Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines is a low-cost U.S. carrier focused on affordable nonstop flights and convenient secondary airports. The airline serves more than 50 destinations across the country, connecting underserved communities with popular leisure and regional markets.
Headquarters
Houston, TX
Pilot Bases
4
Aircraft Fleet
15
Hiring
Active
Aircraft Fleet & Notes
Avelo is simplifying its Boeing fleet while preparing for significant long-term growth with Embraer aircraft.
As of June 30, 2026, the airline operated 16 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
Avelo is removing six 737-700s and shifting toward the larger, more efficient 737-800, which accommodates up to 189 passengers.
The airline has ordered 50 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for 50 more, representing a potential order of up to 100 aircraft.
The first E195-E2s are now expected to enter Avelo’s fleet in 2028. The aircraft will feature 140 seats in a 2-by-2 configuration with no middle seats.
Avelo’s fleet strategy is focused on reducing near-term costs, simplifying its Boeing fleet and using the E195-E2 to support future growth from smaller and underserved airports.
Pilot Retirements
Hiring & Career Outlook
Current pilot hiring: Avelo is actively hiring Boeing 737 First Officers and Direct Entry Captains and promotes rapid upgrade opportunities.
2026 hiring target: Avelo has not published a pilot-specific hiring target. Its new McKinney base is expected to create more than 100 combined jobs, including pilots, flight attendants, technicians and airport personnel.
Minimum qualifications: Applicants generally need an unrestricted ATP or qualifying R-ATP, including 1,000-hour bachelor’s and 1,250-hour associate-degree pathways. ATP-CTP completion, the ATP written test and a current FAA First Class Medical are also required.
Fleet size: Avelo reported 16 Boeing 737 Next-Generation aircraft as of June 30, 2026.
Fleet restructuring: Avelo removed six 737-700s during 2026, leaving the airline primarily operating the larger 737-800.
Long-term fleet growth: Avelo has ordered 50 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for 50 more. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
Base growth: Avelo plans to open a McKinney, Texas base in November 2026 with two aircraft, adding another pilot domicile.
Overall outlook: Mixed in the near term due to fleet reductions and base closures, but more positive long term because of continued pilot hiring, the new McKinney base and the large E195-E2 order.
Pay Notes
Monthly guarantee: Avelo provides a 70-hour monthly guarantee for both lineholders and reserve pilots.
Premium pay: Flight hours above 75 in a month are paid at 125% of the pilot’s applicable hourly rate.
Day-off flying: Avelo lists premium pay for flying on scheduled days off. Public company materials have shown both 125% and 150%, so pilots should confirm the current rate with recruiting.
Per diem: Domestic per diem is $2.25 per hour.
401(k): Avelo matches 100% of the first 3% contributed and 50% of the next 2%. A pilot contributing 5% receives a maximum company match of 4%, with immediate vesting.
New-hire training pay: Pilots receive $6,020 per month during training. Avelo also provides hotel accommodations, required travel, an initial uniform and a company-issued iPad.
Minimum days off: Lineholders and reserve pilots receive at least 12 days off per month.
Insurance benefits: Avelo provides medical, dental and vision options, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage and loss-of-license protection.