Overview
- Avelo confirmed it will exit DHS/ICE deportation charters and shut its Mesa, Arizona crew base on Jan. 27, with the timing of the final charter flight dependent on the government’s schedule.
- The carrier will close crew bases at Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington, North Carolina, while concentrating operations at New Haven, Wilmington (Delaware Valley), Concord/Charlotte, and Lakeland, with a new base planned at McKinney, Texas in late 2026.
- Six Boeing 737-700s will leave the fleet as Avelo focuses on 737-800 operations and prepares for future growth with an order for up to 100 Embraer E195‑E2s.
- Avelo said a year‑end recapitalization strengthened its cash position, but near‑term schedule changes will affect many customer itineraries and job reductions are expected with some transfer opportunities.
- The airline cited operational complexity and inconsistent revenue for ending the charter work, drew months of protests over the flights, and said flight attendant union leaders welcomed the move; Avelo also reported 2025 bookings rose 11% from 2024.