WILMINGTON — Wilmington International Airport officially introduced another destination through its recently added low-cost carrier, Avelo Airlines.
Friday marks the inaugural flight from ILM to Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International Airport, the second nonstop route to the Sunshine state.
READ MORE: ILM to FLL: Avelo Airlines expands service to Florida
Avelo launched about a year and a half ago and announced in April it would be joining ILM with three nonstop destinations at a bargain price. Starting July 1, travelers could book flights to New Haven, Orlando and Baltimore/D.C.
A month later, Avelo revealed it was adding a fourth route. Passengers can now board a Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, comfortably seating around 147 people, with fares starting at $39.
“Our Wilmington customers already know that Avelo is the most convenient and affordable way to travel,” Avelo chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said in a press release. “Now flying to Fort Lauderdale is easier than ever — whether for vacation, a weekend getaway, or reconnecting with family and friends.”
The Fort Lauderdale flight will take off from ILM twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays at 9:35 a.m. out of ILM and departing from FLL at 12:20 p.m.
As of September, ILM passenger numbers are up 116% from 2019, with 51,548 travelers flying out of the Cape Fear. For the last six months, the local airport has surpassed state and U.S. numbers in its return to pre-pandemic enplanements.
ILM officials don’t anticipate slowing down either, estimating 143,000 available seats on flights leaving Wilmington by March 2023.
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