Mexico’s Air Safety Downgraded; New Airport Prompts Questions

While some are questioning the practicality of International Airport Felipe Ángeles (AIFA), others point that the project might bring numerous benefits. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Air Safety Rating was downgraded from Category 1 to Category 2, what effects will this have on the sector?

Buckle up! This and more in your weekly aerospace roundup!

National

AIFA Going Strong Despite Criticisms

The Mexico City International Airport Felipe Ángeles (AIFA) in Santa Lucia is one of the most important infrastructure projects of the decade, but the uncertainty surrounding the project might put its impact in question. The airport requires the redesign of its air space which involves tracing and testing new trajectories. Also, the future airport is very far away from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and going from one airport to the other can take up to two hours, depending on traffic. This generates numerous logistic complications. 

However, there are advantages to having a second airport in Mexico City, particularly in terms of flight time reduction and increased capacity. The airport comes with other positive impacts, read them here.

Aviation Industry to Be Hurt by Air Space Downgrade: CANAERO

On Tuesday, the FAA downgraded Mexico’s air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2 stating that “Mexico does not meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.” The new rating will allow airlines to continue operating existing routes to the US but forbids the creation of new routes. Also, US airlines will be unable to sell tickets under their name in Mexico. “A Category 2 rating means that the country’s laws or regulations lack the necessary requirements to oversee the country’s air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards or the civil aviation authority is lacking in one or more areas such as technical expertise, trained personnel, record-keeping, inspection procedures or the resolution of safety concerns,” reads FAA’s statement. 

This decision will greatly affect both Mexico and the US aviation industry, explained Mexico’s National Air Transport Chamber (CANAERO).

International

Emirates Resumes Flights to Mexico with a 40 Percent Discount

Dubai-based Emirates Airlines will resume flights to Mexico City via Barcelona with a 40 percent discount on July 2, according to the airline’s ticket reservation system. This Dubai-Barcelona-Mexico City route will offer more travel options to passengers that are moving from different parts of the world. The strategy may benefit travelers as well as establish Mexico as more connected, making its exports more available to other world markets. Read more here! 

Positive Expectations with Opening Borders: IATA

As the pandemic continues, there has been increasing scientific evidence that vaccination is not only protecting people but also dramatically reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Hence, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has applauded the growing number of countries making evidence-based decisions to open their borders to vaccinated travelers. 

The organization believes this will have positive impacts on the air travel industry. IATA also makes recommendations based on the G20 Rome Guidelines for the Future of Tourism to create and support a safe restoration of mobility worldwide. Read more here!