NAI Orders SEDENA to Release Mexicana de Aviación Records

The Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) has been instructed by The National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI) to provide contracts and permits signed by Mexicana de Aviación to a requester. This directive follows SEDENA's initial declaration of inability to fulfill the request. Josefina Román, appointed by INAI, asserts that transparency regarding the handling of public funds for Mexicana is crucial, with SEDENA being entrusted to uphold this transparency.

According to INAI, SEDENA has the capability to comply with the request, given its status as a state-funded entity managing federal budgets since 2023. Moreover, Cresencio Sandoval, the Minister of Defense, was instructed by Mexico's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to establish Mexicana, as evidenced by the stenographic record of his daily press conference dated Aug. 10, 2023. Additionally, federal funding for Mexicana was allocated to SEDENA in the 2024 Federal Expenditure Budget.

SEDENA is mandated to disclose several types of data, including contracts with public and private entities, alongside detailed descriptions, costs, validity, and copies. Furthermore, details of the contract with Link Conexión Aérea, encompassing general conditions, contract copies, and add-ons, are required. Copies of all authorizations, permits, and certificates requested by airports and civil aviation laws must also be provided, as stated by Román.

As for Mexicana Airline's financial outlook, it faces a lengthy path to profitability. Despite generating MX$1.6 million in revenue between December 26, 2023, and Jan. 26, 2024, it experienced operational costs totaling MX$229 million, resulting in minimal returns. Various expenses, including equipment rental, fuel, crew travel, airport fees, and maintenance, contributed to this deficit. Mexicana's success varied across destinations, with AIFA-Tulum being the most lucrative, while Campeche-AIFA and Acapulco-AIFA saw minimal patronage.

According to a financial analysis presented by the military-owned company, Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, Mexicana is not projected to break even until 2029, with profitability forecasted for 2033. Initial revenue estimates for 2033 stand at MX$733 million, necessitating continued federal budgetary support until Mexicana achieves financial stability.