In April 2021, the airline was rebranded as Avelo Airlines and began selling scheduled tickets, with its first flights departing from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in the Los Angeles area.
Unlike many startups that choose major international hubs, Avelo deliberately based itself at smaller, less congested airports — a strategic choice meant to reduce costs and appeal to travelers in markets with limited competition.
It reached its fourth anniversary in April 2025 with more than 7 million customers flown, over 90 unique routes, and 54 destinations served.
The airline also opened several base operations in cities including Burbank, New Haven (CT), Orlando (FL), Philadelphia/Wilmington (DE), Raleigh/Durham (NC), and Las Vegas (NV).
1. Base Fares Are Very Low
Avelo’s base fares are advertised as among the lowest in the U.S., often undercutting competitors by significant margins. Avelo Airlines
To achieve this, the airline:
- Sells unbundled tickets — meaning seats, carry-on bags, checked bags, seat assignments, and other services often cost extra.
- Keeps overhead — like airport fees and operations — lower by flying into smaller airports that charge less and have less congestion. Avelo Airlines
2. Revenue from Optional Fees
Like other low-cost carriers, Avelo makes a majority of its revenue from ancillary fees, including:
- Priority boarding
- Checked and carry-on baggage
- Seat assignment (especially extra legroom options)
- In-cabin pet fees
- Subscription memberships for frequent flyers
This approach allows the base airfare to stay low while letting travelers choose — and pay for — the extras they want. Avelo Airlines
3. Simplified Operations
Avelo focuses on:
- Nonstop flights: Many of its routes are nonstop, reducing complexity and delays tied to connections. Avelo Airlines
- Smaller airports: Using less congested facilities improves on-time performance and customer experience. Avelo Airlines
- Point-to-point network: This contrasts with the hub-and-spoke systems most major airlines use. Avelo Airlines
Route Network and Bases
Avelo’s route network is both widespread and strategically targeted. Over the past few years:
- It has served more than 50 destinations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. Avelo Airlines+1
- Some of its primary base cities include:
- Hollywood Burbank (BUR) — original launch base. Avelo Airlines
- Tweed-New Haven (HVN) — important East Coast hub. Avelo Airlines
- Orlando (MCO) — gateway to Florida travel. Avelo Airlines
- Wilmington/Philadelphia (ILG).
- Hollywood Burbank (BUR) — original launch base. Avelo Airlines
Fleet: Boeing 737 and Beyond
Current Fleet
As of 2025, Avelo’s main operating aircraft are all Boeing 737 models, which remain the backbone of its fleet:
- Boeing 737-700 — typically about 149 seats Wikipedia
- Boeing 737-800 — typically about 189 seats Wikipedia
This mix offers a balance of capacity and efficiency, tailored to the medium-haul flight
Operational Performance and Reliability
Though newer and smaller than most major U.S. airlines, Avelo has built a reputation for competitive reliability:
- In 2024–2025, the carrier reported industry-leading or near-top rankings in on-time performance and low cancellation rates, outperforming several larger competitors. Avelo Airlines+1
Customer Experience and Policies
Fare Structure and Unbundling
Avelo’s pricing is based on base fares plus optional add-ons. This allows travelers to pay only for what they value, but customers who aren’t familiar with ancillary fees may sometimes be surprised by added charges. Avelo Airlines
Common optional services include:
- Seat assignments (including extra legroom)
- Priority boarding
- Checked and carry-on baggage
- In-cabin pets
Family-Friendly Seat Policy
One notable customer-centered policy is automatic seating of children 13 and under next to a traveling adult, without additional cost — a policy some travelers appreciate for ease and family comfort. Avelo Airlines
Market Positioning
- If Avelo can maintain its reliability metrics, control costs, and expand profitably, it could become a permanent fixture in the U.S. airline mix.
- However, execution risks remain, especially in balancing low fares with consistent operational performance.
low-cost innovation in the U.S. aviation industry. In a short period, it has:
- Gone from startup to multi-million passenger carrier. Avelo Airlines
- Built a network that connects previously underserved cities. Avelo Airlines
- Achieved operational reliability that compares favorably to larger rivals.
Conclusion
Avelo Airlines has reshaped parts of the U.S. aviation industry in just a few short years. By prioritizing affordability, convenience and underserved markets, it carved out a niche in a tough landscape. Its rapid growth, operational milestones, and bold fleet plans speak to its ambition and potential for long-term impact