After 5K Flights, Avelo Marks Anniversary, Honors CT Soldier At Tweed

NEW HAVEN, CT —Five thousand flights later, Avelo Airlines celebrated the anniversary of its first flight out of Tweed New Haven Airport —to Orlando—Thursday. And, also honored a fallen Connecticut soldier in a pre-Veterans Day tribute.

On hand for the event were East Haven and New Haven mayors Joseph A. Carfora and Justin Elicker, Avelo Airlines Founder, Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy, Avports CEO Jorge Roberts and New Haven Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscatelli.

And, the family of Army Reserve Master Sergeant Michael David Clark, who died while on active duty in July with the Connecticut National Guard Color Guard and a tribute by Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Trustees Chair Patrick Nelligan.

As we approach Veterans Day, it’s also right and fitting to honor those like Army Reserve Master Sergeant Michael David Clark who served our nation with distinction and paid the ultimate sacrifice to help keep us safe and free," Elicker said.

MSG Clark, who was from Bolton, enlisted in the Army in 1999 and had a distinguished, 22-year military career.

"Master Sergeant Clark was a true patriot, a loving son, husband and father and friend to so many who miss his great sense of humor and devotion to others. MSG Clark returned home from multiple combat deployments and his death while training in the U.S. underscores that our men and women in uniform, whether active-duty guard or reserve, put their lives on the line in service to our Nation even when seemingly on routine training. My heartfelt sympathy remains with the Clark family and especially MSG Clark's wife and two children, who must now go on without the man who they love with all of their heart, said state Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Thomas Saadi. "I thank Avelo Airlines for honoring this family by providing this opportunity to heal together as they travel to Disney to enjoy the wonderful memories they have of their son, husband and father.”

Avelo honored MSG Clark by presenting his family with six complimentary roundtrip tickets.

About Avelo anniversary

“Last November, we endeavored to make air travel faster, easier and more affordable for Connecticut travelers. Over the past year, we’ve done just that. In 12 short months we’ve transformed Tweed from a sleepy single-destination airport into a vibrant gateway to 14 destinations spanning seven states," Levy said. "And we’ve done it with industry-leading reliability and our caring Soul of Service. We are grateful for the enthusiastic reception Connecticut has greeted us with and look forward to soaring even higher in the year ahead.”
Those heights, include these milestones, per Avelo:

• Avelo completed its 5,000th flight at HVN, which represents a 130 percent increase from the scheduled commercial flights operated at Tweed in 2019 – the last full year of pre-pandemic commercial air travel prior to Avelo’s arrival.
• Avelo flew its 600,000th Customer at Tweed – representing a 1,400 percent increase from the passenger volume at Tweed in 2019.
• Avelo has doubled its route network from six Florida destinations to 14 destinations spanning seven states.

“Tweed-New Haven Airport is incredibly proud of the positive change and activity we’ve helped bring to Southern Connecticut, work that would not have been possible without our great partner Avelo Airlines," Scanlon said. "Together, we are transforming Tweed into the vibrant airport this region needs and deserves, and which – based on the success of Avelo – we know local flyers want. Congratulations to Avelo on this great landmark.”

Over the past year, Avelo has also doubled the number of aircraft it has based at HVN — from three to six Boeing Next-Generation 737 jetliners. These additional aircraft have enabled Avelo to more than double the number of daily flights and the number of seats available for Connecticut travelers to choose from.

“Since the inaugural Avelo flight one year ago today, Tweed’s growth has solidified the airport’s standing as a viable, long-term transportation asset and economic engine for the New Haven community, the region, and now, the State," Elicker said. "The continued responsible growth of Tweed means more local jobs and more convenient travel opportunities for our residents and businesses."

Avelo said it has "consistently delivered industry-leading operational reliability:" Over the past 12 months, Avelo has cancelled 70 flights out the 5,000 it has operated at Tweed – representing a cancellation rate of 1 percent. Avelo has also achieved top-tier bag-handling performance and a controllable on-time performance rate of 85percent when excluding factors outside the airline’s control, such as weather and air traffic control delays.

"Avelo has been a fantastic partner for Tweed-New Haven Airport and for Avports, not only bringing more affordable flights to more direct destinations, but also growing local jobs along the way. Congratulations to Avelo on reaching this great milestone," Roberts said. "We are extremely excited to keep working alongside them to the benefit of Southern Connecticut, its flyers, and its local economy."

In a news release, it's noted that Avelo has "made more than $100 million in capital, employment and community investments in its Connecticut presence."
These investments include:

• 180 HVN-based Avelo crew members
• 300+ total direct and indirect airport-related jobs
• Six Boeing 737 aircraft
• Airport facilities and ground support equipment
• Local and state tax revenue (income, fuel, etc.)
• Supporting more than 100 local and state community organizations and events

“In 12 months, Avelo Airlines has demonstrated the value of Tweed to our economy. With over 180 New Haven area-based Avelo crew members in addition to 300-plus total direct and indirect airport-related jobs and a forecasted economic impact of well over $20 million," Piscatelli said. "Avelo is a key part of New Haven’s national standing in innovation and inclusive growth."