Avelo Airlines Launches First International Route to Jamaica
Avelo Airlines has celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its first international route, connecting Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut, to Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The inaugural flight, operated on November 16, 2024, marked the budget carrier’s entry into international travel and a boost for tourism in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The first flight (XP902), operated by a Boeing 737-800 with registration N808VL, covered the 1,644-mile journey in just over three hours. Arriving in Montego Bay at 10:11 a.m. local time, the aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute. The flight carried 150 passengers and six crew members.
An inaugural ceremony at Sangster International Airport featured vibrant Jamaican cultural performances, attended by government officials, tourism stakeholders, and aviation leaders. Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, highlighted the route’s significance for Connecticut’s Jamaican diaspora and the broader cultural ties between the regions.
The new service operates twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, during the winter 2024/25 season. Avelo aims to make Jamaica more accessible to travelers from Connecticut and New England, with particular focus on families with cultural and personal ties to the island.
“This is a historic moment for Avelo as Montego Bay becomes our first international destination,” said Giselle Cortes, Head of Airports at Avelo Airlines. “At Avelo, we say ‘one crew,’ and Jamaica’s ‘one love’ resonates deeply with our spirit.”
Jamaican officials, including Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, lauded the route for strengthening economic ties, bolstering visitor numbers, and creating new job opportunities. Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, emphasized the appeal of Jamaica’s culture and attractions for New England’s leisure travelers.
The Montego Bay route is part of Avelo’s broader expansion plan, which includes the launch of seven new routes from Bradley International Airport this winter. This includes upcoming flights to Cancun, Mexico, starting November 20, 2024. Since its launch in April 2021, Avelo has rapidly grown, now operating 76 routes across 47 destinations, with bases in major cities such as Los Angeles, Orlando, and Philadelphia-Wilmington.
With a fleet of 12 Boeing 737-800s and eight Boeing 737-700s, Avelo continues to expand its footprint, offering budget-friendly travel options while fostering stronger connections between the US and international destinations.
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