The news broke this week that Avelo Airlines will be ending their service between Arcata-Eureka (ACV) and Las Vegas (LAS). Just like that, we’re back to just three airlines and five destinations out of our tiny airport. This comes on the heels of aha! ending their service to Reno-Tahoe.
Where we once enjoyed two new Nevada destinations, we’re back to zero. Alas
Final Call for Las Vegas
Avelo Airlines took a gamble on twice weekly nonstop service between ACV and LAS. The route launched a matter of months ago, and I figured it would be a popular one. I’ve flown the segment three times, and every time the plane has been at least 70% full. This is about as good as my inaugural flight with Avelo to Burbank and should be enough for the carrier to keep the route. But apparently, it’s not.
I mean, even the parking lot agrees. This was the sight when I returned from my most recent Avelo flight. Demand has been strong.
Avelo cites high jet fuel prices as the reason behind the route cut. I’m not sure if they will replace the route with additional service elsewhere, or even try their hand with a new destination in an ever-changing market.
It’s been an interesting time to break into the airline industry. Avelo has seemed to do well. I hope they continue to grow out of both their Burbank, California and New Haven, Connecticut hubs.
Service between ACV and LAS terminates on May 2, 2022. If you want to book a flight on this route, you only have a few more weeks.
Conclusion
With air service coming and going as much as it has the past few years, I hope things stabilize for my airport. The American Eagle service to Phoenix seems to be doing well, as do the staple United routes to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. Avelo’s service to Burbank has also been strong. Having five nonstop destination is still much better than the one or two we had just a few years back.
Who knows…maybe Avelo will pick the Vegas route up again at some point?
First reported by Fly Humboldt.
Passenger load <> profitability.
But Profitability = f(passenger load, other factors)