Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines opened its third U.S. base today at Orlando International Airport (MCO) — setting the stage for significant travel , employment and economic impact opportunities for Central Florida.
The new base is expected to generate more than $250 million in short-term economic impact in Greater Orlando and top $1 billion in regional economic impact annually within the next five years. In the years ahead, this includes significant spending and tax revenue from the more than one million visitors Avelo will fly to Orlando annually.
Additionally, Avelo's fast-growing Orlando presence will generate incremental spending and tax revenue from the thousands of direct and indirect jobs the airline's expanding MCO presence will contribute to the Orlando community and the state of Florida.
Over the next year, Avelo expects to create up to 150 MCO-based jobs. These positions will be a combination of Avelo Crewmembers and jobs with Avelo business partners operating at MCO.
Roles will include Airport Customer Service, Aircraft Technical Operations and Maintenance , Pilots , Flight Attendants and Supervisors . As the airline adds additional aircraft and routes over the next five years, Avelo expects to create up to 500 MCO-based jobs.
Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said,
"Our new base will enable Avelo to serve more destinations, add more flights, operate more airplanes, fly more Customers and employ more Crewmembers in Orlando."
" Avelo's rapidly expanding presence here will be a significant source of new visitors to Orlando — creating significant economic impact across the region. We are grateful to the City of Orlando, as well as Kevin Thibault and the Greater Orlando Airport Authority for their strong partnership as we double down on MCO and Central Florida."
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said,
"The expansion of air service is vital to our community and economy and that is why Orlando is honored that Avelo Airlines has chosen Orlando International Airport as its third U.S. base. We look forward to seeing Avelo grow and create new jobs for our residents and to welcoming even more visitors to enjoy our unbelievably real, world-renowned hospitality."
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Chief Executive Officer Kevin Thibault said,
"Orlando International Airport prides itself on offering the traveling public options in both airlines and destinations. What we're getting with Avelo is even more than a new connection between Central Florida and Baltimore. It is an additional access point for business to the popular northeast corridor from our region."
Avelo will initially base three Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 jetliners at MCO – one 147-seat 737-700 and two 189-seat 737-800s. Avelo's current systemwide fleet consists of 10 737 NGs and is expected to expand to 15 aircraft by early 2023.
Over the next 12 months , Avelo plans to fly to 15 nonstop destinations from MCO. By 2027, Avelo expects to base 10 aircraft at MCO serving up to 50 nonstop destinations.
