Avelo Airlines launches nonstop airport routes from Concord to major East Coast cities
New Avelo Airlines flights to five destinations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are taking off this week from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.
The Houston-based company launched nonstop routes to Albany, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; Manchester, New Hampshire; Rochester, New York; and Wilmington, Delaware. Service to the cities from Cabarrus County will be offered twice a week.
Avelo noted the proximity to major cities from some of its routes, such as Wilmington to Philadelphia and Manchester to Boston.
Albany, Manchester and Hartford routes began Thursday, for flights on Thursdays and Sundays, while Wilmington and Rochester routes are starting Saturday for Monday and Friday flights.
One-way fares from the discount carrier start at $41, according to the company.
Avelo’s route from Concord is part of the largest route expansion for the airline. It’s also the biggest expansion for the airport in Cabarrus County. An announcement was made in the summer as part of 18 new routes unveiled by the company.
Flights to Lakeland, Florida took off in late October from the Concord Airport. It’s the first and only airline offering the service between the central Florida destination and the Charlotte region, according to Avelo. Lakeland is a little over an hour from Tampa and 1 1/2 from Orlando.
Airports like Concord offer a smoother and quicker travel experience because of their small sizes, said Avelo CEO and founder Andrew Levy in October.
“This exclusive nonstop service will also make enjoying nearby Charlotte and Concord’s abundance of vibrant urban and outdoor experiences a fast and seamless journey for visitors,” Levy said in a news release.
Avelo has flown more than 26,000 Customers on over 160 flights since starting service in Concord, the company said.
More on Avelo Airlines in Concord
Avelo became the third airline at the airport in Concord after starting service in May with its flight to New Haven, Connecticut.
The airline has flown more than 26,000 Customers on over 160 flights since starting service in Concord, according to the company.
Planes have been close to 90% full, according to spokesman Jim Olson.
“That gave us an indication there’s something special going on at this airport and that’s what led to us adding these additional markets,” Olson told The Charlotte Observer. “If we fill seats on these flights, there’s a pretty good chance that we’ll be adding more flights.”
During the announcement, Olson said more than half of the passengers using the Concord airport are coming from Connecticut, a boost to local tourism.
The new routes bring the total destinations served by Avelo to seven from Concord.
Olson was joined by Concord Aviation Director Dirk Vanderleest, Cabarrus County CVB President Donna Carpenter, Concord Mayor William Dusch and former mayor Scott Padgett. The Concord-Padgett was renamed in his honor.
Other airlines at the Concord airport
Before Avelo, Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines were the other commercial airlines offering service from the airport.
Allegiant Air has routes going to regions in Florida from Concord. This includes access to the Orlando/Daytona Beach area, Tampa Bay, Ft. Myers and south Florida areas.
Sun Country takes passengers to Caesars Entertainment resorts and casinos.
About Concord Regional Airport
Concord’s airport is owned by the city and has one runway. It’s also used by NASCAR race teams because of its proximity to nearby Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Travelers looking to avoid flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for American Airlines, look to Concord as one of the low-cost, easier access alternatives in the area.
“It’s a very special airport here,” Olson said to the Observer. “We love flying out of these smaller, more convenient, faster, easier airports. This is an alternative to the other side of town” where Charlotte Douglas sits. “It’s just so much easier. You can walk from the curb to the plane and when you get back, your bag is almost waiting for you before you get off the plane.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Nov.7, 2024, with the launch of the first flights to Northeast destinations.
This story was originally published July 24, 2024 at 11:56 AM with the headline "Avelo Airlines launches nonstop airport routes from Concord to major East Coast cities."
