New airline Avelo has begun its first-ever service between New Haven, Conn. and San Juan, Puerto Rico, a major new Caribbean route for the home of Yale University and some of the world’s best pizza. 

That’s along with a new route between Wilmington, Delaware and San Juan that also kicked off this week. 

The new flights are part of a strategy by Avelo to connect the Caribbean and leisure destinations with traditionally underserved hubs in smaller cities in the US. 

“This new direct connection is a hit for us,” said Jorge Hernandez, CEO of Aerostar, which manages San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. 

“The start of these new routes between New Haven, Philadelphia and San Juan reinforce Puerto Rico’s position as the Caribbean’s main air access hub, increases the Island’s competitiveness, creates more flight options for travelers, and will result in more jobs and economic activity for local tourism industry,” said Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Wilmington-Puerto Rico flights are operating twice weekly, with service on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

The New Haven-San Juan flights are also operating on a Wednesday-Saturday schedule. 

San Juan is Avelo’s first destination beyond the mainland United States. 

“These exclusive nonstop routes will make travel between the Island of Enchantment and the Greater Philly and Southern Connecticut easier and faster than ever,” said Andrew Levy, Chairman and CEO of Avelo Airlines. “We also look forward to making Puerto Rico’s famous beaches, as well as the island’s abundance of outdoor and cultural activities, more accessible to more people this winter.”