Avelo Airlines today (February 12) launched its first scheduled international route between the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay and the Research Triangle’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina.

One-way fares start at US$173.

Avelo is the only airline offering nonstop service between Montego Bay and the ‘Research Triangle’ of North Carolina.

Beginning February 12, Avelo will operate this route twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

With the addition of this new route, Raleigh/Durham (RDU) joins Avelo’s current nonstop service to Hartford’s Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut from Montego Bay (MBJ).

Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Montego Bay – it’s time for more Avelo! Our second route to Montego Bay is a significant milestone for Avelo. Our mission is to Inspire Travel, and the addition of more services at MBJ offers our customers more choices. As the only airline offering nonstop service to Jamaica from North Carolina’s Research Triangle, we are making it more convenient and affordable for our customers travelling to Montego Bay to experience the island’s famous beaches, vibrant energy and laid-back charm.”

Sangster International Airport CEO Shane Munroe stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Avelo Airlines and their new nonstop service connecting Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, with Montego Bay. This new route not only enhances travel options for our passengers but also strengthens our international connectivity. We are committed to offering travellers an exceptional experience at MBJ and are confident that this route will be a success for both Avelo Airlines and Jamaica’s vibrant travel and tourism industry.”

The Triangle Region offers the widest range of activities and attractions in North Carolina. This region boasts award-winning inns, hotels and spas, culinary delights for every taste, and cultural experiences including university gardens and art and history museums.

A trip to this blossoming Southern metropolis leaves visitors enriched and energised the instant they’re welcomed by its smart, savvy locals. RDU is also home to three large research universities: Duke University, NC State University and the University of North Carolina.

RDU Airport Authority president and CEO Michael Landguth said, “It has been exciting to watch Avelo grow from flying one route to launching international service at RDU. The Montego Bay launch kicks off a new era for Avelo as they offer Triangle-area travellers more opportunities for an island getaway.”

Avelo: Growing reliability and convenience

Since taking flight in April 2021, Avelo has flown more than 6.3 million customers on nearly 50,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 53 cities spanning 23 states and Puerto Rico, as well as three international destinations: Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice, and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. Most Avelo routes have at least one small, easy-to-use airport. This makes travelling with Avelo a smoother, easier and more enjoyable experience than contending with the crowds, congestion and long walks at larger airports.

Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In 2024, Avelo ranked number one in on-time performance and achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the US airline industry. These results are provided by Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company also utilised by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual airline ranking.

Avelo also delivers world-class customer satisfaction, exemplified by its net promoter scores (NPS), which consistently rank among the best airlines and most admired brands in the world.

Avelo offers an abundance of advanced seating options. One-third of its aircraft seats (Avelo Premium and Premium Economy) offer extra legroom – ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches of pitch. These seats offer a more comfortable experience for customers who value more space. Customers can also purchase window and aisle seats in advance of their flight. In addition to advanced seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 14 and under will be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.