Mexico Inaugurates its Newest Airport: AIFA

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) raised several concerns related to cost uncertainty, land connectivity and capacity to operate alongside Mexico City’s International Airport. However, the project pushed through and is now complete, starting operations this week.

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President López Obrador Inaugurates AIFA

Under the motto “A new story begins,” the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) announced that Mexico’s newest and one of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador signature projects opened on March 21. The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) opened its doors for its first day of operations on Monday this week. President Obrador attended the ceremony alongside important Mexican billionaires such as Carlos Slim, Ricardo Salinas, important government officials and airline directors.

The airport has received severe criticism due its land connectivity and capacity to adequately handle Mexico City’s intense air traffic operations. Currently, three of Mexico’s biggest airlines have decided to operate at the airport: Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus.

Flight Disruption Could Come Soon

As people continue to move far away from urban centers and home office gains popularity, the aviation industry studies closely what new trends might impact the current market. “I do believe that how we will fly will change substantially. There are both challenges and opportunities with that,” Maurilio Albanese, Chief Technology Officer, Embraer, explained. Sustainability has been one of the hottest trends in aviation for a few years and passengers continue to exert pressure on companies to develop better and more efficient technologies to reduce emissions.

Local Talent is Vital for Aerospace

Educational institutions maintain close communications with companies in Queretaro to enhance the development of new professionals. “The industry has been facing significant challenges when it comes to talent turnover. The cluster helps its members to identify their main problems regarding talent retention so they can fix them and retain their workforce. We have been launching various initiatives to better understand the needs of companies in terms of talent,” Antonio Velázquez, Managing Director, Queretaro Aerocluster, explained.

AIFA’s Construction

International companies recognized that the progress the Mexican military achieved in eight months regularly takes two or more years. The airport’s operations will be increased gradually, as more airlines and flights are expected to continue arriving this year. “AIFA has been a fantastic experience. We witnessed the incredible performance of all the military engineers involved in the project and who were able to complete this project in record time. The sheer progress accomplished each week was unbelievable. It was a valuable learning experience to adapt to this speed,” said Belinda Quijano, Director General, Apollo Communications.