MEXICO- According to government officials, the Mexican government is poised to introduce its military-operated airline by the conclusion of this year, heralding the revival of Mexicana de Aviacion. This airline ceased operations 13 years ago.
Sales of tickets for the rejuvenated airline, which will initially focus solely on domestic flights, might commence as early as September, as indicated by Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval.
Mexicana Airlines Ready to Takeoff
Employing the military to supervise civilian aviation initiatives might appear unconventional, yet it’s increasingly commonplace in Mexico.
In April of the previous year, the military-established Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) commenced operations as an alternative to the bustling Mexico City International Airport. In the near future, management of the latter airport will also transition to the navy.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, often referred to as Amlo, has ambitious plans to bring around twelve airports under state jurisdiction by the conclusion of 2024.
This endeavor aims to combat issues of mismanagement and corruption within the aviation sector.
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Mexico’s recently established military-operated airline, quantified:
- Eight hundred fifteen million pesos ($48 million): The sum disbursed by the Mexican government to acquire the defunct Mexicana de Aviacion as part of an accord with over 8,500 laid-off employees. As per Reuters ‘ report, former staff members, who had not received salaries or benefits, will start receiving payments in the upcoming week.
- Four billion pesos (approximately $233.6 million): The initial capital invested in the new airline.
- 10: The count of Boeing 737-800 planes initially leased by the airline. The delivery schedule encompasses three aircraft in late September, with the remaining arriving in late October.
- 3: Buildings included in the agreement.
- 1: The presence of a flight simulator.
- 20: The number of destinations, including Cancun, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and more, from which Mexicana plans to offer ticket sales at AIFA airport. Although the new airport has initiated cargo flights and commercial operations, it still works through initial challenges.
- 18-20%: The projected reduction in Mexicana’s prices compared to other commercial airlines in Mexico.
- 209: Jobs created by Mexicana up to the present. This figure is set to rise to 745 once operations are launched.
- 1.66 billion pesos ($92 million): The amount Tajikistan paid to acquire the presidential jet that President López Obrador aimed to sell. Commenting on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner previously used by his predecessor Enrique Peña Nieto, López Obrador emphasized the shift in perspective from prior authorities’ actions to a more equitable approach.
- 246: The number of activities that have transitioned from civilian control to military oversight.
Complete Govt Control
Adding to the narrative, there’s a noteworthy trend: it’s not solely airlines and airports experiencing the military’s influence.
Since his inauguration in December 2021, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been allocating the armed forces increased time, resources, and authority across various sectors of the economy traditionally led by civilians.
His administration has directed the military to monitor private railway lines, engage in tourism hospitality services, oversee infrastructure initiatives, and even address the issue of sargassum—invasive algae—on beaches.
A tourist ferry line managed by the navy now facilitates trips to and from the former penitentiary center, Isla Marias Islands.
Although the government aimed to assume control of the National Guard, the Supreme Court intervened in April, preventing the defense ministry from proceeding with this action.
These developments have garnered attention and concern. Experts are apprehensive that the fledgling democracy, which held its inaugural free elections in 2000, maybe sliding towards an autocratic regime.
Timeline
Here’s a concise timeline outlining Mexico’s progress in establishing its state airline:
- May 2021: The US Federal Aviation Agency relegates Mexico’s civil aviation agency to Category 2 status due to safety concerns, resulting in a ban on Mexican carriers adding new US routes.
- October 2022: Leaked Mexican army documents reveal plans for the launch of a state-owned airline.
- January 2023: The Mexican government secures an agreement with various aviation unions to acquire the Mexicana brand for 811.1 million Mexican pesos ($42.41 million).
- April 2023: The Mexican Congress grants approval for the president’s proposal to initiate a military-run airline as part of an aerospace reform.
- June 2023: US transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg travels to Mexico in anticipation of US authorization to reinstate a more favorable air safety rating for the South American nation.
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