Avelo Airlines has begun the first day of its contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport. The Houston-based carrier, which initiated service in 2021, has agreed to a deal that will see it aid U.S. Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) in transporting detained immigrants within the country and abroad. According to a statement given to ABC15, Avelo CEO Andrew Levy described the agreement as part of a "long-term charter program" to support deportation efforts.
The airline posted online job listings for the Arizona operation, signaling the start of both domestic and international flights dedicated to these activities. Interestingly, budget carriers like Avelo typically do not venture into such arenas, which makes their engagement with ICE somewhat uncommon. Tom Cartwright, a flight data analyst and activist with Witness at the Border, told ABC15 that commercial airlines providing flights for ICE in this manner is not well-known in recent years. New Haven's Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his disapproval of Avelo's choice, considering the company promotes itself as "New Haven's hometown airline," and the actions are in stark opposition to the values of the local community.
Avelo's initiative, aimed at maintaining financial stability and continuing their expansion, has involved the allocation of three Boeing 737-800 planes at Mesa Gateway Airport. Though details of the deal have not been disclosed, CBS MoneyWatch reports the aircraft assigned to deportation flights will not carry the Avelo logo. Furthermore, the company is actively recruiting flight attendants for this charter program, offering a starting pay of $28 an hour.
Despite this move potentially securing Avelo's economic future, it comes with its share of backlash. A petition started by the New Haven Immigrants Coalition has gathered over 34,650 signatures urging a boycott of Avelo until it cuts ties with ICE. The contract poses a reputational risk, experts note, potentially damaging the public's perception of the airline. Passenger Will Humphries, speaking with CBS News Bay Area, exemplified such a reaction, asserting his intention to avoid using Avelo for future travel due to their cooperation with ICE.
While the decision by Avelo has undoubtedly drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, the financial underpinnings of such contracts are significant. Data from USAspending.gov points to the DHS's six-month ICE contract with aviation broker CSI Aviation, a sub-carrier for Avelo, indicating a value of at least $78.1 million, with the potential to reach up to $162.2 million.
