By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
MCKINNEY — Avelo Airlines hasn’t flown its first passenger out of McKinney National Airport yet, but the airline is already expanding.
Avelo announced Thursday it is adding nonstop flights to Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville and a third aircraft based in McKinney — expanding its planned network to nine destinations and its workforce to approximately 150 employees before the first flight takes off Nov. 11.
“The response from North Texas has been extraordinary, and the bookings back that up,” Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy said
The four new routes will give Avelo nine destinations from McKinney.
Four more cities from McKinney
Denver and Atlanta service begin Dec. 16 and will operate four days a week — Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Service to New Orleans and Nashville begins Dec. 17, with flights operating Thursday and Sunday.
“These are markets that have proven demand from the Dallas Metroplex,” Levy said during Thursday’s announcement. “We’re really excited to be able to offer more destination options to the customers who are gonna take advantage of this incredible airport.”
The routes join Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. Introductory fares start at $99, with a free first checked bag on qualifying McKinney bookings. Both offers have purchase and travel restrictions.
Third aircraft, approximately 150 jobs
The third aircraft will be a 184-seat Boeing Next-Generation 737-800. Avelo says three Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft will be based at DTX when its McKinney base opens Nov. 11.
The airline says its McKinney operation will create approximately 150 jobs, including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians and airport personnel.
“With our third airplane here, this will be one of the biggest investments we’ve made in any base we’ve ever started,” Levy told reporters following the announcement. “But we think the opportunity is worth it, and we’re excited to do it.”
Levy said Avelo considers McKinney a “base” rather than a hub. Aircraft based there will begin and end their operating days in McKinney.
Why Avelo sees a market in McKinney
Levy said Avelo sees an opportunity among Collin County and North Texas travelers who now drive south to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport or Dallas Love Field.
“Most people in this area are used to going to DFW, or Love Field,” Levy said during a media interview following the announcement. “We’re offering another option in the community.”
He said the difference is particularly noticeable for travelers who can avoid the drive south and use a smaller airport closer to home.
“We stand for affordable convenience,” Levy said during his earlier remarks. “That’s who Avelo is, that’s what we bring to the market.”
At McKinney, he pointed to the ability to park near the terminal and quickly reach the aircraft.
“You just go check in, go through security, get on the airplane, and go,” Levy said.
McKinney National Airport Director Ken Carley said airline interest also gave airport officials confidence that a commercial market existed.
“I don’t think that anybody probably knows the opportunities in markets better than the airlines themselves,” Carley said. “So, I mean, for us, I think that was a strong signal that there was something here.”
Levy said Avelo sees room to continue expanding in McKinney as travelers begin using the new service.
“There’s plenty of opportunity to add a lot of flights in this airport, if the demand is there,” Levy said. “We believe it will be there.”
He said building that passenger base will take time as North Texas travelers become accustomed to another airport option.
Avelo’s investment in McKinney
Avelo originally planned to base two aircraft in McKinney, creating about 100 jobs and serving five destinations. Thursday’s announcement adds a third aircraft, approximately 50 more direct Avelo jobs and four destinations.
Levy said Avelo considers McKinney a base rather than a hub, with pilots, flight attendants, maintenance and airport personnel working there.
“The airplanes start here, just like they do in the other bases,” Levy said. “They start in base, and they come home every night.”
The additional aircraft makes McKinney one of Avelo’s largest initial investments in a new base.
“With our third airplane here, this will be one of the biggest investments we’ve made in any base we’ve ever started,” Levy said. “But we think the opportunity is worth it, and we’re excited to do it.”
More than three years of talks
Levy said he first came to McKinney about three years and three months ago, when discussions began about Avelo becoming the airport’s launch airline.
Since then, he said, he has watched the terminal take shape and the airport follow through on its commitments.
“Anytime they say they’re gonna do something, they’ve done it,” Levy said.
He left little doubt about where he expects things to stand on opening day.
“This airport will be ready to go on November 11 for our first flight,” Levy said. “I have no doubt that that’ll be the case.”
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