Inaugural Avelo Airlines' Flight From New Haven To San Juan Takes Off

NEW HAVEN, CT — The sun still had a way to go before rising on the day, but at Tweed New Haven Airport, myriad dignitaries including Puerto Rican state legislators and the governor were on hand for the celebration.

Wednesday morning, Avelo Airlines took to the skies for its inaugural flight from New Haven to San Juan, Puerto Rico, rounding up to 18 affordable, nonstop destinations from HVN.

Billed as a "festive celebratory" program in the gate area, there was a ribbon cutting to launch the first flight. And, a ceremonial water cannon saluted the plane’s takeoff to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Connecticut is home to roughly 300,000 Puerto Ricans – the third largest Puerto Rican population in the continental U.S. Additionally, there are approximately 90,000 Puerto Ricans in the greater New Haven region. Puerto Ricans also represent almost half of the Hispanic population in the state, 46.5 percent, one of the highest percentages in the nation.

San Juan is Avelo’s first destination outside the continental United States. Avelo operates this route twice-weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737
aircraft.

“It’s officially time, Viaja Con Avelo! With the third-largest population of Puerto Ricans in the continental U.S. calling Connecticut home, the convenience, reliability, and affordability of flying Avelo makes reconnecting with friends and family easier than ever. And with winter nearly here, this Caribbean Island treasure is the latest example of how Avelo is inspiring travel in new and exciting ways for Southern Connecticut. At the same time, this new route will inspire a meaningful number of travelers to visit Connecticut from Puerto Rico. This is a win-win opportunity for Connecticut and Puerto Rico.”

On hand were Giselle Cortes, Avelo Airlines' Head of Airports, Gov. Ned Lamont, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, state Reps. Juan Candelaria of New Haven, Geraldo Reyes of Waterbury, Christopher Rosario of Bridgeport, Connecticut Puerto Ricans United president Joseph Rodriquez, Alexandra Daum, state Department of Economic and Community Development commissioner, Tweed-New Haven Airport Executive Director Tom Rafter and airport CEO Michael Jones.

“I am excited by the continued growth of Avelo Airlines at Tweed Airport, particularly with this new route to San Juan," Lamont said. "With a location that is easily accessible for many people in southern Connecticut, Tweed offers quick and convenient travel. The addition of routes like this strengthens the region as a whole, improving our economic competitiveness and quality of life.”

New Haven's mayor, an airport and Avelo cheerleader, said New Haven has a "large and growing Puerto Rican community and a long and rich cultural tie to the island."

"The new direct flight from New Haven to San Juan will further strengthen this bond by providing easy, accessible and affordable travel, allowing residents to connect with their friends and families. It’s also a great opportunity for other residents to visit the island for the first time, whether it be for a vacation getaway or a business trip."

Avelo celebrated the start of this new route with a Puerto Rico-themed ceremony at Tweed Airport this morning with a backdrop of Connecticut and Puerto Rican flags, and red, white &
blue balloons.