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3-year-old ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines announced its first international flights last weekend, and the list of destinations included Cancun International Airport in Mexico.
Adding flights to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean has been a popular activity among the major carriers in the United States. However, the departing airport for Avelo’s flights is definitely an unusual first flight selection.
Capital Region International Airport
With a focus on serving small hometown airports in underserved areas, Avelo Airlines selected Capital Region International Airport for its first international flights to Cancun.
Anyone know where that airport is?
Cue the outstretched hand with the thumb to the right. Point to the middle of your hand. Tourists from the State of Michigan know exactly what I am talking about. Yes, it is Lansing, Michigan.
An unusual choice of airport? Maybe. It actually is an airport with a pretty extensive history of serving Cancun International Airport. Even if the airport only served a total 168,000 passengers last year.
Apple Vacations Connection
Avelo Airlines announced its first international flights as a partner with Apple Vacations, a large tour package provider in the United States.
Back in July 2009, Apple Vacations partnered with USA 3000 Airlines to provide flights to Cancun. It then switched over to Sun County Airlines in 2010.
In 2013, both Aeromexico and the now-defunct Interjet launched seasonal service from Lansing to Cancun. That was followed by Miami Air International and Swift Air in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Avelo took over the Cancun public charter flight for Apple Vacations from Lansing’s Capital Region International Airport (LAN) with its first flight last weekend. It also added flights to Punta Cana and Montego Bay for Apple Vacations.
“These three tropical destinations Avelo will operate for Apple Vacations from Lansing are the perfect debut of Avelo’s international service. We look forward to offering the same reliable and friendly experience to Apple Vacations’ Customers that we’ve been providing Avelo’s Capital Region Customers since we took flight at LAN 15 months ago,” said Avelo Airlines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Levy in a press release.
Who is Avelo Airlines?
Despite being three years old, Avelo Airlines is still relatively unknown across much of the country.
In some respects, the airline is using the same small airport being used by Allegiant Airlines. However, it has a fleet of only 16 Boeing 737 aircraft and operates from a mix of airports in the United States.
Some of its hubs are large airports such as Las Vegas and Orlando. But it also includes small markets like Wilmington, Del; New Haven, Conn.; and Burbank, Calif. in addition to Lansing.
While Allegiant decided to codeshare with VivaAerobus for its flights to Mexico, Avelo has instead decided to fly the route to Cancun itself in conjunction with Apple Vacations.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For travelers using Apple Vacations through Capital Region International Airport, it will be an introduction to Avelo Airlines.
For small city travelers, it could mean the potential trial of a new service to Cancun from a new airline. Most of the flights from small cities to Cancun connect through a larger airport.
For example, there were no direct flights from Burbank, Calif., Wilmington, Del., or New Haven, Conn. to Cancun. Avelo’s test service from Lansing could potentially open flights to and from Cancun from a number of smaller markets if Avelo can provide it is financially feasible.
Currently, it looks like it is willing to try it with the guaranteed reservations via Apple Vacations.
For tourists looking for more direct flights to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean, especially from smaller airports, Avelo’s recent first flight may just be music to their ears.
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Steve
Tuesday 30th of January 2024
When is there going to be service out of HVN? Most of New England could benefit including NYC BDL BOS and others could benefit.