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. 

“It is an honor to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration of the US (FAA) opened for the first time in its history an office in Mexico, which will serve to strengthen cooperation with the authorities and the private sector of the aviation industry. In this way, we will deepen the dialogue and joint work so that our countries collaborate in civil aviation matters,” said Ken Salazar, Ambassador of the US in Mexico via a press release. 

The office will provide legal advice to help Mexico implement the necessary requirements and recommendations through legislative channels for the recovery of the FAA’s civil aviation Category 1. “So that our aviation ties bear more fruit for both countries and help us to be more competitive,” explained the embassy. 

Salazar met with numerous private companies, including United, Delta, American Air, Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris, to strengthen cooperation in aviation matters, adding that joint work is crucial to improve aviation matters between both countries. 

“When meeting with representatives of leading companies and aviation industry authorities, I reaffirmed that the air link is essential to unite our nations, deepen our integration and help North America to consolidate itself as an economic power for the benefit of our peoples,” said Salazar. 

The US embassy highlighted that Mexico is the country with the most flights to and from the US, adding that the country is the number one travel destination for US citizens. One in four US citizens who traveled outside of the US did so to a Mexican destination, which represents around 13 million travelers, according to the embassy.  

“Thanks to the aviation industry, our nations know each other better, our trade deepens as more opportunities are generated and the aeronautical sector allows us to enter the companies of the future with greater dynamism,” said the embassy. 

The action plan to regain the FAA’s Category 1 includes modifying the Regulations of the Civil Aviation Law and the Regulations for the Issuance of Permits, Licenses and Training Certificates for Technical and Medical Personnel. Airlines have highlighted their commitment to operate within the highest safety and quality standards, as reported by MBN.