Avelo Airlines has announced another historic expansion today, a second route to San Juan, Puerto Rico. From November 15, Avelo will begin flights from Wilmington Airport to San Juan, creating the first nonstop route from Wilmington to outside the continental United States.

A second Puerto Rico route

Avelo Airlines may very well be the fastest-growing airline in the United States. Since its launch in 2021, the Texas-based airline has expanded its network to almost 50 destinations in 25 states, half of the US. It also recently added Puerto Rico, a US territory. In nearly two and a half years, the airline has flown more than 20,000 flights and transported more than three million passengers.

Wilmington Airport has become an essential airport for Avelo, and today, the airline announced the airport's first route outside the continental US. Beginning on November 15, Avelo will fly to San Juan twice weekly from Wilmington, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Boeing 737-800NGs that Avelo has based in Wilmington will service the route.

Photo: Avelo Airlines

Andrew Levy, Avelo's CEO, spoke on the significance of the new route to San Juan,

"Today’s historic service expansion is the latest example of the smooth and seamless travel experience Avelo is bringing to the four-state Delaware Valley region. With the second-largest Puerto Rican community in the U.S., Avelo is making it easier than ever for friends and family to reconnect on both ends of this exciting new Caribbean route."

Avelo held a beachfront-themed event on the ramp at the Wilmington Airport, with Puerto Rican food, beverages, and music. The airline and the Delaware River and Bay Authority hosted the event, and several political leaders and officials were present. Delaware's governor, John Carney, expressed his gratitude for Avelo's continued and expanded presence in Delaware,

“We are grateful that Avelo will be expanding service once again here in Delaware. We are excited to welcome more visitors to the First State and give our residents additional affordable and convenient travel opportunities. Thank you to Avelo for your continued partnership.”

Also expanding domestically

Today's announcement did not end with a San Juan route announcement but included a new domestic route to Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. Avelo's route to Sarasota will have two weekly flights, on Thursdays and Sundays, and will be operated by the 737-800NG.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Sarasota and Bradenton are just two of several popular destinations in Florida, drawing tourists with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Located just south of Tampa and not far from Fort Myers, it is a perfect place for those looking to vacation in less-crowded areas and avoid major airports. In addition to its amazing beaches, Sarasota has several museums, farmer's markets, and several world-class dining options.

“The return of commercial air travel out of Delaware continues to be a success. Now, with yet another expansion of service to popular destinations like San Juan and Sarasota, the Wilmington Airport and our region will continue to see economic benefits and businesses growth, while providing addition options for travelers. That’s a win-win for Delaware!” - Tom Carper, US Senator

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