Business

AVL adds nonstop to Vero Beach

By Bill Moss, Published: May 25, 2017

Elite Airways, an airline brand new to our region, landed for the first time at Asheville Regional Airport from Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida on Thursday morning, May 25.

The flight was welcomed by a water cannon arch, a tradition in aviation used to commemorate special occasions.

Once the plane taxied through the water arch and parked at the gate, AVL officials welcomed leaders from Vero Beach and Elite Airways to mark the day with a ribbon cutting ceremony on the airfield, with the Elite Airways jet nearby.

"I am so pleased to welcome our new friends from Elite Airways and Vero Beach to our mountains," said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., AVL executive director. "It's great to see this beautiful Bombardier CRJ-200 at the gate, ready to take passengers straight to Vero Beach. There are strong connections between our two communities, and I anticipate that the route between the mountains and the Treasure Coast will be embraced. I look forward to a long relationship, and to making a trip soon on Elite Airways."

"Today marks the start of nonstop jet service between Vero Beach, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina — two very popular destinations for arts, culture, music, and R&R," said John Pearsall, president of Elite Airways. "We have high expectations for this route, and thank city and airport officials for their support."

The new service will provide the tenth nonstop destination available to regional travelers from AVL, with twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. For more information about flights, or to book a trip, visit EliteAirways.com.

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