New Route of the Day – Americas (20 October 2022): Avelo between Newport News and Florida

Avelo Airlines (IATA code XP) has added Newport News/Williamsburg Airport in Virginia to its route network with the launch of two routes to Florida. A 4-weekly service on the 1,065-kilometre route to Orlando MCO began on Wednesday 19 October, while 3-weekly service on the 1,275-kilometre route to Fort Lauderdale began on Thursday 20 October.

There is currently only one other airline serving Newport News/Williamsburg. American offers 4-daily service to its Charlotte hub in neighbouring North Carolina. This 450-kilometre route is flown using ERJ-145s operated by Piedmont Airlines (IATA code PT) on behalf of American. This version of Piedmont Airlines is not related to the original Piedmont Airlines (1948-1989) which was merged into USAir in 1989, before that airline (by then known as US Airways) became part of American in 2015. The current Piedmont Airlines started out as Henson Airlines in 1961 but took over the Piedmont name in 1993. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines and operates a fleet of around 50 50-seat ERJ-145s.

Incidentally, the IATA code for Newport News/Williamsburg Airport is PHF. This is derived from the airport’s original name of Patrick Henry Field. The site of the airport is the former US Army base Camp Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry was a Virginia native orator who lived from 1736-1799. He was a Founding Father of the USA and served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia.

Avgeeks should head for the North Carolina Transportation Museum

For anyone interested in the original Piedmont Airlines there is a fascinating collection of memorabilia to be found at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, in Spencer, about an hour’s drive north-east of Charlotte, just off I-85. The museum would appeal most to train and car lovers but there is also plenty for aviation enthusiasts to enjoy and at just $6 it is incredibly good value for money.