Avelo Airlines has partnered with ICE for deportation flights, making waves with its relocation to Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona.
At a Glance
- Avelo Airlines signed a federal agreement for deportation flights from Arizona.
- The long-term charter program operates three Boeing 737-800 planes.
- CEO Andrew Levy cites financial stability and job security as key reasons.
- Opposition from New Haven Mayor and others fuels controversy.
Operation Realignment and Partnership Details
Avelo Airlines has inked an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security’s ICE to conduct federal deportation flights beginning in May. This arrangement forms part of a long-term charter program, utilizing three Boeing 737-800 planes stationed at Mesa Gateway Airport. With this move, Avelo has closed its Sonoma County base due to poor profitability, aiming to bring fiscal stability and job security for over 1,100 crew members while establishing its presence in Arizona.
CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged partnership complexities but emphasized its essential role for company stability. Levy stated, “We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic.” However, he stressed that the charter flights are designed to stabilize operations, maintain employment for their expansive workforce, and continue supporting their growth in passenger services.
Avelo Airlines and the Department of Homeland Security have reached an agreement on illegal immigration deportation flights out of Arizona.
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Critics and Controversy
The company’s decision to participate in ICE deportation flights has drawn significant backlash. New Haven, Connecticut’s Mayor Justin Elicker has voiced strong opposition, describing the move as inconsistent with the city’s values. “Avelo Airlines’ decision to charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona is deeply disappointing and disturbing,” Elicker remarked, emphasizing that travel should bring people together, not separate families.
This opposition has translated into civic action, as the New Haven Immigrants coalition launched an online petition, gathering thousands of signatures to boycott the airline. As community pressures mount, Avelo contends that the new overhaul supports the airline’s financial and operational strategies, countering criticism with the promise of job stabilization.
The Way Forward for Avelo
Despite facing considerable ire from local governments and advocacy groups, Avelo Airlines remains steadfast in its pursuit of fiscal sustainability and operational expansion. Levy expressed confidence that this strategic realignment will ensure the continued employment of more than 1,100 crew members and supports the airline’s commitment to grow its core passenger flights.
“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 crew members employed for years to come.” – Andrew Levy
Moving forward, Avelo has laid plans for hiring new staff in Arizona to support deportation flights, promising relocations for displaced employees from the closed Sonoma County hub, and ensuring limited service remains for several destinations from the original base.
