Avelo Airlines has partnered with ICE to operate deportation flights from Arizona, bringing stability to the airline while facing criticism from immigration advocates.
Key Takeaways
- Avelo Airlines has secured a contract with the Department of Homeland Security to conduct deportation flights using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
- Operations will be based at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona with flights beginning May 12, creating new jobs for pilots, flight attendants, and technicians.
- The airline is offering flight attendants $28 per hour for these operations, with current employees having first option to transfer.
- CEO Andrew Levy stated the contract will provide stability for the airline’s 1,100 employees despite criticism from immigration advocates.
- The partnership comes as the Trump administration has deported over 100,000 illegal migrants since returning to office.
Avelo Airlines Secures ICE Contract for Deportation Flights
Avelo Airlines has finalized an agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to operate deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The operation will be based at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona and is scheduled to begin on May 12. The airline will dedicate three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to these operations, which will include both domestic and international flights. This partnership represents a significant development in how federal immigration policies are implemented through private sector resources.
Avelo Airlines is drawing criticism after reportedly signing a contract to operate federal deportation charter flights beginning in May 2025.
Avelo Airlines is partnering with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to charter deportation flights out of an Arizona airport.… pic.twitter.com/BZjykJlIV1
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 8, 2025
The airline is actively recruiting for these new operations, establishing a base at Mesa Gateway Airport with hiring initiatives for pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance technicians. Job listings for flight attendant positions advertise a starting pay of $28 per hour, seeking “energetic, highly motivated” individuals. Current Avelo employees will be given first priority if they wish to transfer to the new Arizona base, providing internal opportunities for existing staff members.
Business Decision Amid Immigration Enforcement Expansion
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy addressed the controversial nature of the decision in a statement explaining the business rationale behind accepting the contract. “We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. 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,” said Levy.
The agreement comes at a time when immigration enforcement has intensified. Since President Donald Trump returned to office, government officials report that over 100,000 illegal migrants have been deported as part of broader efforts to reduce illegal border crossings. The administration has utilized various legal mechanisms including the Alien Enemies Act to target the expulsion of individuals deemed dangerous, including alleged gang members.
Local Opposition and Legal Challenges
The contract has not been without controversy. Justin Elicker, the Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo maintains a significant presence, called the decision “deeply disappointing and disturbing.” The New Haven Immigrants Coalition has launched a petition calling for a boycott of the airline in response to its involvement with deportation operations. These reactions highlight the tensions between business interests and immigration advocacy in communities across the country.
The administration’s deportation efforts have also faced legal challenges. A federal judge has questioned whether some deportation flights potentially violate existing court orders, raising the possibility of contempt proceedings against officials involved in the operations. These legal complications add another layer of complexity to the partnership between Avelo Airlines and ICE, as the airline prepares to begin operations next month under the watchful eye of both supporters and critics of current immigration enforcement policies.
Sources:
US airline partners with ICE in long-term deal to carry out deportation flights
