Evolve to Satisfy an Ever-Changing Industry

Q: What is Manny Aviation Services’ client base and why did the company choose to locate in Toluca?

A: In 1997, my father broke away from Universal Weather and Aviation to start his own company, Manny Aviation Services, which is now dedicated to providing ground- handling services to foreign private aviation companies. Manny Aviation Services began with only three employees but today we have 45. About 95 percent of our clients are from the US. We chose Toluca as our base because it is clearly the biggest hub for private aviation in Mexico and one of the most important centers in Latin America.

Q: How has Manny Aviation Services evolved to adapt to economic changes in recent years?

A: Manny Aviation Services is always evolving. About 20 years ago, we understood the company had to be proactive rather than reactive because operators are significantly more demanding. The sector also is growing. We saw an increase in operations in 2016. The company has identified demand for 24/7 services, for which we had to hire more personnel and make more efficient use of our technology. For this, we designed and developed the Handling Trip Sheet system, to reduce our response time and make management more efficient, and we are developing a Safety Management System, a manual for operational safety. Having such a system in place gives us an advantage and facilitates our work with operators. Manny Aviation also is in the process of being certified by the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) and we hope to complete this process by the beginning of 2017. No other operator in Mexico has this certification.

Manny Aviation Services will turn 20 years old in 2017 and we plan to celebrate by continuing our hard work. Our goal for next year is to be the first Mexican operator to hold the IS-BAH certification. This certificate is only the first step because after two years, a second, much more comprehensive audit of all processes will be required by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). Another important goal for Manny Aviation is to become a full service FBO in the future.

Q: What aircraft does the company work with and how does it attract new clients?

A: We can work with any type of aircraft for a variety of services, be it private flights, charter operators, or diplomatic flights. Manny Aviation Services is the preferred service provider for some government flights to Mexico. We also have managed flights from operators in other countries, including Russia, India, Europe, Kuwait and South America. We reach new customers through international events and magazines that target operators, such as Professional Pilot. We also rely on word of mouth because satisfied clients often recommend us.

Q: As a Business Aviation Service Provider, how would you describe your relationship with DGAC?

A: DGAC has been streamlining its administrative procedures but there is still a lot of work to do. The authority must acknowledge the importance of all areas of aviation in Mexico, including general aviation.

The government also has to invest in training and compensate its inspectors and administrators appropriately to reduce corruption in airports, a problem that affects the entire sector. Mexican airport administrators are often unaware of current regulations and even ask for unnecessary paperwork. Manny Aviation Services and many other service providers have been working with Miguel Peláez, DGAC’s new Director, to address this problem.

Q: What other services has Manny Aviation Services generated for the aviation industry?

A: We run a catering business called Manny’s Catering, a 13-year-old company created by my father and myself. Catering for aviation companies is much more complex than for other industries. There are strict norms for temperatures, handling, raw materials, plating and it requires very delicate handling. Few companies provide this type of service and this opened doors to several prominent companies. Operators expect a high level of product quality as well as presentation and we provide both highly trained staff and the freshest ingredients.