Avelo Airlines Expands Service in Salem
Avelo Airlines is set to introduce an additional flight from Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) starting in early May. This expansion, beginning on May 3, aims to connect travelers with the Bay Area and California’s Wine Country via Sonoma County Airport (STS), with flights scheduled twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
Madison Jones, Avelo’s West Coast Communications Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the positive reception from customers since the airline initiated commercial air service in Salem in October 2023. “Since then, Avelo has transported over 20,000 customers from SLE to Las Vegas and Los Angeles,” Jones said.
The decision to reintroduce commercial air service to Salem came over a year ago, with Avelo being the pioneering airline to commit to this endeavor. Trevor Smith, the City of Salem’s Public Information Officer, highlighted the efforts made to upgrade the airport facilities, including the addition of new ticketing counters, recruitment and training of five new staff members, and adherence to rigorous security standards set by the FAA and Homeland Security, aligning with those at PDX and Eugene.
In the short period since its inception in October 2023, Avelo has significantly impacted travel from Salem to popular destinations like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. “Our data indicates a strong demand from residents in the Portland Metro Area and the Mid-Willamette Valley for convenient, reliable, and affordable service to these cities,” Jones remarked. This demand has prompted the airline to extend its nonstop service to the Bay Area and California Wine Country.
Avelo’s decision to enter the Salem market was influenced by its strategic location in the Mid-Willamette Valley, proximity to Portland, wine country, and the Oregon coast, offering residents a more convenient alternative to driving to Eugene or Portland for flights.
Smith is optimistic about the future, hoping that Avelo’s initial success in Salem will lead to more flights and destinations, thereby providing greater travel options for residents of Salem and the broader Willamette Valley area.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Avelo Airlines serves approximately fifty destinations nationwide, positioning itself as a budget-friendly carrier that focuses on underserved cities and airports with limited airline competition.
Jones assured that customers could anticipate a straightforward and convenient travel experience with Avelo from SLE, avoiding the lengthy commutes and traffic associated with other regional airports. “Customers can also rely on our service, as our records since October 2023 show only a 2% cancellation rate for flights departing from SLE,” Jones concluded.