RDU welcoming first nonstop flight from Jamaica

RALEIGH, N.C. (WITN) – Raleigh-Durham International Airport is welcoming the inaugural flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

RDU says the Avelo Airlines flight landed today and is one of two nonstop international destinations it is launching this week.

According to RDU, the airline will also begin service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on February 22nd.

“It has been exciting to watch Avelo grow from flying one route to launching international service at RDU. The Montego Bay and Punta Cana launches kick off a new era for Avelo as they offer Triangle-area travelers more opportunities for an island getaway,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “We appreciate the commitment Avelo has made to the Raleigh-Durham market as they add routes and create jobs in our community.”

RDU says Avelo began service at the airport in 2022 with a single route and opened a base there the following year. The airline now serves seven destinations from RDU and has two Boeing Next-Generation 737s and nearly 100 employees stationed at the airport, according to RDU.

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Our inaugural international service to the Caribbean from RDU is a significant milestone for Avelo. Our mission is to Inspire Travel, and the addition of international service to our network offers our Customers even more choices. As the only airline offering nonstop service to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic from RDU, we are making it more convenient and affordable for our customers to enjoy these popular vacation destinations. Their business is validation of the choice, affordability and industry-leading reliability Avelo offers RDU-area travelers.”

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