Avelo Airlines has entered into a contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to commence deportation flights from Arizona.
The airline plans to operate three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for this purpose, with flights set to depart from Mesa Gateway Airport near Phoenix.
Andrew Levy, the founder and CEO of Avelo, noted that dedicating part of the airline to charter flights, insulated from the impacts of fuel price fluctuations and economic changes, would create stability for expanding their passenger services.
Levy also mentioned that this collaboration with DHS would help maintain a crew of approximately 1,100 employees while further developing their passenger operations.
However, the initiative has faced criticism from various groups.
One statement urged Avelo to reconsider its choice, suggesting it could harm both the airline and the country. Critics raised concerns about safety, underscoring that individuals in custody, restricted by handcuffs and shackles, face heightened risks in emergencies, including evacuation and medical issues.
A petition from the New Haven Immigrant Union, advocating for immigrant rights, currently has over 30,000 signatures opposing airline deportation flights.
In response to the situation, the DHS condemned the privatization of deportation efforts, calling it a manipulative strategy against ICE. They emphasized that DHS remains a law enforcement agency tasked with upholding immigration laws for the safety of the public, particularly against threats posed by criminals.
