News

Management's Announced Changes to the 2026 Operation

Late last night, management announced a “realigning” of operations closing our bases in Mesa, Ariz. (AZA); Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (RDU); and Wilmington, N.C. (ILM) and removing six 737-700 NG. These changes will be effective January 27th. We know that the coming weeks will be difficult, and we want you to know that we are here to support.

What does this mean for us?

  • Flight Attendants based in AZA, RDU, ILM received WARN notices last night via email
  • Flight Attendants will be paid through March 6, 2026 (we believe this should be March 8 and our attorneys are working on this now)
  • Management says they will do base transfers by seniority order
  • New Haven, Conn. (HVN); Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG); Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA); and Central Florida / Lakeland (LAL) will be our primary bases with plans to open Dallas / McKinney, Texas (TKI) in late 2026.
  • With the closure of AZA, ICE flying is ending according to management: “With the closure of AZA, we will conclude our participation in the DHS charter program. The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.”

Our union leaders are working to get answers to additional questions, including:

  • Will all base transfers be accommodated?
  • With fewer aircraft, what will the variability of hours look like?

The airline industry is constantly changing, but we’ve faced far too much change at our airline including operating certain flights we didn’t originally sign up for. We’re hopeful that with the end of the ICE flying and new financing the future is more stable for Flight Attendants at Avelo.

This news is fresh and the details are still developing — many of our flying partners are now being faced with difficult decisions on what’s next. We are here for you. We are also using the structure of our union to seek first right of interview at other AFA airlines. We will keep you updated on this. AFA EAP resources are always available to you at any time. Reach out confidentially to AFA EAP anytime at 800-424-2406.

Stay close to union communications.

In Solidarity,

Avelo AFA