Air Cargo Relocation From AICM Grabs the Spotlight

A document claiming that Mexico City International Airport (AICM) will ban cargo operations was leaked last week, leading authorities to confirm their intentions to relocate them to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). Several industry players showed their concern and rejected the initiative but others are already planning the transition.

This is the Week in Aerospace!

Air Cargo Relocation

SICT Backs AIFA as Cargo Hub After Private, Public Analysis

Following the announcement that cargo operations would move from AICM to AIFA, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) explained it is reorganizing national and foreign cargo operations in compliance with the needs of the sector.

FDAN Claims AIFA Lacks Infrastructure to Handle Cargo Operations

The Mexican Front for Defense of National Aviation (FDAN) warned that AIFA and the Toluca International Airport (TLC) lack the necessary infrastructure to attend the forecasted demand at AICM. Experts from the FDAN argue that the relocation requires further analysis.

Cargo Migration to AIFA Needs Official Transition Plan: IATA

IATA asked the Mexican government to develop a joint transition plan to transfer dedicated cargo operations from AICM to other air terminals in the country.

Queretaro Can Handle Cargo From AICM: SEDESU

Queretaro International Airport (AIQ) is capable of handling part of the cargo that is currently moved through AICM, said state authorities.

Relocating Operations Could Cost Over MX$100 million: Estafeta

Estafeta estimated that moving its air cargo operations from AICM to another terminal would cost it about MX$100.5 million (US$5 million), in addition to the suspension of its delivery and collection services for at least one month and a half.

DHL to Operate at AIFA

Logistics giant DHL Express will begin air cargo operations at AIFA in February or March 2023, the company and President López Obrador said.

Mexico

Potential Cabotage Reform to Bring Challenges, Opportunities

A proposed reform of Mexico’s Airports and the Civil Aviation Law has drawn both praise and criticism for its potential impact on the industry, with aviation associations calling for adjustments that would protect local players.

Industry Stakeholders Launch Sustainable Aviation Fuels Contest

Several industry stakeholders, including FEMIA, IATA, Airbus, Volaris and Viva Aerobus, have allied to encourage innovation, research and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

FAA Opens First Office in Mexico to Support Category 1 Recovery

As part of its efforts to continue improving the integration of North America, the US Embassy and Consulate in Mexico announced the opening of the first Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) office in Mexico. The office aims to strengthen the collaboration between Mexico and the US.

ASA Increases Fuel Supply by 13.4% in December 2022

The Airport and Auxiliary Services (ASA) Network delivered a total of 491 million L of jet fuel in December 2022, an increase of 13.4% from the same month in 2021.

GAP to Invest Over MX$10 billion in 2023

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) said it will invest MX$10.2 billion (US$510 million) this year in the 12 airports it operates.

Viva Aerobus, Volaris Fleets Earn International Recognition

Viva Aerobus announced that airline intelligence firm Ch-Aviation recognized its fleet as the youngest in Mexico and the fourth youngest in North America. The airline’s fleet is composed of 69 aircraft (42 Airbus A320 and 27 Airbus A321) with an average age of 5.28 years. Volaris’ ranked in fifth place.

International

Airbus Changes A350 Design Amid Qatar Airways Dispute

In late 2022, Airbus changed the design of its A350 passenger jet amid a US$2 billion dispute with Qatar Airways over surface damage. This dispute led to a security debate.