2-minute read
When we wrote about the air passenger carrier Avelo canceling its service from Lakeland Linder International Airport to Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina, two weeks ago, our article left readers with some unanswered questions, and strong impressions that had little to do with North Carolina.
We told you then that earlier in April, Avelo announced it had found a new way to aid its growth and protect its jobs: flying deportation flights from Arizona for U.S. Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) as part of a “long-term charter program,” and that the ICE flights are scheduled to begin in May.
We wanted to know more, however, so we reached out to Avelo again.
Avelo spokesperson Courtney Goff got back to us promptly.
First, Goff said, the Avelo flights for ICE “are charters and not affiliated with any commercial service at all.”
They will operate out of Mesa, Arizona, based at Mesa Gateway Airport, starting on May 12.
They will be both domestic and international to support the federal government’s deportation efforts, she said, using three 737-800s.
Goff referred us to a statement from Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy, who said, “We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 crew members employed for years to come.”
And Goff had a little more information.
“We also flew these charters under the Biden administration,” she said.
“Regardless of the administration or party affiliation, as a U.S. flag carrier when our country calls our practice is to say yes. We follow all protocols from DHS and FAA, honoring our core value of Safety Always.”
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Basically Avelo is saying they have a cash flow problem. They took the deal to shore up their financial position, temporarily. Their business model is a failure and this only delays the inevitable. Lakeland buying into these guys was a big mistake which will haunt Lakeland commercial air service for at least another decade. This is an opportunity lost, there are other options.
The Lakeland city commissioners bought into Avelo hook line and sinker. The city gave them tax breaks and other perks. Didn’t Lakeland buy 2 buildings as Avelo was supposedly doing so good that they needed to expand. I read where Lakeland has plans to expand parking for the supposedly future increased flights. If I was Lakeland I wouldn’t invest another penny. There aren’t enough people in Lakeland to fill the flights to the cities Avelo is flying to. When all is said and done I would be surprised if Avelo remained in Lakeland. I believe Avelo sold the city commissioners and the airport management a bill of goods. They bought into it. Allegiant failed and so will Avelo. Not a question of but when. I wonder how much taxpayer dollars were used to finance all the perks they gave Avelo.
I don’t want to fly in a paddy wagon.