US DHS to Buy Six Boeing 737s for ICE Deportation Flights
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will acquire six Boeing 737 aircraft from military MRO specialist Daedalus Aviation under a contract valued at approximately USD140 million to support immigration deportation operations, according to a report by The Washington Post citing sources familiar with the deal.
Following publication, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the agreement on social media, stating that the aircraft will enable Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate more efficiently, including through improved flight patterns. No further details were provided on how those efficiencies would be achieved.
Reports in August indicated that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was seeking to use expanded departmental funding to establish a government-owned aircraft fleet, reducing reliance on charter operators and supporting a target of deporting up to 35,000 individuals per month. In November, DHS was also reported to have approached Spirit Airlines about purchasing up to ten aircraft while the carrier was under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
At present, DHS conducts deportation flights through ICE Air Operations using chartered aircraft from commercial providers. According to DHS data, a scheduled charter flight costs an average of USD8,577 per flight hour, while specialised high-risk charter missions can range from USD6,929 to USD26,795 per hour. McLaughlin said acquiring owned aircraft would save taxpayers an estimated USD279 million over time.
The Washington Post also reported that Daedalus Aviation’s owners are linked to Salus Worldwide Solutions Corporation, a relatively new firm awarded a USD915 million deportation contract in 2025, a deal that has since faced legal challenges from competitors. Daedalus Aviation does not currently hold an active Part 135 or Part 121 operating certificate, while Salus Worldwide Solutions operates a Boeing 737-8(BBJ) and a Gulfstream G650.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com