Avelo Plans Fleet Growth Despite Leaving West Coast Base
Avelo Airlines plans to expand its fleet even as it prepares to close its Burbank, California base on December 2. The move follows poor financial performance at the airport and comes amid controversy over the carrier’s role in operating deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In a statement to FlightGlobal, Avelo confirmed it is in discussions with several lessors and companies to acquire additional aircraft. While no agreements have been finalized, the airline says it remains committed to growing its fleet.
According to ch-aviation data, Avelo currently operates a fleet of eight Boeing 737-700s and fourteen Boeing 737-800s. These aircraft are leased from nine lessors, including AerCap, Aero Capital Solutions, Aviation Capital Group, Carlyle Aviation Partners, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Elevate Capital Partners, FTAI Aviation, Genesis Aircraft Services, and Macquarie AirFinance.
The closure of the Burbank base is part of a strategic shift toward expanding operations on the U.S. East Coast, where the airline sees greater potential for sustainable cash flow. Current Avelo bases include Concord, North Carolina; Hartford Bradley, Connecticut; Lakeland, Florida; New Haven, Connecticut; Orlando International, Florida; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Santa Rosa, California; and Wilmington New Castle, Delaware.
Despite reducing its West Coast presence, Avelo’s fleet expansion strategy underscores its long-term growth ambitions in the competitive U.S. low-cost airline market. By focusing on underserved routes and strengthening its East Coast network, the carrier aims to boost profitability while continuing to grow its Boeing 737 operations.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com