Avelo Airlines Ushers in New Era for Wilmington Travel with First Ever Direct Flight to Punta Cana

Avelo Airlines marked a milestone in its growth today by launching its first-ever international flight at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), offering direct service to the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana. This is the first international route from ILM, adding an exciting new destination for travelers in Coastal North Carolina and surrounding areas.

The service, operating twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is operated using Avelo’s Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The addition of this exclusive nonstop route strengthens Avelo’s commitment to offering affordable, convenient, and reliable air travel from Wilmington, a city the airline has been serving since June 2022.

To celebrate the inaugural flight to Punta Cana, Avelo hosted a special ceremony at ILM. Attendees enjoyed a lively Dominican Republic flag ceremony, sweet treats, and fanfare, marking the significance of the new route. As the first passengers arrived in Punta Cana, they were greeted with a festive water-cannon salute and lively music, making the beginning of their vacation even more memorable.

Avelo’s Growing Presence at Wilmington International Airport

Since Avelo’s first flight out of Wilmington International Airport in June 2022, the airline has seen impressive growth. The introduction of the Punta Cana route marks the continued expansion of Avelo’s network from ILM, which now includes 15 nonstop destinations. These destinations span from major cities like Boston, New York, and Nashville to Florida hotspots such as Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Additionally, Wilmington is the base of operations for Avelo’s two Boeing 737 aircraft, further solidifying the airline’s investment in the region.

With over 580,000 customers served and nearly 5,000 flights completed from Wilmington since June 2022, Avelo has become an essential air travel option for the region. The airline’s growth has also led to the creation of new jobs in Wilmington’s aviation sector, providing employment opportunities for individuals across various roles such as pilots, flight attendants, ground services, and customer support.

Avelo’s Commitment to Reliability and Affordability

Avelo Airlines has made a name for itself by focusing on reliability, convenience, and customer satisfaction. Since its launch in 2021, Avelo has carried over 8.6 million passengers on more than 68,000 flights across 41 cities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and internationally. Avelo’s philosophy centers on providing air travel to underserved markets, often serving smaller, more accessible airports that offer a less stressful travel experience compared to larger, more crowded hubs.

The airline’s commitment to exceptional service is evident in its industry-leading reliability. In 2024, Avelo was ranked #1 for on-time performance and achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry, according to Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company. These accolades reflect Avelo’s focus on providing customers with dependable service, which has earned it high marks in customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores (NPS), ranking among the top airlines in terms of customer loyalty and admiration.

Avelo PLUS and New Amenities for Travelers

In Fall 2025, Avelo launched its Avelo PLUS program, which offers members exclusive perks and discounts, including discounted fares, free priority boarding, special promotions, and a $50 renewal bonus. The program is designed to reward loyal customers with added convenience, value, and savings, enhancing Avelo’s commitment to providing affordable yet premium service.

In addition to Avelo PLUS, the airline continues to offer a range of seating options to cater to different preferences. Passengers can choose from Standard, Stretch, and Stretch+ seating, with Stretch seating offering additional legroom and Stretch+ providing the added benefit of a blocked middle seat for increased comfort. Families can also enjoy the convenience of traveling together, as children under 14 will be seated with an accompanying adult at no extra charge.

Furthermore, Avelo’s unbundled travel options allow passengers to customize their experience. Customers can purchase items such as priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on luggage, or even bring a pet onboard, giving travelers the flexibility to pay only for the services they need.

Looking Ahead: Avelo’s Continued Growth

Avelo Airlines continues to expand its reach and provide passengers with affordable, convenient travel options that prioritize customer satisfaction. With the addition of Punta Cana to its growing list of destinations and its continued investment in Wilmington International Airport, Avelo is poised for even more growth in the coming years. As the airline continues to provide reliable service and expand its offerings, Avelo remains dedicated to making air travel more accessible and enjoyable for customers across the country.

Whether flying for business or leisure, Avelo Airlines promises a seamless travel experience with a focus on value, reliability, and a personal touch, making it a preferred choice for passengers in Wilmington and beyond.

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