Avelo Airlines celebrated its start of international service at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) with nonstop service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, ILM's first international route. Avelo is the first and only airline offering nonstop service between ILM and Punta Cana. Avelo operates this route twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. This exclusive route expands Avelo's affordable, convenient and industry-leading reliable air service introduced to Wilmington and the Island Beaches in June 2022.
Avelo is commemorating its inaugural flight to Punta Cana this morning with a celebration at ILM with a Dominican Republic flag celebration, sweet treats from ILM airport and Avelo fanfare. As Customers arrive in Punta Cana, they will experience a warm welcome with water-cannon salute and festive music.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy commented: "Our inaugural international service to Punta Cana from ILM is a significant milestone for Avelo and Wilmington. Our mission is to Inspire Travel, and the addition of international service to our expansive route network offers our Customers even more choices. As the first and only airline offering international service from ILM, we are making it more convenient and affordable for our Wilmington-area Customers to enjoy the D.R. and our 15 popular destinations, while making it easier for visitors to experience the best of Coastal North Carolina."
ILM Airport Director Jeff Bourk stated: "Thank you to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and all the other stakeholders involved for your support in preparing the facility to handle scheduled commercial international service for the first time in ILM's history. And a big thank you to Avelo for the wonderful Christmas gift of launching international service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!"
Avelo established ILM as a Crewmember base and base of operations on April 3, 2025, and currently has two Boeing Next-Generation 737s based at the airport. This represents the airline's investment in Wilmington and enables Avelo to significantly broaden its convenient, affordable and reliable air service across Coastal North Carolina. Since taking flight at ILM in June 2022, Avelo has flown more than 580,000 Customers on nearly 5,000 flights.
To support its base, Avelo continues to create more jobs in Wilmington aviation for individuals at all stages of their career including pilots, flight attendants, ground services, Customer support and more.
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