New flights, destinations take off from RDU Thursday

“Terminal 1 represents an opportunity that really highlights a new haven experience for us,” Greg Baden, Avelo Airlines’ chief operating officer, said.

RDU will also be the airline’s fifth base. Baden said the company has already hired 50 local employees.

Avelo is considering adding a second 737 later this year, enabling additional destinations and RDU-based jobs.

“There’s a really good synergy with the airport and the community,” Baden said.

Avelo has been operating out of Terminal 2 since May 2022. Terminal 1 has primarily served Southwest and Spirit Airlines, so Avelo’s move signals the growth and therefore, need for airport expansion.

Beginning Thursday, Avelo will inaugurate service to the Florida cities of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota-Bradenton and West Palm Beach. Avelo will be the only airline serving Fort Myers, Sarasota-Bradenton and West Palm Beach nonstop from RDU.

Over in Terminal 2, Breeze Airways will become the latest airline to launch service at RDU with flights to three new nonstop destinations — Hartford, Conn.; Providence, R.I.; New Orleans, La. — and five more coming soon — Jacksonville, Fla.; Columbus, Ohio; Louisville, Ky.; Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.

Michael Landguth, the president and chief executive officer of RDU said the airport is aware and prepping for growth.

“Carriers are starting to look at this market," he said.

"They’re putting a crew-base here. They’re putting an airplane here. It’s a great example that they’re trying to keep up the growth we see in our local community.”