In a splashy news conference that was also live-streamed on social media, Avelo Airlines announced Wednesday that its first commercial passenger flight from Lakeland Linder International Airport will depart on June 13 to New Haven, Connecticut.
Trevor Yealy, Avelo’s head of commercial, told the crowd of about 200 people that the Houston-based airline will offer nonstop flights between Lakeland and Tweed New Haven Regional Airport twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Tickets are already for sale on the airline’s website, with one-way fares starting at $72 before taxes, not including seat selection or checked or carry-on luggage. One personal item such as a laptop bag or small backpack is free.
“What a crowd. This is awesome. It’s great to see the support from the local community here in Lakeland,” Yealy said. “I am confident that we will deliver on the convenient, reliable service you are all looking for.”
The ultra low-cost airline’s website shows that flights will typically start in New Haven, leaving around 8 a.m. and arriving in Lakeland around 11 a.m. The planes will then leave Lakeland around 11:40 a.m. and go back to New Haven.
Many online commenters expressed disappointment that only one route was announced. “All this hype for one destination?” Matt Gissel asked on the airport’s feed, echoing dozens of others.
However, Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said the plan is to add more destinations gradually.
“We need to crawl, walk, run. That is going to help the airline with their risks, and it’s going to help the airport with our risks,” Hallstrand said. “We start today with one announcement. We’ll be talking again, I assure you.”
Other dignitaries at the event expressed similar sentiments.
“Even though we only have one, I’m sure there’s more coming, right?” Polk County Commissioner Martha Santiago said, adding that she’s hoping for flights to Puerto Rico. “But we’ll take the first one. That’s a great way to start.”
“This is a game changer for, not only Lakeland — congratulations, Lakeland — but for Polk County,” Santiago said. “We are excited today and we’re looking forward to the many more announcements of the different destinations that will come into play.”
Mayor Bill Mutz said the announcement is just the beginning of the city’s relationship with Avelo. The Lakeland City Commission unanimously approved a 15-year agreement between the city and Avelo Airlines on Dec. 18.
“We are so appreciative of all of the parties involved in the process that has made this happen today,” Mutz said. “And whereas you may have hoped for a broader schedule and more cities on the initial introduction, this is a way for us to get started.”
Hallstrand said she will be on the inaugural Boeing 737 Next Generation flight along with Commissioner Mike Musick, who purchased the first ticket.
City Manager Shawn Sherrouse pointed out that the new flights will not only provide convenient access to the Boston-New York City area for Lakeland residents; the low fares will also encourage people from the Northeast to come here.
He said it will be a “tremendous economic impact to our community,” as those travelers discover that they can stay in Lakeland’s hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and have convenient access to both Orlando’s theme parks and the Tampa Bay area’s beaches.
Before service could begin, the airport needed to do about $3.4 million worth of upgrades — with an emphasis on security measures mandated by the federal Transportation Security Administration. Construction began in December and is expected to be complete by May.
Workers were busy installing one-way exit lanes for disembarking passengers as the news conference began.
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Hoping they add Wilmington, Delaware! It would be so much better than Orlando or Tampa!