WILMINGTON, Del. — Beginning September 3, Avelo Airlines travelers will have access to two new paid seating upgrades: Stretch and Stretch+. Stretch+ includes a blocked middle seat for more personal space, while Stretch seating offers extended legroom ranging from 32 inches to over 36 inches of pitch.
“These upgrades reflect our commitment to giving travelers more choice and comfort while staying true to what sets us apart: convenient, reliable, and affordable service,” said Brian Davis, Avelo’s chief commercial officer. “We know comfort matters and this new option offers a better experience for those who want it, without changing the value our Customers expect from us.”
Controversy over deportation flights
The airline's comfort upgrades come amid growing criticism from some travelers following Avelo’s recent decision to enter a long-term agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Starting May 12, Avelo will operate deportation and detention transfer flights from its new hub at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. Three aircraft will be based at the facility to transport people between detention centers and to their home countries.
“We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come,” said Andrew Levy, Avelo’s founder and CEO.
The partnership has sparked controversy, with some people calling for a boycott of the airline over its role in the government’s deportation network.
Avelo's regional growth, new competitor on Delmarva
Despite the backlash, Avelo continues to expand its footprint. The airline revived commercial air service in Delaware in 2023 and now offers flights to 14 destinations from Wilmington, serving cities across five states and Puerto Rico.
Avelo's first destination from Wilmington--Orlando, Florida--will have new competition for Delmarva fliers. Breeze Airways announced new nonstop flights from Salisbury to Orlando beginning Oct. 1. Flights will run twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, between Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport and Orlando International Airport. Breeze will join Piedmont Airlines, who operates under American Airlines, and flies from Salisbury to Charlotte and Philadelphia.