New Haven, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Avelo Airlines launched its maiden non-stop flight from Tweed New Haven Airport this morning amid fanfare from the airline.
State and local officials are calling the non-stop flight to Orlando an economic driver that will benefit southern Connecticut and the entire state.
The airport has under gone its first major expansion in more than three decades, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysciewicz said. The airport was built in 1931.
"We like being first and doing things differently. We also like taking risks. But this is a risk we feel good about taking. We're putting in our own capital as well to make this dream a reality," Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said.
Avports has been the local operator of Tweed for more than twenty years.
"After many years of debate on what the future of Tweed could hold, there's now a clean plan in place for the future of the airport. Today's inaugural flight is another great step. There are more steps ahead but we're clearly on a path for a more dynamic Tweed that can serve New Haven, East Haven and greater Connecticut," declared CEO Jorge Roberts.
Newly re-elected New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said everything accomplished in his city is viewed through a lens of equity and inclusion.
"In addition to the economic benefits, in many ways, this is a gift to people in the region, to be able to enjoy themselves in this time of incredible tensions and challenge and to fly to a destination. Everyone's excited about flying to Florida, but people in Florida better be excited about flying to New Haven too," he said.
One-way flights start at $59.
More than one hundred new people have been hired and a jobs fair was being held today.
