The history of , a modern low-cost carrier, is deeply rooted in the story of Casino Express Airways. According to this charter airline served the gambling industry in the late 20th century. Founded in 1987, Casino Express began operations in 1989, initially flying exclusively to the Red Lion Hotel and Casino in Elko, Nevada.
With the ICAO code CXP, this airline played a significant role in transporting casino patrons from various cities across the United States to Elko, creating a unique niche in the aviation market. Casino Express was established to cater specifically to the needs of gamblers and casino visitors, offering a quasi-scheduled service that included gambling charter and "junket" flights. These flights were a convenient and attractive option for casinos looking to attract more patrons by offering travel packages that included airfare.
This operation model was remarkably innovative for its time and set Casino Express apart from other charter services. The airline's fleet primarily consisted of Boeing 737-200 aircraft, which were well-suited for its routes and services. Flights from New Haven will begin next month.
The airline's business model focused on providing a direct, hassle-free connection to Elko, ensuring that passengers could begin their casino experience when they boarded the plane. This included transportation and the comfort and atmosphere conducive to the excitement and luxury of casino travel. By the mid-1990s, Casino Express had become a well-known name in the niche market of gambling transportation.
According to data from , the airline's fleet was made up of the following aircraft: Registration Aircraft type Delivered Exit date Status / fate EI-CJW Boeing 737-200 Apr 1994 Jan 1995 EI-CJW AirTran Airways N222TM Boeing 737-200 Mar 2002 Jun 2005 C9-BAK LAM - Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique N233TM Boeing 737-200 Feb 1999 Nov 2005 5N-BIF Chanchangi Airlines N344TM Boeing 737-200 Feb 1999 Dec 2005 N344TM Xtra Airways N456TM Boeing 737-200 Feb 1988 Sep 2000 Scrapped N457TM Boeing 737-200 May 1992 Apr 2002 Scrapped N789TM Boeing 737-200 Mar 1999 Dec 2005 5N-BIH Chanchangi Airlines In 2005, the airline underwent a significant transformation, changing its name to Xtra Airways as part of a rebranding effort to reflect its expanding services beyond the casino charter niche. This rebranding marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Xtra Airways started diversifying its operations, offering more regional and domestic services across the United States. This shift indicated the changing dynamics in the aviation industry and the need for airlines to adapt and expand their service offerings to stay competitive.
Extrairways operated a wide range of 737 models: The rebranding to Xtra Airways also saw the airline upgrading its fleet and services to cater to a broader customer base. This transition period was critical as it laid the foundation for the airline's future growth and development. By 2014, the airline had further stylized its name to XTRAirways, continuing to operate charter services and building a reputation for reliability and flexibility in the charter market.
Also known as NASCAR's Airport due to its proximity to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Avelo joins Allegiant Air at the airport bearing the code "USA." During this period, Xtra Airways expanded its fleet, incorporating more modern aircraft such as the Boeing 737-400, which allowed the airline to serve a broader range of destinations and meet the needs of a growing customer base. The airline's commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service helped it to build a loyal customer base and establish itself as a reputable player in the charter airline market.
According to , in 2021, a significant evolution will occur when XTRAirways is rebranded again, this time as Avelo Airlines. Andrew Levy, a former executive with Allegiant Air and United Airlines, spearheaded this rebranding and envisioned creating a new low-cost carrier based on the Ryanair model. Avelo Airlines aimed to provide affordable, point-to-point flights to underserved markets, filling a domestic airline market gap.
Avelo Airlines launched its operations on April 28, 2021, with its inaugural flight from in California to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, California. This marked the beginning of a new era for the airline, which had evolved significantly from its origins as Casino Express.
The focus on low-cost, efficient travel resonated well with passengers, and Avelo quickly expanded its route network across the US. Have you ever flown on one of the predecessors of Avelo Airlines? Let us know in the comments! Today, Avelo Airlines continues to build on the legacy of Casino Express, offering a fleet of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft. The airline has established several bases, including Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut, Orlando International Airport in Florida, and Wilmington's New Castle Airport in Delaware, among others.
That's two months in a row for the reliable low-cost carrier. Avelo's commitment to serving underserved airports and providing affordable travel options has positioned it as a significant player in the low-cost airline market. Avelo's strategy focuses on providing direct flights to , thus offering passengers convenient and cost-effective travel options.
The airline's emphasis on customer service and its competitive pricing has allowed it to quickly gain traction in the competitive aviation industry..
