | Mike Musick 
Lakeland Chamber of Commerce President Amy Wiggins made the maiden voyage and will be repeating the trip next week with local leaders. | Mike Musick 
Airport Director Kris Hallstrand addresses the passengers | Mike Musick 
A view of the plane from the gangplank. | Mike Musick
Video: Takeoff
Slideshow: Landing in New Haven
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