Avelo CEO Andrew Levy: Hard Work, Vulnerability Drive Success

Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy credits two things for his three-decade career in aviation: working extremely hard and being unafraid to show vulnerability. In an interview with FOX Business, Levy said the advice has shaped how he leads and how he handles the hardest parts of the job.

What happened

Levy, who has spent about 30 years in the airline industry, told FOX Business that hard work has been the constant through his career. “Working really, really hard. That’s the truth,” he said.

His path started at ValuJet Airlines. He later co-founded Allegiant Air and held several leadership roles there, including president. He then served as chief financial officer of United Airlines before launching Avelo in 2021.

Levy said two lessons have shaped his leadership: stay genuine to yourself and do not fear showing vulnerability. He acknowledged that vulnerability can be seen as a weakness in leadership but said he views it differently, calling the advice not to hide it the best career guidance he has received.

He also named one task he will not delegate: delivering bad news. Levy said he tells his team the good, the bad and the ugly himself rather than hiding behind someone else.

Levy pushed back on the idea that being a CEO is easy. “It’s anything but,” he said, describing the role as constant work and focus that consumes your life. He said people see the title and pay but underestimate the challenges, the personal toll and the investment required.

For people considering the airline industry, Levy said comfort with uncertainty and constant change is essential. He described the field as dynamic and exciting but full of change, and said you have to enjoy some level of chaos.

If he were not running an airline, Levy said he could see himself at an investment firm or in private equity, drawn by the chance to learn about many different businesses. His first jobs as a kid were raking leaves, pulling weeds and mowing lawns.

In rapid-fire questions, he called himself a night owl who does a lot of work at night and prefers working in the office. His least favorite corporate buzzword is “laser focused,” which he said makes no sense. Asked for one word his team would use to describe him, he answered: “Intense.”

Why it matters

Levy’s comments offer a rare look at how a low-cost airline founder thinks about leadership and career building. His emphasis on delivering bad news personally and on accepting chaos suggests a management style built for an industry prone to disruption. For job seekers, his advice points to a specific temperament: comfort with change matters more than stability in aviation.

Key facts at a glance

What this means for you

• If you are considering an airline career, expect constant change and uncertainty; Levy says enjoying some chaos is essential.
• Leaders can take a cue from Levy’s approach to bad news: delivering it yourself rather than delegating may build trust.
• Showing vulnerability is not necessarily a weakness; Levy treats it as a leadership strength.
• The CEO role involves a personal toll that is often underestimated, according to Levy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Andrew Levy?

He is the founder and CEO of Avelo Airlines. He previously worked at ValuJet, co-founded Allegiant Air and served as CFO of United Airlines.

What does Andrew Levy say is the key to his success?

He points to working very hard, staying genuine to himself and being willing to show vulnerability.

What advice does Levy give to people entering the airline industry?

He says they need to be comfortable with uncertainty and constant change, and to enjoy some level of chaos.

What task does Levy refuse to delegate?

Giving bad news. He says he delivers the good, the bad and the ugly himself.

What to watch next

Levy’s comments are personal reflections rather than announcements of new company plans. No further details on Avelo’s strategy or operations were included in the interview.