Wilmington Airport ILG saw more than 9,600 passengers in February with the debut of Avelo Airlines, according to a social media post.
That’s nearly 8,000 more passengers traveling through the terminal in February 2022. At the time, Frontier Airlines was offering a couple of nonstop a week to Orlando. Frontier later that year ended service after minimal marketing and a long-term focus on Philadelphia International Airport. Frontier is now a distant second to American Airlines in the number of passenger boardings from Philly.
The boardings benefit the airport operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority since reaching a 10,000-passenger figure brings in federal revenue that goes to nearly 400 passenger airports around the country.
Avelo offers flights from ILG to five Florida cities – Orlando, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Meyers, and Fort Lauderdale mainly twice a week Fares typically start at $49 with added fees for checked luggage and assigned seats. Avelo has also launched promotions that lower that price for a limited time.
It will be interesting to see if that momentum continues into the spring and whether fares increase to a sustainable level. If that happens, Avelo will base another jet in Delaware and add additional flights. Avelo does earn additional revenue from seat assignments and baggage fees,
In its first stint at ILG, Frontier posted impressive traffic figures, but quickly pulled out of most of its early destinations from Wilmington, including Detroit and Denver.
Frontier was later acquired by airport investor Indigo Partners and brought along the low-fares and fee model from Spirit, an airline it formerly controlled.
Frontier management saw the grass was greener in Philadelphia as American Airlines cut some flights after acquiring US Airways. The massive airline is also coping with a pilot shortage.
The Indigo model has worked for fast-growing Frontier but has been unable to elbow its way into the upper tier of airlines based on customer ratings.
Frontier and Spirit appeared to have noticed Avelo and offered deep discounts from Philly to Orlando. Avelo offers far lower ticket prices to other points in the Sunshine State than competitors.
A new terminal for Cape May
Wilmington Airport operator, the Delaware River and Bay Authority, announced a new terminal at Cape May Airport.
River and Bay commissioners recently awarded a contract to construct a new terminal building at the Cape May Airport late last year. The DRBA operates airports in Delaware and the Garden State.
The project’s total cost is estimated to be $7.4 million, and Cape May County is providing approximately $250,000 directly in support of the terminal, with additional funds committed to roadway and parking enhancements in the immediate vicinity.
“The existing terminal building’s layout and condition are not suitable for future terminal needs and functions,” said Stephen D. Williams, deputy executive director for the DRBA. “The old terminal is located far away from the Fixed-Based Operator (FBO) and associated fueling facilities. It makes sense to have the terminal building, FBO and fueling operations located in one central location.”
The new 5,400-square-foot building consists of offices, aviation customer support spaces, and public lobby space.
About now, you might be asking about a new terminal at New Castle Airport that could be used for charter and airline service.
The DRBA, at last report, is not interested in renewing an agreement with New Castle County, the owner of the airport, when its current lease expires in 2025.
The county and a committee appointed to study the airport believe a private operator might be the best option, leading the DRBA to say thanks but no thanks to making a bid. Private airport management is popular outside the U.S. but has not caught on in the states. Authorities like the DRBA are more widely used.
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