Nov. 3—NEW HAVEN — In its first year flying out of Tweed New Haven Regional Airport, upstart low-fare airline Avelo Airlines has grown to 180 New Haven-based employees, 14 destinations and six aircraft based at Tweed, which had no commercial air service when Avelo arrived.
Its first year has included more than 600,000 passengers passing through the doors of Tweed, Avelo's first East Coast base, more than 5,000 Avelo flights and creation of an estimated 300 jobs in the community so far, officials said.
Officials from Avelo, the city, airport operator Avports and even East Haven Mayor Joe Carfora, who has opposed airport expansion, turned out to mark the milestone Thursday, and also to pay tribute to Army Reserve Master Sgt. Michael David Clark, who died in July while on active duty.
Carfora said his presence — the first time he has attended an Avelo or Tweed press conference since the first one announcing Avelo's arrival in May 2021 — was not an indication that anything had changed.
"I'm here to support Master Sgt. Clark and his family," Carfora said.
Clark was honored in a pre- Veterans Day tribute that was woven into the anniversary observance.
"We are here to celebrate a historic milestone," said Sean Scanlon, executive director of the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority. "In the last year we have seen an incredible success story. ... In the first year here ... we knew that if we build it, they will come."
Scanlon said he remained convinced that "we're moving in the right direction. We're making progress."
Avelo Founder, Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy thanked Elicker and Carfora for their leadership and Scanlon for his "vision and leadership."
"Last November, we endeavored to make air travel faster, easier and more affordable for Connecticut travelers," Levy said in an accompanying release. "Over the past year, we've done just that."
"In 12 short months we've transformed Tweed from a sleepy single-destination airport into a vibrant gateway to 14 destinations spanning seven states," Levy said. "... We are grateful for the enthusiastic reception Connecticut has greeted us with and look forward to soaring even higher in the year ahead."
He said it was "amazing the economic (development) and the job creation that comes from" Avelo's growth.
Levy said afterward that he hopes to have additional destinations to announce, most likely in February. He also confirmed that flights from Tweed to Chicago's Midway International Airport, which Avelo has announced will be "seasonally suspended" for the winter on Nov. 30 with the exception of Dec. 19 through Jan. 4, will resume in early March.
While Avelo wasn't able to build the ridership it needed on the Chicago route in its initial run, "longterm, I don't see how we can not make it work."
Elicker congratulated Avelo on its first year.
"We're here to celebrate the work that's been done here," said Elicker, noting "the number of destinations that Avelo now flies to" and "the number of people who it's affected" who are now flying out of Tweed.
In addition, "Andrew and his team have been very supportive of the community," Elicker said. He said he saw them painting the interior of the New Haven Boys & Girls Club a few months back and "they were painting it because they were enjoying serving the community."
He said in the release, "Since the inaugural Avelo flight one year ago today, Tweed's growth has solidified the airport's standing as a viable, long-term transportation asset and economic engine for the New Haven community, the region, and now, the state.
"The continued responsible growth of Tweed means more local jobs and more convenient travel opportunities for our residents and businesses," Elicker said. "As we approach Veterans Day, it's also right and fitting to honor those like Army Reserve Master Sergeant Michael David Clark who served our nation with distinction and paid the ultimate sacrifice to help keep us safe and free."
While Carfora and Tweed and Avports officials have had their differences, he said, "This is certainly a milestone moment for Avelo. I would also like to add that Avelo and its employees have been active participants in my community since they've been here.
Among other things, "They have met with our superintendent of schools to talk about the possibility of some interesting partnerships — things like apprenticeships and job training," Carfora said.
In addition, "they have held job fairs in our town, which have resulted in the hiring of a number of East Haven resident, they have joined our Chamber of Commerce and they have supported and donated tickets to some of the family events that we hold on our historic town Green."
The one thing everyone can agree on is "that we stand here today humbled in the presence of Master Sgt. Clark's family." Clark's "distinguished 22-year military career tragically ended when he passed away while on active duty," Carfora said. "We honor the commitment that ... Clark made to our country. We honor his selfless service. But we are also here to honor the commitment that his family made throughout his career."
Carfora said he is the "proud father of a Marine who served" and said "I know the emotions that come with supporting an active-duty service member — and there are surely some sleepless nights."
Levy presented Clark's family with a gift certificate good for six round-trip Avelo tickets "on behalf of 550 Avelo crew members across the country."
Clark lived in Bolton. He enlisted in the Army in 1999 to begin a distinguished, 22-year military career. He died while on active duty on July 20.
Those attending Thursday included Clark's widow, Rachel; his father, David Clark; and his step-father, Bryan Lodge.
" Michael Clark's family is here to receive a special gift from Mr. Levy," said Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs board of trustees Chair Patrick Nelligan. "But remember that Michael Clark's family is not alone" and there are many other families that have made similar sacrifices, he said.
After the ceremony, Rachel Clark thanked Avelo and Tweed and said, "We appreciate their support, especially during a milestone event. ... We appreciate their support not just for Michael but for all veterans."
Avports CEO Jorge Roberts, speaking about Avports' 43-year agreement to operate Tweed, thanked "all the officials who have supported us on our journey," particularly Elicker and Carfora.
"This was our first year. We're committed to 43 years here," Roberts said. "This is a partnership" between the public and private sectors and " New Haven is an example" for other communities across the country."
Michael Piscitelli, the city's economic development administrator, said, "we share the sense of reflection." He said a group of city employees "are all working really hard in support of Avelo" and its growth, along with that that of Tweed, "is very, very important. We're truly grateful to be on that journey with you."
Scanlon, also a Democratic state representative from Guilford who is the Democratic candidate for state comptroller, said in the release, "Tweed New Haven Airport is incredibly proud of the positive change and activity we've helped bring to Southern Connecticut, work that would not have been possible without our great partner, Avelo Airlines.
"Together, we are transforming Tweed into the vibrant airport this region needs and deserves, and which — based on the success of Avelo — we know local flyers want," he said.
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