Avelo Airlines has officially opened a new base at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) near Charlotte, North Carolina. This expansion includes the stationing of two Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, the addition of new destinations, and the creation of up to 50 jobs in the region.
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Increased Connectivity and Affordability
Avelo currently operates seven nonstop routes from Charlotte and will add service to Daytona Beach, Florida, and Nashville, Tennessee, beginning April 3, 2025. The airline advertises one-way fares starting at $40 for these routes, with bookings available on AveloAir.com.
The new base is expected to enhance travel options for residents in and around Charlotte. Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, located north of downtown Charlotte, offers an alternative to the larger Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with fewer crowds and shorter wait times.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The opening of Avelo’s base in Concord is expected to generate up to 50 new jobs. These positions will include roles in customer service, flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and supervision. Job opportunities will be available both directly with Avelo Airlines and through its business partners.
In addition to its Charlotte expansion, Avelo also operates a base at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and plans to open another at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) on April 3, 2025.
Avelo’s Growth and Performance
Since launching in April 2021, Avelo Airlines has transported more than 6.3 million passengers on over 50,000 flights. The airline currently serves 53 destinations across 23 states, Puerto Rico, and three international locations (Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic).
Travel Experience and Additional Services
Avelo offers a range of seating options, including extra legroom choices and the ability to purchase specific window and aisle seats in advance. Travelers can also select add-on services such as priority boarding, checked and carry-on baggage, and pet travel.
For families, Avelo ensures that children 14 and under are seated with an accompanying adult at no extra charge.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of its Charlotte base, Avelo aims to provide more convenient and affordable travel options while contributing to the region’s economy. As the airline continues to expand, additional destinations and services may further enhance travel opportunities for passengers in North Carolina and beyond.
Analysis
What stands out to me about this is Concord’s close proximity to CLT, a major American Airlines hub, and the implications of that. Another interesting aspect is how Avelo is adopting strategies commonly used by European low-cost carriers.
CLT is likely one of American’s most profitable hubs. In contrast, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport primarily serves local traffic rather than connecting passengers. I’m curious to see if Avelo’s presence will impact fares, as American likely maintains high prices in the CLT area.
Avelo is following the European low-cost airline playbook by flying into smaller, more distant airports. For example, Ryanair frequently does this in Europe. A passenger flying from Dublin to Paris with Ryanair would arrive at Paris Beauvais, which is about a 90-minute drive from central Paris. Similarly, Avelo is choosing to fly into Concord instead of CLT. This strategy offers several advantages, including lower operating costs and greater gate availability. At major airports, gates are often unavailable or highly competitive, making expansion difficult for newer airlines.
Concord is already served by another low-cost carrier, Allegiant, which operates flights to various cities in Florida. This means Avelo isn’t just competing with American Airlines—it also faces competition from Allegiant. It will be interesting to see Avelo grow at Concord!
