Quantcast

Avelo Airlines faces scrutiny over ICE deportation flights amid expansion

Avelo Airlines faces scrutiny over ICE deportation flights amid expansion
Policy

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Every now and then, ambitious aircraft concepts emerge that capture attention but often do not materialize.

Jun 8, 2025

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025