Avelo Airlines is celebrating a major milestone! It’s been a full year since they launched nonstop flights from Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) in Oregon, connecting the greater Portland/Salem area to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the sunny shores of Los Angeles.
Avelo’s arrival in Salem in October 2023 marked a significant moment, as the first commercial airline to resume service at the airport in 15 years. Located in the heart of the vibrant Willamette Valley, Salem is surrounded by nearly 100 cities, including Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, and Beaverton. With 70% of Oregon’s population living in this area, Avelo’s flights from SLE offer convenient and affordable travel options for local residents.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy shared his excitement, stating, “We are encouraged by the positive reception we’ve received from our customers in the Willamette Valley. Avelo has made flying to Southern California and Las Vegas from this region easier, faster, and more reliable than ever.”
Since Avelo began operating at SLE, they have welcomed over 55,000 customers on more than 500 flights. The airline has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional reliability, currently holding the top spot in on-time performance and boasting the lowest flight cancellation rate in the industry. These impressive achievements are based on data from Anuvu, a premier aviation data services company.
Salem Mayor Chris Hoy expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Avelo Airlines, saying, “Our investment in the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport and the partnership with Avelo Airlines continues to beat expectations. In the first year of operation, more than 55,000 travelers have enjoyed the unbelievable convenience of the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for our growing airport and the community of Salem as commercial air service continues to grow.”
Angie Villery, CEO of Travel Salem, emphasized the positive impact Avelo’s flights have had on tourism in the region. “We’re so excited to celebrate Avelo’s one-year anniversary providing commercial air service at the Salem – Willamette Valley Airport. Nearly 47% of passengers who flew during the first six months of service were visitors, which is significant in terms of spurring economic development and growing tourism in the region. We look forward to continued growth and partnership with Avelo.”
Avelo’s success in Salem is a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing affordable, convenient, and reliable air travel options for communities across the country. As they continue to expand their reach, Avelo is set to become a major player in the aviation industry, connecting people and destinations in new and exciting ways.
