Avelo Airlines made this announcement:

Building on six months of excitement and momentum since its West Coast debut, Avelo Airlines takes flight today for the first time from its East Coast Base at Connecticut’s most convenient airport — Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN).

Avelo Airlines Flight 301 is scheduled to depart HVN at 11:00 a.m. EDT today for Orlando International Airport (MCO) – the first of six popular Florida destinations the airline is serving from Southern Connecticut.

A ceremony is being hosted this morning at HVN to commemorate the opening of Avelo’s East Coast base and first flight. The ceremony will include a ribbon cutting; the christening of the departing aircraft with the placement of “The Spirit of The Havens” seal on the aircraft nose; and a water arch tribute as the aircraft taxis out for departure.

Several dignitaries are attending the ceremony, including:

• Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont
• Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz
• New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker
• East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora
• University of New Haven President Steven Kaplan
• Greater New Haven Chamber President Garrett Sheehan
• Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy
• Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority Executive Director Sean Scanlon
• Avports CEO Jorge Roberts
• Avelo Airlines Board Members Tom Cahill (Co-Head of Morgan Stanley Tactical Value Investing) and Thomas Mahr (Chairman of SkyWorks)

The ceremony will also be attended by the Bridgeport Islanders mascot – the region’s professional hockey team. The mascot will be handing out tickets to the first flight Customers.

The New Haven Way to Florida

Orlando is the first of six destinations Avelo will serve from HVN. The flight will operate Thursday through Monday, departing HVN at 7:30 a.m. and arriving MCO at 10:25 a.m. The return flight will depart MCO at 11:05 a.m. and arrive HVN at 1:45 p.m. Today’s flight departing at 11:00 a.m. was specially scheduled to accommodate the service inauguration ceremony. In addition to MCO, Avelo will begin flying to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, Sarasota and Tampa in the days and weeks ahead.

Amidst the crowds, long lines, lengthy walks and traffic congestion encountered at other airports frequented by Connecticut travelers, HVN offers a refreshingly smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience. HVN’s adjacency to multiple major highways and commuter railways make it Connecticut’s most convenient and easily accessible airport.

Avelo is the first airline to offer nonstop flights between HVN and Florida. Avelo’s arrival to HVN also marks the largest expansion of service at HVN in more than 30 years.

Avelo is investing $1.2 million to help upgrade and modernize facilities and operations as part of an overall $100 million project at HVN. The airport expansion will include a new terminal and extended runway spearheaded by airport operator Avports.

The three single-class, fuel-efficient 147-seat 737-700 mainline jets Avelo will initially operate from HVN offer a more spacious and comfortable experience than the regional jets that historically served this airport. Customers may choose from several seating options, including seats with extra leg room, as well as pre-reserved window and aisle seating.

East Coast Route Map:

Avelo Airlines today announced it will launch service this fall to four popular Florida destinations from Connecticut’s most convenient and relaxing airport – Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN).

Starting November 3, 2021 Avelo will operate nonstop flights from its first East Coast base at HVN to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Avelo will be the first airline to offer nonstop flights between HVN and Florida. Avelo’s arrival to HVN also marks the largest expansion of service at HVN in more than 30 years.

Avelo will now have a West Coast and East Coast operation: