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Avelo Airlines faces scrutiny over ICE deportation flights amid expansion

Avelo Airlines faces scrutiny over ICE deportation flights amid expansion
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Avelo Airlines | Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines, a low-cost carrier in the United States, has maintained a unique presence in the aviation industry by focusing on smaller markets rather than major cities. Despite its niche status, Avelo plays a significant role in U.S. commercial aviation.

The airline is classified as an ultra-low-cost carrier, similar to Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Avelo operates from multiple bases across the country and has undergone several rebrandings over the years. Initially established as Casino Express Airlines in 1987, it later became Xtra Airways before adopting its current name in 2021.

Andrew Levy acquired Xtra Airways in 2018 with plans to transform it into an ultra-low-cost carrier capable of competing with established players. By April 2021, Avelo began selling tickets from Hollywood Burbank Airport and gradually expanded its network despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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In recent developments, Avelo signed a charter program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division to support deportation efforts. This decision sparked public criticism and calls for boycotts due to concerns about employee impacts at various operating bases.

CEO Andrew Levy addressed these concerns by stating that "we realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic." He emphasized that the charter flights would provide stability for expanding scheduled passenger services while maintaining employment for over 1,100 crew members.

Avelo continues to grow its operations across multiple bases and recently announced plans for international routes to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

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