Plant Citians hoping to catch a flight but not wanting to make the trek to the Orlando, Tampa or St. Pete airports will be happy to learn that Monday, Dec. 18, Lakeland City Commission unanimously approved a deal that would bring commercial air service to Lakeland Linder International Airport beginning in 2024.
Avelo, an ultra-low cost air carrier that took flight for the first time in 2021 and currently serves 44 destinations throughout the United States, has steadily built a reputation for convenient, affordable and no-frills air travel.
The company currently offers flights from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to New Haven, CT (HVN), Philadelphia/Wilmington, DE (ILG) and Wilmington, NC (ILM). Its Orlando International Airpot (MCO) flights includes destinations such as Binghamton, NY, Brownsville, South Padre Island, TX (BRO), Dubuqu, IA (DBQ), Greenville/Spartanburg, SC (GSP), Kalamazoo, MI (AZO), Lansing, MI (LAN), Mobile, AL (BFM), New Haven, CT (HVN), Philadelphia/Wilimington, DE (ILG), Wausau/Central Wisconsin, WI (SWA) and Wilmington, NC (ILM).
According to the minutes from Monday night’s city commission meeting, terminal modifications include a public announcement system, additional hold room seating, parking lot modifications, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offices and security screening checkpoint, rental car offices, ramp markings as well as technology upgrades and HVAC, flooring, electrical and drywall improvements. Installation of Flight Information Display System (FIDS) will also be required to provide real-time updates on flight schedules, gate assignments, baggage handling and any emergency communications.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to bring scheduled commercial air service to Lakeland Linder International Airport,” said Avelo Airlines Communications Manager Courtney Goff, who shared that more details about the company’s plans will be released in the coming months.. “We are thankful for the enthusiastic support Avelo has received from the Lakeland community, as well as from city and county leaders. We are especially appreciative of the dedicated professionals at the Lakeland Linder International Airport.”
Flights will begin late Spring and early Summer 2024.