Mexican Air Travel Jumps by Double Digits

Q: What are DGAC’s main areas of focus when promoting the development of private aviation in the country?

A: Our number one priority is safety, followed by service quality and the correct implementation of corresponding regulations. We are in charge of monitoring safety in different areas, including airport operations, training centers, MROs and several other maintenance and manufacturing centers located at every airport in the country. Our role is to ensure that every airport complies with national and international safety, maintenance and preservation guidelines as stated by the regulatory framework.

The federal network of Mexican airports consists of 76 aerodromes administered by four airport groups, the Pacific Airport Group (GAP), North Center Airport Group (OMA), Southeast Airport Group (ASUR) and Mexico City Airport Group (GACM). Besides those, Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA), a decentralized organism, manages 19 airports. The four airport groups have developed five-year plans with investment projects that are subject to DGAC approval. Some aerodromes do not belong to DGAC’s system. Local governments are responsible for those.

Q: How has commercial aviation and manufacturing evolved in Mexico?

A: In 2015, the number of passengers who traveled by air in Mexico increased 12.5 percent over the year before, surpassing the country’s 2 percent GDP growth. This double-digit increase is higher than the global average and was attained thanks to policies and strategies implemented by the federal government. In 2015, the country’s industrial activity registered 2.6 percent growth, while air cargo transportation more than doubled this number, showing a 6.1 percent rise in operations. Between 2013 and 2015, the 50 working Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) signed by DGAC helped to inaugurate 186 international flying routes. During this administration, 23 new bilateral agreements have been negotiated, approved and signed.

The construction of the NAICM also is expected to increase the number of passengers traveling. We forecast the airport’s inaugural phase beginning October 20, 2020 will see around 50 million travelers. When the airport is completed that number will reach the 120 million passenger target, making the NAICM one of the largest airports in the world.

Q: How will airports near Mexico City be affected once NAICM is completed?

A: The metropolitan airport system functions as a relief for the AICM and we hope the system increases its support role until the NAICM is completed. Airports belonging to the metropolitan system will not disappear because of the new infrastructure. Conversely, we expect these airports to continue growing with the increased number of passengers the new airport will attract.

Within the metropolitan airport system, the Toluca International Airport (AIT) can easily act as a third terminal for the AICM due to its location. For people living in the western part of the city getting to Toluca is easier and faster than going to Mexico City’s airport. Toluca already functions as an extension of the country’s main air terminal and it has the infrastructure to handle excess demand. AIT’s proximity to the capital helped the airport to act as a launching platform for Interjet and Volaris, two of the country’s most successful airlines. Airports located in Toluca, Puebla and Queretaro will continue to support Mexico City’s operations whenever weather conditions hinder the AICM’s operations.

Q: What is DGAC’s perspective regarding the impact of the new BASA between the US and Mexico?

A: The signing of civil aviation agreements such as that between Mexico and the US in December 2015 will help boost operations in metropolitan airports. This agreement will increase operations with the US by allowing more flexibility. It implies a cessation of the existing restrictions regarding the number of aircraft and flights allowed in each country. The treaty offers important and attractive growth opportunities for both countries and the flexibility that will come as a result will generate new business opportunities for airlines. It also creates an opportunity to build alliances between Mexican and US airlines, which inevitably generates more benefits for end users.