Avelo Airlines, a low-cost carrier, has officially confirmed partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to charter deportation flights. This new partnership means that a low-cost airline partners with ICE to charter deportations, adding a new chapter to the heated immigration debate.
According to KTLA, Avelo Airlines signed a multi-year contract with ICE to provide charter flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. This deal comes with changes for Avelo. The airline plans to shut down its base in Sonoma County, California, and instead open a new base in Arizona specifically to support these ICE flights.
Avelo Airlines Confirms Partnership With ICE to Assist in Deportations
Avelo CEO Andrew Levy defended the controversial move in a public statement, saying the deal with ICE provides the airline with financial stability and helps protect jobs for their employees.
“After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come,”
The airline will be operating three Boeing 727-800 planes for the deportation flights, which will reportedly include both domestic and international routes. Avelo Airlines also revealed that it has previously worked with the Biden Administration on deportation-related operations, though their involvement has not been publicly disclosed until now.
Why Avelo Airlines is Partnering With ICE — Financial Survival or Business Strategy?
Launched in 2021, Avelo Airlines entered the market hoping to serve smaller cities that were often overlooked by larger airline carriers. The company positioned itself as a budget-friendly option for travelers who wanted affordable flights to underserved destinations.
However, rising operational costs, pilot shortages, and industry challenges have forced the airline to look for new revenue streams. Partnering with ICE may be controversial, but it offers guaranteed long-term financial support through government contracts.
Avelo’s decision also highlights a growing trend where private companies are partnering with government agencies for immigration enforcement operations.
Although the deportation flights will operate from Arizona, the impact of this partnership could be felt nationwide as Avelo continues its scheduled passenger services elsewhere.
Conclusion: Low-Cost Airline Partners With ICE to Charter Deportations — A Divisive Business Move
The news that a low-cost airline partners with ICE to charter deportations has definitely sent shockwaves through the travel and immigration communities. For Avelo Airlines, the partnership means financial security and continued expansion.