Inaugural Flight by Elite Airways Welcomed at Asheville Regional Airport Today

Elite Airways, an airline brand new to our region, landed for the first time at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) from Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) 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."    

"Vero Beach Regional Airport is excited about this new, non-stop service from Florida to the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains," said Eric Menger, Executive Director. "We know that many Florida residents will enjoy this customer-friendly airline."

For more information about flights, or to book a trip, visit EliteAirways.com.

For more information about Asheville Regional Airport, visit flyavl.com.