Officials from Tweed New Haven Airport announced a major expansion Thursday. Avports, LLC., Tweed's current airport operator, plans to invest more than $100 million dollars to create a new terminal and new runway in East Haven. Tweed sits on the border of New Haven and East Haven.
Avports CEO Jorge Roberts says the investment will build financial independence for the airport. “Currently, it receives a state subsidy,” Roberts said, “so part of it is to make this an airport that works financially and economically for the benefit of the communities.” Tweed officials said state and city subsidies currently total $1.8 million dollars per year.
Avelo Airlines, a brand new commercial airline, plans to make Tweed it’s first East Coast base.
CEO Andrew Levy said Avelo started flying commercial routes eight days ago. Levy said the airline will bring three 737 - 700 Next Gen aircraft to Tweed by the end of the year.
Despite long standing resistance to runway expansion by local residents, East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora focused on the economic benefits. “This is a great project, it’s gonna move both municipalities forward." Carfora said he negotiated union jobs and economic development opportunities for East Haven as part of the deal.
There will be opportunities in construction, as well as permanent positions in retail and airport administration. Avelo said it will bring in 100 crewmembers, including pilots, flight attendants and customer support personnel.
Ali Oshinskie is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. Ali covers the Naugatuck River Valley for Connecticut Public Radio. Email her at aoshinskie@ctpublic.org and follow her on Twitter at @ahleeoh.
