Published December 24, 2025
Avero Airlines today achieved a growth milestone by opening its first-ever international flight at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), offering nonstop service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This is ILM’s first international flight and adds an exciting new destination for travelers in coastal North Carolina and surrounding areas.
The service runs twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays using Avelo’s Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft. The addition of this exclusive nonstop service strengthens Avero’s commitment to providing affordable, convenient and reliable air travel from Wilmington, where the airline has been flying since June 2022.
To celebrate the first flight to Punta Cana, Avero hosted a special ceremony at ILM. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant Dominican Republic flag ceremony, sweet treats and fanfare to demonstrate the importance of the new route. When the first passengers arrived in Punta Cana, they were greeted with celebratory water cannons and lively music, making the start of their vacation even more memorable.
Avero’s growing presence at Wilmington International Airport
Since Avero’s first flight launched from Wilmington International Airport in June 2022, the airline has experienced impressive growth. The introduction of the Punta Cana route marks ILM’s continued expansion of Avero’s network, which now includes 15 nonstop destinations. These destinations range from major cities like Boston, New York, and Nashville to Florida hotspots like Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Additionally, Wilmington is home to two of Avero’s Boeing 737 aircraft, further strengthening the airline’s investment in the region.
Serving more than 580,000 customers and operating nearly 5,000 flights from Wilmington since June 2022, Avero has become an essential air travel option for the region. The airline’s growth has also led to the creation of new jobs in Wilmington’s aviation sector, providing employment opportunities for individuals in a variety of roles, including pilots, flight attendants, ground service, and customer support.
Avelo’s commitment to reliability and affordability
Avero Airlines has built a reputation on reliability, convenience and customer satisfaction. Since entering service in 2021, Avero has carried more than 8.6 million passengers on more than 68,000 flights to 41 destinations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and internationally. Avero’s philosophy is focused on bringing air travel to underserved markets, often serving smaller, more accessible airports that offer a less stressful travel experience compared to larger, more congested hub airports.
The airline’s commitment to service excellence is evidenced by its industry-leading reliability. According to Anub, a leading aviation data services company, Avero ranked No. 1 in on-time performance in 2024 and achieved the lowest cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry. These accolades reflect Avelo’s focus on providing reliable service to its customers, which earns it a high rating in customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS) and ranks among the top airlines in customer loyalty and accolades.
Avelo PLUS and new amenities for travelers
In fall 2025, Avelo launched the Avelo PLUS program, which offers members-only benefits and discounts, including discounted fares, free priority boarding, special promotions, and a $50 renewal bonus. The program is designed to provide even more convenience, value and savings to our loyal customers and reinforces Avelo’s commitment to providing affordable yet premium service.
In addition to Avero Plus, the airline continues to offer a wide range of seating options to cater to different tastes. Passengers can choose between Standard, Stretch, and Stretch+ seats, with Stretch seats offering more legroom and Stretch+ offering increased comfort with a blocked middle seat. Children under the age of 14 can sit with an accompanying adult at no additional charge, making it convenient for families to travel together.
Additionally, Avelo’s personalized travel options allow passengers to customize their experience. Purchase products like priority boarding, checked baggage, carry-on baggage, and even bring your pet on board, giving travelers the flexibility to pay only for the services they need.
Looking to the future: Avero’s continued growth
Avero continues to expand its range of services, providing passengers with affordable and convenient travel options that prioritize customer satisfaction. With the addition of Punta Cana to our growing list of destinations and continued investment in Wilmington International Airport, Avero is poised for even more growth in the coming years. Avero Airlines remains dedicated to providing reliable service and continuing to expand its offerings, making air travel more accessible and enjoyable for customers across the country.
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Avero Airlines promises a seamless travel experience with a focus on value, reliability and a personal touch, making us the preferred choice for customers in Wilmington and beyond.
