Several local interest groups, comprising the Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Wilmington United, and the Wilmington chapter of American Socialist Democrats, rallied along the thoroughfare leading to Wrightsville Beach, encouraging holidaymakers to ‘stand for their principles’. An assigned coordinator of the demonstration explained their choice of venue was strategic, to maximize general awareness of a contract signed earlier this year between Avelo Airlines and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to facilitate deportation flights.
The coordinator noted that Avelo has been promoted by county funds, pushing places like Wilmington as prime vacation destinations in an attempt to encourage people to use their services. The primary aim of the demonstration was to urge vacationers to consider the possible ethical implications of their choice of air carrier, highlighting that even though Avelo offers competitively low fares, the potential human rights implications could be considerable.
Avelo Airlines, a low-cost flyer, operates in 23 states across the U.S. In April, Avelo expanded its operations by establishing a new base of operations in Wilmington. This expansion has triggered a wave of public demonstrations throughout the city.
The first such showing of public censure against Avelo took place in May, positioned directly outside the airport, but this week marked the inception of a nationwide initiative aiming to apply commercial strain on Avelo following their agreement with ICE. The coordinator pointed out, ‘We are now part of a widespread movement, with protests being organized across the nation in several cities where Avelo operates.’
Expressing his concerns, one of the demonstrators said, ‘Avelo Airlines, as a commercial entity, holds the unique position of being the sole commercial airline that has an agreement with ICE to conduct deportation flights from Arizona to El Salvador. Our goal here is to suggest people reconsider and refrain from using their services.’ Although it’s acknowledged that opinions over immigration are varied and influencing them might be difficult, the goal of local advocates and national counterparts is to encourage consumers to rethink their airline choice.
‘It seems to be creating an impact,’ claimed a protestor. ‘I can’t help but notice that in recent weeks, Avelo has discontinued some routes and curtailed operations in various parts of the country, barring Wilmington.’ The local demonstrators are optimistic that these efforts will instigate substantial change.
Avelo, in its own defense, has justified its partnership with ICE as a necessary step towards ensuring financial viability. A key member of the steering committee for one advocacy group launched a public record petition with the New Hanover County Airport Authority.
After waiting for several months, the Deputy Airport Director clarified to him that the Airport Authority did not allocate any exclusive funds to Avelo and did not sanction any special budget adjustments for the airline. He was also shown a copy of Avelo’s standard lease agreement, which is similar to all other airlines operating at ILM, and was provided with an overview of the airport’s incentive program, which is indiscriminately offered to all airlines.
However, after considerable email correspondence, it was eventually confirmed that local funding has indeed been funneled into promotional activities for Avelo flights and ILM Airport since Avelo’s operations commenced.
Avelo’s emergence has noticeably influenced the local economy since their operations began in the region. However, one protestor was skeptical, saying, ‘Reconciling Avelo’s claim with our county’s financial data showing $1.1 billion in tourist spending in New Hanover County in 2023 is challenging. The county’s entire annual GDP was less than $20 billion in the last fiscal year, so it’s implausible to attribute such a high level of economic activity to Avelo.’
He further expressed, ‘However, this ignores the central ethical issue: are we prepared to condone Avelo’s involvement in arguably illegal and cruel deportation flights simply because we derive financial benefit from their other endeavors? What is the value we’re attaching to our own morality if we’re ready to let these deportation activities continue?’
The post Protest Against Avelo Airlines’ Deportation Flights Grows Nationwide appeared first on Real News Now.
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