Avelo Airlines, established four years ago, has quickly become a favorite among travelers in smaller cities like New Haven, Connecticut, and Burbank, California. However, the company has drawn criticism for its new venture into operating deportation flights under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement initiatives.
Despite sustained protests from both customers and public figures, Avelo conducted its inaugural deportation flight on Monday morning from Mesa, Arizona, with reports confirming its arrival in Alexandria, Louisiana, known as a regular flight destination for ICE. Neither Avelo Airlines nor ICE officials have provided comments regarding the flight's operations.
This strategic pivot into deportation flights is unusual for a commercial airline, as it typically avoids politically charged work to prevent potential backlash from consumers and employees. Most commercial carriers distance themselves from such assignments, opting for lesser-known charter airlines instead. However, Avelo's case is particularly precarious since a considerable number of its flights cater to cities with progressive populations who largely oppose the administration's aggressive immigration strategies.
Statistics from aviation data firm Cirium reveal that over 90% of Avelo’s flights either took off or landed in coastal states within the last year, with a significant amount traveling to or from New Haven. This demographic profile underscores the potential risks the airline faces as it expands its operations into politically contentious areas.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are keeping a watchful eye on how this partnership will affect Avelo's reputation and operational viability amidst rising public scrutiny and activism.
Despite sustained protests from both customers and public figures, Avelo conducted its inaugural deportation flight on Monday morning from Mesa, Arizona, with reports confirming its arrival in Alexandria, Louisiana, known as a regular flight destination for ICE. Neither Avelo Airlines nor ICE officials have provided comments regarding the flight's operations.
This strategic pivot into deportation flights is unusual for a commercial airline, as it typically avoids politically charged work to prevent potential backlash from consumers and employees. Most commercial carriers distance themselves from such assignments, opting for lesser-known charter airlines instead. However, Avelo's case is particularly precarious since a considerable number of its flights cater to cities with progressive populations who largely oppose the administration's aggressive immigration strategies.
Statistics from aviation data firm Cirium reveal that over 90% of Avelo’s flights either took off or landed in coastal states within the last year, with a significant amount traveling to or from New Haven. This demographic profile underscores the potential risks the airline faces as it expands its operations into politically contentious areas.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are keeping a watchful eye on how this partnership will affect Avelo's reputation and operational viability amidst rising public scrutiny and activism.
