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Avelo is adding a new state to its map: Wisconsin.
The start-up carrier announced on Wednesday that it will operate flights between Wisconsin Central Airport (CWA) near Wausau and its base at Orlando International Airport (MCO). With that, CWA will become Avelo’s 46th destination — and give the airline its 25th state presence.
Avelo plans to fly out of CWA twice a week on Thursday and Sunday, starting October 5, with introductory fares starting at $49.
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Avelo’s expansion into Wisconsin comes at a time when smaller airports like CWA are having a hard time maintaining service.
CWA, midway between the Wisconsin cities of Wausau and Stevens Point, is one of many regional airports around the country that have been affected by route cuts due to a nationwide pilot shortage. In 2021, United Airlines stop its course between CWA and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and last year, Delta Air Lines flight cut from Wisconsin airport to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), according to a local news station.
Currently, Delta flies from CWA to its hub in Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and American Airlines operate flights to ORD, giving passengers flying out of CWA the option of connecting at a much larger airport. Avelo’s new route out of CWA will be the only one to fly to a destination without any connections.
The addition of CWA fits the business model of the fast-growing startup, which operates flights from smaller and underserved airports to popular leisure destinations. Avelo has also experienced a spike in growth over the past year, adding new and smaller airports in cities like Salem, Oregonand Dubuque, Iowa, onto its map, while turning major entertainment destinations like Las Vegas become a base.
Missy Hughes, secretary of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Group, said she believes Avelo’s presence at TTK will create more jobs in the region.
“This will create opportunities for business and leisure travel, and make central Wisconsin an even more attractive place to live, work and thrive,” Hughes said in a statement.
