Avelo Airlines' Route Cuts: What's Going On With These Flights?

So, Avelo Airlines is "consolidating" its network, huh? That's the PR-friendly way of saying they're pulling back, cutting routes, and generally shrinking before they (maybe) get those fancy new Embraer E195-E2s in 2027. Let's be real: this ain't consolidation, it's damage control. Avelo Airlines To Consolidate Network Ahead Of E2 Deliveries.

Mike Corcoran, Avelo’s director of network planning, said their “number one inhibitor to growth right now is just the fact that a lot of people don’t know that we actually exist.” Give me a break. If nobody knows you exist, maybe your business model needs a serious rethink, not just a temporary retreat to the East Coast.

East Coast Focus: Genius or Desperation?

Okay, so they're focusing on "core bases" at smaller East Coast airports. Makes sense on paper. Less competition, potentially cheaper operating costs. But is it really a winning strategy? These smaller airports often mean fewer connecting flights, less name recognition, and a whole lot of hoping people will drive an hour or two just to save a few bucks on a flight.

And speaking of saving money, those $35 flights from Concord airport sound amazing. But let's see how long that lasts before they start tacking on fees for breathing. I mean, airlines these days... you practically have to pay extra to use the overhead bin. Are we really supposed to believe these ultra-low fares are sustainable? What happens when fuel prices spike again? Will Avelo just vanish into thin air like so many budget airlines before them?

I remember when People Express tried this back in the 80s. How'd that work out?

The E2 Gamble: A Hail Mary Pass?

Avelo's betting big on those Embraer E195-E2s. Fifty of 'em, to be exact. They think these new planes will let them expand nationally, maybe even return to the West Coast "in a smarter, more effective way."

"More effective" than what? Than completely pulling out of the West Coast in the first place? The E2 is a nice plane, fuel efficient, right size for many routes. But new planes don't solve bad business decisions. And waiting until mid-2027? That's an eternity in the airline industry. Avelo is hoping that by then, people will actually know who they are.

They're aiming for around 140 seats on the E2, and maybe even a dual-class configuration. Dual-class? Really? Who are they trying to fool? This is supposed to be a budget airline, not Emirates. It's like putting lipstick on a pig. A very fuel-efficient pig, granted, but still a pig.

I'm not even going to get started on airline baggage policies...

So, This is the Great Plan?