The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced plans to purchase six Boeing B737 aircraft from Daedalus Aviation, a military aircraft maintenance and repair specialist. The deal, valued at approximately USD 140 million, aims to enhance the department’s deportation flights, which are currently reliant on chartered commercial aircraft overseen by ICE Air Operations.
According to the Washington Post, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the acquisition, stating that these planes will enable ICE to operate more efficiently through optimized flight patterns. The department has also been lobbying for increased funding to acquire and operate its own fleet, to meet its deportation target of up to 35,000 immigrants per month. In November, DHS approached Spirit Airlines, a carrier under Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with a request to purchase ten aircraft.
Currently, the department's aircraft costs average USD 8,577 per flight hour, with high-risk charter flights costing significantly more. DHS claims that acquiring the new fleet will save taxpayers an estimated USD 279 million. The ownership of Daedalus Aviation and Salus Worldwide Solutions has faced criticism and legal challenges due to their contractual dealings and lack of federal contracting experience, especially considering Salus operates a fleet that includes a Boeing 737-8 (BBJ) and a Gulfstream G650.
Despite the ongoing procurement, Daedalus Aviation does not hold a current Part 135 or Part 121 certification, which provides further scrutiny on the operation. The article also notes that the department's current reliance on commercial and chartered aircraft underscores the importance of this governmental fleet expansion for national border enforcement and immigration management efforts.
