What has been the source of speculation recently can be confirmed – not only is Avelo Airlines launching Lakeland service at Linder Field (LAL) but the airline seems increasingly likely to place a base at LAL.

Per multiple sources Avelo which currently operates a crew and plane base in Orlando (MCO) is toying with the idea of splitting its base between MCO and LAL, allowing for non-Avelo bases to get nonstop flights from Lakeland. Currently, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Sarasota and Fort Myers have Avelo nonstops only to bases (New Haven, Raleigh/Durham, Wilmington, DE and Wilmington, NC). Unlike most other airlines, Avelo is an Ultra-low cost carrier (ULCC) that does straight line flights and doesn’t offer connections.

We’ll keep an eye on this story. It could be a big boon for Polk County.