Interjet’s Return in 2023 Remains Uncertain

While Interjet’s representatives said that the airline would fly again after its bankruptcy ruling, aviation experts have told media that this would be unlikely, citing limiting funds and lack of permits. 

In early April, a Second District Judge in Commercial Insolvency Matters declared the bankruptcy stage of Interjet’s insolvency proceeding open, forcing the airline to sell its assets to pay creditors, as reported by MBN. Shortly after this announcement, Interjet’s representatives took to social media to report that the airline will resume operations. Alejandro del Valle de la Vega, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Interjet, said that the airline would reach an agreement with debtors to allow it to operate again, reports MBN.

However, the National Institute of Legal-Aeronautical Research (INIJA) explains that it is unlikely that Interjet will fly again, as the airline must comply with costly monetary investments to reorganize, reports A21. INIJA explained that Interjet’s bankruptcy complicates the airline’s return to operations by the end of 2023. Pablo Casas Lías, Researcher, INIJA, adds that Interjet lacks a concession by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), which is vital for its future. 

For Interjet to reinitiate operations, it must prove according to the Civil Aviation Law and its Regulations that it has the financial means, which are worth up to US$3 billion. "What in this case is achieved with money and time, not promises and naive offers," Casas tells A21.mx. 

Interjet stopped flying in December 2020 and, according to reports, owns MX$40 billion (US$2.2 billion) to lessors, former employees, tax authorities, service providers and landlords. The bankruptcy left over 5,000 people unemployed, as reported by MBN.