PORTLAND and SALEM, Ore.; Oct. 5, 2023 – Avelo Airlines begins exclusive nonstop service this week from the greater Portland / Salem region to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Avelo is the first and only commercial airline serving Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) in nearly 15 years. 

Salem sits in the heart of the Oregon’s Willamette Valley, home to nearly 100 cities, including Portland, Eugene, Corvallis and Beaverton. With 70% of Oregon’s population living in the Valley, Avelo’s new service at SLE makes getting to Southern California and Las Vegas easier than ever. 

Avelo has sold all 149 seats aboard today’s inaugural flight from SLE to Las Vegas and is over 90% full on tomorrow’s inaugural flight to Los Angeles. The initial popularity Avelo is observing on these routes prompted the airline to add extra flight dates for the winter holidays. 

Very low, one-way fares between SLE and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) start at $44*. One-way fares between SLE and L.A.’s best airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) start at $49*. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

Avelo’s twice-weekly nonstop service between SLE and LAS starts today and operates on Thursdays and Sundays. Twice-weekly nonstop service between SLE and BUR begins tomorrow, Oct. 6 and operates on Fridays and Mondays, with the route adjusting to Thursdays and Sundays on November 2. Both routes will utilize Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. 

Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Willamette Valley – it’s time to say hello to Avelo! We are excited to begin nonstop service from the greater Portland / Salem region to Las Vegas and Los Angeles this week. As the first airline to serve the Capital City in nearly 15 years, Avelo makes getting to your favorite destinations easier and more affordable than ever. Say goodbye to the hassle of long and expensive gas-guzzling drives to other distant airports, and say hello to a new era of affordability, convenience and reliability with Avelo.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said, “Avelo Airlines’ commitment to bringing commercial service to the Salem Municipal Airport will make it easier for people to visit our beautiful state and spotlight the important role that the mid-Willamette Valley plays in the economy of Oregon. As new residents of Salem, the First Lady and I appreciate having such an accessible option so close to home.”

Salem Mayor Chris Hoy said, “Today is a great day for our city. We’re growing so much, and this is going to be such a boom for job creation and economic development in our region. This is going to help introduce Salem to the rest of the world. We’ve been fortunate to have had such amazing partners working together on this. Travel Salem, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Fly Salem, and so many others made this day possible. I’m grateful for their efforts!”

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Hoffert said, “Today represents a rebirth of domestic air travel for residents and businesses in the greater Willamette Valley, and we could not be more excited.  There have been many years of strategic planning and thoughtful decision making, led by vested partners within the Fly Salem Steering Committee, the Salem Chamber and Travel Salem organizations, and local elected officials.  The Salem Chamber is proud to see these strategic efforts come to fruition and remain confident that the Salem Airport will be a fixture in Salem’s growing economic ecosystem, serving our residents and those wishing to visit our community.”  

Travel Salem CEO Angie Villery said, “We celebrate five years of planning and collaborative efforts in spectacular fashion today, with the return of commercial air service to Salem Municipal Airport. Visitors have a new and convenient way to access and enjoy everything that makes Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley such a vibrant destination. And residents of the Salem region now have direct connections to major markets, beginning with Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Thank you to Avelo Airlines, Fly Salem, the City of Salem and the Salem Chamber of Commerce for investing in the future of our destination.”

Las Vegas: The Entertainment Capital of the World
As one of North America’s leading business and leisure destinations, Las Vegas offers something for everyone, including unrivaled entertainment and nightlife, exhilarating sporting events, world-famous hotels and dining experiences, casinos, shopping and more. Beyond the strip, outdoor adventures, family friendly activities, top-rated golf courses and iconic attractions await visitors of all ages.

BUR — L.A.’s Best Airport 

Situated in the heart of Southern California, BUR is surrounded by L.A.’s iconic beaches, dining, entertainment, shopping and sun-soaked outdoor recreation. Whether travelers are departing or arriving, BUR offers a refreshingly convenient and hassle-free experience. Named the 2019 “Best U.S. Airport” by Fodor’s Travel, BUR features include seamless curbside pickup and drop-off, smaller crowds, unrivaled speed for plane-to-carousel bag delivery, faster TSA security lines, and short walking distances between the terminal and ground transportation, parking, and rental cars (instead of the time-consuming shuttle buses required at L.A.’s much larger airport). All of this makes BUR the ultra-convenient, stress-free gateway to Los Angeles. 

America’s Affordable, Convenient and Reliable Airline

Avelo was founded with a vision to help its Customers save money and time. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than three million Customers on over 25,000 flights.

Today, Avelo serves 44 destinations spanning 23 states and Puerto Rico. The airline has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition in air travel by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. At least one airport on every Avelo flight is a small hometown airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable. 

In addition to offering Customers everyday low fares on every route, Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Avelo also offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Additionally, the 16 American-made Boeing 737 jets Avelo flies offer a more spacious and comfortable experience than the small regional aircraft currently operating at most of the airports Avelo serves. Customers who value an advance seat assignment can choose from several modestly priced seating options, including seats with extra leg room, as well as pre-reserved window and aisle seating. One third of seats on Avelo aircraft are available for Customers who appreciate the comfort of extra legroom. 

At Avelo, every flight is also nonstop. This connection-free travel experience not only provides Avelo Customers with faster and simpler travel, but also minimizes delays, cancellations and lost bags. In fact, Avelo has established itself as one of America’s most reliable airlines. In the first nine months of 2023, Avelo has achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry.   

Avelo is distinguished by its Soul of Service culture. The culture is grounded in Avelo’s One Crew Value which promotes a welcoming and caring experience. By caring for one another and owning their commitments, Avelo Crewmembers focus on anticipating and understanding Customer needs on the ground and in the air.

About Salem

Salem is Oregon’s second largest city and the state’s capital, nestled between the Oregon coast and world class outdoor adventures in the Cascade Range. It’s a diverse community with well-established neighborhoods, a family-friendly ambiance and a small-town feel. The historic downtown offers easy access to the Willamette riverfront, foods from local kitchens, craft brewery and winery experiences and a variety of cultural opportunities. Salem is in the midst of sustained, steady growth, investing in preservation of historic buildings, affordable housing, residential and commercial development, local businesses and industry. 

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel. The airline offers Customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares, and a refreshingly smooth and caring experience through its Soul of Service culture. Operating a fleet of Boeing Next-bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region’s Wilmington Airport (ILG), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). For more information visit AveloAir.comor the Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom. 

*Very low, one-way fares include government taxes and fees. Fares start at $44 between SLE and LAS and at $49 between SLE and BUR for travel completed by April 30, 2024. Fares must be booked by October 15, 2023. Fares are available on a limited number of flights and seats. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. A $20 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo's Customer Support Center. For full terms and conditions, please see Avelo’s Contract of Carriage.