A new airline plans to offer nonstop service between Grand Junction and Southern California.

Avelo Airlines named Grand Junction as one of 11 destinations for service to Hollywood Burbank Airport. Flights are scheduled for four times a week starting May 9. Introductory one-way fares of $19 are available for flights through June 7.

“Avelo has a simple purpose — to inspire travel,” said Andrew Levy, founder, chief executive officer and chairman of the new airline. “Avelo is a different and better kind of airline, built from scratch to offer an affordable, convenient and caring travel experience.”

Levy brings to the new airline more than 20 years of industry experience as the former 
co-founder and president of Allegiant Air and chief financial officer of United Airlines. The leadership team at Avelo also includes senior executives from Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Northwest and Spirit airlines.

“After more than 20 years of steadily shrinking consumer choice, the American flying public wants and deserves more options and lower fares,” Levy said. “Avelo offers both — along with a refreshingly smooth and convenient experience.”

Levy said the Hollywood Burbank Airport was selected as a base because of is proximity to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Pasadena and other attractions. 

The smaller airport also offers more convenience for travelers than larger airports, he said.

Avelo announced its inaugural routes will serve Grand Junction as well as a total of 10 more destinations in Arizona, California, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The destinations offer outdoor recreation and nearby national parks as well as serve a growing population of remote workers. 

The airline will initially operate 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The flights to Burbank will add to the commercial air service available at Grand Junction Regional Airport with flights to Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Salt Lake City as well as Mesa, Ariz., and Santa Ana, Calif.