It was all about Las Vegas at the Brownsville-South Padre International Airport on Friday, September 8, 2023, as Avelo Airlines launched its inaugural non-stop flight from Brownsville to the famous entertainment destination.
The event was marked by festivities and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring a lineup of speakers, including Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr., City Manager Helen Ramirez, AICP, Ed Rivera (Chairman of the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Advisory Board), and Trevor Yealy (Head of Commercial and Network for Avelo Airlines).
Mayor Cowen expressed the significance of this partnership between Brownsville and Avelo Airlines, emphasizing that it goes beyond a mere business alliance. He described it as a testament to their shared commitment to unlocking the limitless potential of South Texas.
Mayor Cowen also highlighted the broad implications of this new flight service. With Las Vegas now added to the list of destinations, residents no longer have to consider the West Coast or Orlando as out of reach. This expansion of aviation options opens up opportunities for families to reunite, friends to embark on unforgettable getaways, and entrepreneurs to explore cross-country possibilities.
City Manager Helen Ramirez underlined the importance of Avelo Airlines' recent decision to make Las Vegas a base, emphasizing how it strengthens the sustainability of Brownsville as a travel route.
She highlighted the value of providing safe, affordable, and reliable travel options for Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley, contributing to the diversification and strengthening of the local economy.
Avelo Airlines had already been offering non-stop flights from Brownsville to Orlando, Florida, and Los Angeles, California. Now, with Las Vegas on the list, the airline is expanding its range of travel options.
Trevor Yealy, Head of Commercial and Network for Avelo Airlines, expressed the airline's excitement about continuing its partnership with the Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport. He also announced that Avelo Airlines would operate flights to Las Vegas on Mondays and Fridays, providing travelers with more flexibility in their travel plans.
This inaugural flight and partnership signify a significant step forward in enhancing connectivity and travel opportunities for the Brownsville community and the Rio Grande Valley region.