Sonali Tiwary
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) has announced the addition of Avelo Airlines to its carrier roster, expanding service with two new nonstop routes to previously unserved markets. This development comes after the airport recorded 4 million passengers in 2024, marking a substantial growth in West Michigan air travel demand.
New Route Details and Schedule
Starting May 23, 2025, Avelo Airlines will launch a twice-weekly service between Grand Rapids and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), connecting West Michigan to North Carolina’s Research Triangle region. Just weeks later, on June 13, 2025, the carrier will begin operating flights to Lakeland International Airport (LAL) in Central Florida.
Both routes will operate on Mondays and Fridays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. This schedule structure caters to weekend leisure travellers and business passengers requiring weekday connections.
“We are thrilled to welcome Avelo Airlines to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, marking an exciting milestone for our community,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk. “With the addition of nonstop service to Raleigh-Durham and Lakeland, we’re not only expanding our flight options but also opening up new, unserved markets for our passengers.”
Strategic Importance of New Destinations
The RDU route provides West Michigan travellers with direct access to North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, home to over 300 companies and three major universities: Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. Previously thousands of passengers travelled between GRR and RDU via connecting flights.
Lakeland International Airport, located 45 miles from Orlando’s major attractions, offers a less congested alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO). LAL recently completed a $45 million runway expansion in 2022 to accommodate larger aircraft, allowing for operations like Avelo’s 737 service. According to Visit Orlando, 74 million people visited Central Florida in 2023.
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Avelo’s Operating Model and Strategy
Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines operates on a low-cost carrier model focusing on underserved markets and secondary airports. “Today’s debut of Avelo Airlines unlocked a new era of customer choice and everyday low fares — concluding two decades of choice-reducing industry consolidation,“ said Avel
Avelo Airlines today announced 13 new routes and three new destinations, including its fourth international location – Nassau, Bahamas – as well as Grand Rapids, Michigan, and New York/Long Island. Affordable one-way fares start at $39*, though passengers should note additional fees apply for carry-on and checked baggage.
In mid-2024, Avelo Airlines established a base at Lakeland Linder International Airport, strengthening its presence in the Central Florida market. The airline has demonstrated a willingness to adjust its network, including reducing certain domestic flights at Connecticut’s Bradley International Airport—such as routes to Houston and Lakeland—while maintaining international service, including a newly announced route to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Economic Impact and Regional Benefits
Introducing these routes creates potential economic benefits for West Michigan through increased tourism and business connectivity. Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy, “These 13 new routes offer our Customers even more choices, making it easier and more affordable than ever for our Customers to get where they want to go.”
Corporate travellers from companies like Amway and Steelcase anticipate streamlined access to Research Triangle Park for business collaborations, eliminating previous connection requirements, as reported by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
To attract the new service, SCASDP provides grants to help small communities address air service and airfare issues, including incentives like landing fee waivers and marketing support, if Gerald R. Ford International Airport has implemented landing fee waivers is unclear.
Airport Development and Future Outlook
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been undergoing significant infrastructure improvements. The airport’s 2025 Strategic Plan includes adding more than 10 new routes, focusing on leisure and underserved markets.
In 2022, Ford International Airport has been awarded $8.6 million through the Airport Terminal Grant Program to support its expansion project.
GRR CEO Tory Richardson stated that the airport aims to “recapture 20% of travelers who previously drove to Chicago/Midway,” according to FOX17 reporting from April 2024. Richardson has also indicated plans to announce one or two additional carriers later in 2024, as reported by WZZM13.
Industry Context and Trends
Secondary airports are gaining traction across the U.S. aviation landscape, with 12% of domestic flights now operating from non-hub airports, up from 9% in 2019 according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) data from 2023.
If the initial GRR routes prove successful, industry analysts suggest Avelo might consider additional seasonal service to destinations like Myrtle Beach or Savannah, following patterns established in other markets.
Andrew Levy, Avelo Airlines CEO, emphasized GRR’s suitability for the carrier’s business model: “GRR’s record growth and underserved demand made it a perfect fit for our model,” according to Avelo’s press materials.
Environmental Considerations
While not prominently featured in announcements, the aviation industry’s environmental footprint remains an important consideration. Improved direct routing can reduce overall emissions compared to connecting itineraries, though specific sustainability initiatives from Avelo or GRR regarding these new routes have not been detailed.
For Travelers
Prospective passengers should consider booking early to access introductory fares, which can start as low as $49 for a limited number of seats. Avelo’s baggage policies include fees for carry-on and checked luggage, though personal items are free.
The twice-weekly schedule pattern requires careful planning for return journeys, particularly for business travelers with variable meeting schedules.
