Seven DHS 737s Mostly Idle as Agency Considers New Uses

Seven Department of Homeland Security Boeing 737-700s acquired for deportation use have each flown fewer than five times since April, according to ADS-B Exchange tracking data, as the department considers other roles for some of the aircraft. A September DHS request for proposals sought to repurpose four of the seven planes for congressional delegations and other VIPs. Reporting on the request said the department had not followed it with a contract to operate those flights. The plans for the remaining three aircraft were not detailed in that account. The aircraft were acquired under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. DHS had said that a government-owned fleet could help move detainees more efficiently, but it has continued to use existing contractors for deportation flights. A former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director questioned the need for an agency fleet, citing the staffing and maintenance responsibilities it would bring. The low flight totals come as DHS purchases face scrutiny over pricing and access to records. The New York Times reported that the department bought five aircraft from Daedalus Aviation Corporation above market value. The...