Budget carrier Avelo Airlines has an expansion plan — deport migrants for ICE

Avelo Airlines is making headlines with its latest move to target a new passenger segment: migrants being sent to detention centers across the U.S. The budget carrier has signed a contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to handle deportation flights for U.S. Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) as part of the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.

This decision was not taken lightly by Avelo Airlines, as CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged the sensitive and complicated nature of the topic. However, in order to ensure the financial stability of the Houston-based airline, the company deemed it necessary to venture into this new charter flying service. The deportation flights will be facilitated by three Boeing 737-800 planes stationed at a new hub at Mesa Gateway Airport in Phoenix, starting on May 14.

To staff these flights, Avelo is currently recruiting flight attendants for what it calls a “charter program for the Department of Homeland Security.” The job posting offers a competitive hourly rate for those interested in joining the committed group of safety and service professionals at Avelo Airlines. Flights will include both domestic and international trips to support DHS’s deportation efforts.

While Avelo Airlines is primarily known for its commercial flights across the U.S. and to international destinations, this new venture into deportation flights marks a significant shift for the company. Previously operating as Casino Express Airlines, Avelo rebranded in 2021 and is now expanding its services to include charter flights for ICE.

The decision to work with U.S. immigration authorities has not gone unnoticed, with immigrant advocacy groups expressing criticism and urging a boycott of Avelo Airlines. A petition started by the New Haven Immigrants Coalition has garnered thousands of signatures, calling for a severance of ties between Avelo and ICE.

Despite the potential financial benefits of federal contracts, Avelo’s partnership with DHS poses a reputational risk for the airline. Critics argue that running deportation flights for the federal government raises ethical concerns and could damage Avelo’s standing with the public.

As travelers and advocates voice their concerns, Avelo Airlines faces a challenging road ahead in balancing financial stability with ethical considerations. The airline’s decision to enter the realm of deportation flights has sparked debate and raised questions about the intersection of business, politics, and morality in the aviation industry.