Airline Adds 60 Employees, Second 737-800 To New Lakeland Hub Avelo Airlines has added a second permanent Boeing 737-800 airplane and about 60 additional employees to its previously announced hub at Lakeland Linder airport. “Their base is this community,” said Kris Hallstrand, airport director. “This airport is where they start their day and end their day.” Hallstrand said the airport’s annual economic impact has grown from about $1.5 billion four years ago to roughly $2.2 billion today, according to a business plan now in development. With more flights, more planes, more passengers, and a growing workforce, the airport has moved from FAA Index B to Index C – a designation that requires more firefighting equipment and staff. To meet the higher FAA standard, the City Commission on Feb. 16 unanimously approved hiring three new driver engineers so the Lakeland Fire Department can fully staff two of the airport’s specialized yellow aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) trucks when commercial flights are operating.
