The Department of Homeland Security is moving forward with plans to expand deportation capacity by arranging for a government-linked fleet of aircraft that can operate around the clock and on short notice, according to reporting from Bloomberg and related coverage. DHS is reportedly looking for a private contractor to operate a fleet of at least nine large jets at locations in the United States and abroad. The arrangement would provide operational staff, including pilots, medical personnel, and security, to support removals.
The proposed aircraft are intended to support last-minute deportations and would also be used to transport senior administration officials on diplomatic trips, according to the accounts. While the government has not publicly stated the projected total cost of the 24/7 fleet, Bloomberg previously reported that DHS spent about $140 million on six Boeing aircraft last year. Additional context includes a Federal Aviation Administration note that multiple jets operated by Avelo, a company that has worked with DHS, are now government-owned.
DHS officials estimate that a contract for the new arrangement would begin in summer 2027 and run through 2032.
