Avelo Airlines Expands Its Fleet with Five Boeing 737NGs from Brazil’s GOL
In a strategic move to enhance its operational capacity, Avelo Airlines, a prominent U.S. carrier, has announced plans to augment its fleet with five leased Boeing 737NG aircraft. These aircraft are being sourced from GOL Linhas Aéreas, a leading Brazilian low-cost carrier (LCC), which has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The addition of these aircraft is a significant step for Avelo, which currently operates a fleet of 16 737NGs, as it continues to expand its service offerings and operational footprint.
Trevor Yealy, Avelo’s Commercial Head responsible for network planning and revenue management, shared insights with Aviation Week Network, revealing that the delivery of these aircraft is scheduled between May 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. However, the timeline remains somewhat flexible due to GOL’s ongoing Chapter 11 proceedings. Yealy emphasized the airline’s anticipation of integrating some of these aircraft into their fleet later this year and the remainder in the early part of next year, contingent upon GOL’s adherence to the transfer schedule.
Avelo Airlines, which commenced operations in April 2021, has consistently pursued a strategy centered on operating an all-737NG fleet. This strategy leverages the reliability, operational efficiency, and maintenance simplicity of the 737NG models. The fleet currently includes nine 737-800s, each configured to accommodate 189 passengers, and seven 737-700s with a capacity for 149 passengers. Among the aircraft sourced from GOL, four are 737-800s and one is a 737-700, aligning with Avelo’s existing fleet composition.
Beyond the acquisition from GOL, Avelo is actively pursuing additional 737NGs to further expand its fleet. Yealy mentioned that the airline has entered into letters of intent for several other 737NG aircraft, signaling a robust expansion strategy. This approach not only underscores Avelo’s commitment to growth but also its confidence in the operational advantages of the 737NG series.
Avelo’s operational bases are strategically distributed across six airports, enhancing its reach and service flexibility. The airline’s original bases, Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut and Hollywood Burbank Airport in Southern California, remain pivotal to its operations. Additional bases include Orlando International Airport in Florida, Wilmington Airport in Delaware, Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, and a forthcoming shift from Las Vegas Reid International Airport to Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in California. This geographical diversity facilitates Avelo’s ability to serve a wide array of markets efficiently.
The airline’s network expansion continues with the introduction of new routes, including twice-weekly flights from Albany International Airport in New York to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina, starting May 10. Furthermore, from May 9, Avelo will begin operating twice-weekly flights between Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport in New York.
Avelo Airlines’ strategic fleet expansion and network growth underscore its commitment to providing accessible and efficient air travel options across the United States. With a total of 48 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico, Avelo is poised to enhance its footprint in the U.S. aviation market, offering passengers more choices and convenience.