LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland City Commissioners unanimously approved a new agreement with Avelo Airlines to become the first commercial airline to operate out of Lakeland Linder International Airport in more than a decade.
“The significant population growth in our area, in addition to all the businesses moving in as well, has generated that market. Made a stronger market, stronger case for Lakeland to support its own air service,” said Adam Lunn, Assistant Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport.
The airline operating agreement with Avelo will take effect on May 1 and is for a term of 15 years with one five-year option.
Airport leaders have not released details about which flights the ultra-low-cost carrier will be offering out of Lakeland.
“With 2,200 people a day that fly in and out of Tampa or Orlando, coming from just Polk County, there are plenty of opportunities for us to be able to shorten the drive and commute, and certainly have a value airline that puts it in place,” said Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz.
Lakeland Linder International Airport is the home of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, one of the largest aviation events in the world.
“This agreement specifically requires Avelo to suspend its flight operations at the airport during specific days and hours in the month of March and April during the Sun ‘N Fun event,” said Ramona Sirianni, Deputy City Attorney.
Aircraft noise is a concern for some residents who live near the airport. Leaders said they are taking steps to mitigate that.
"We can not have an operation at the airport of cargo or passenger service without having some level of noise, but we are working to mitigate that for the community the best we can," said Kris Hallstrand, Director of Lakeland Linder International Airport.
Currently, Lakeland Linder officials and Avelo are working on plans for facility improvements to accept commercial flights.
"The biggest change for us will be the passenger processing and all that entails. As everyone is familiar with, when you check in for a flight, you go through a security screening process. For us, it's getting our facilities ready for that and those policies and procedures in place," said Lunn.
Airport officials also received a nearly $3.4 million loan from the city for upgrades, including the TSA's security screening area and parking modifications.
Avelo Airlines could begin offering flights as early as the summer of 2024.
