Avelo bows out of CWA, says direct flights “not profitable”

Less than a year after Avelo Airlines began nonstop flights from Central Wisconsin Airport to Orlando, Fla., the company is announcing they will pull back the endeavor.

Avelo Airlines will discontinue service from Central Wisconsin to Orlando effective Aug. 31, 2024. Scheduled flights between now and August 31, 2024, will not be impacted.

”Unfortunately, the CWA-MCO route was not profitable, and we do not expect it to be within a reasonable time horizon,” a statement from the airline reads. “Every route Avelo flies must be profitable or be on a trend line towards that goal. We are grateful for the support Avelo has received from the Central Wisconsin community and CWA’s leadership team.”

County and airport officials last summer lauded the addition of the service and spoke about the crucial role airline service plays in tourism and the region’s economy. Marathon and Portage County both contributed to the startup cost, which was largely funded through federal dollars. The first flights launched in October.

“This is disappointing news for Central Wisconsin,” Airport Director Brian Grefe said, in a prepared statement. “We understand the impact this has on our passengers and local community and will continue to actively explore opportunities with other carriers to ensure we continue to provide robust travel options.”