Restoration of Mexico’s Airspace Category 1 Remains Stagnant

Over a year and a half after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Mexico’s safety rating to Category 2, the industry remains skeptical about the possible restoration to Category 1 coming soon.

The National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAEREO) expressed its desire for a quicker recovery of the Category 1 rating, which it considers to be essential for the development of the industry. Diana Olivares, President, CANAEREO, admitted that the upgrade is difficult to obtain and that neither Mexico’s government nor airlines can speed up the process. “We keep working closely with authorities and all the airlines. We must keep working and waiting. It is not our call because it requires different audits, but we are united in tackling the issue. Both the private sector and the government are working closely together to recover the Category 1 rating,” she said.

Buckle up! This is the Week in Aerospace!

AFAC Warned SEDENA About Issues at Tulum, Chetumal Airports

Leaked documents revealed that the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) warned the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA) about potential planning errors at the to-be-constructed Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (AIFCP) in Tulum, Quintana Roo, as well as regarding other airport and infrastructure projects.

Aeroméxico Increases Passenger Traffic by 33 Percent

Aeroméxico’s recovery strategy allowed it to recover its pre-pandemic passenger traffic results. The airline reported year-to-year passenger growth in September 2022 and has already surpassed its 1H19 domestic flights.  In September, Aeroméxico transported 1.8 million passengers, a 33.6 percent increase in comparison to September 2021. Its international flights also increased by 27.8 percent during that month, while domestic flights grew by 36 percent, showing encouraging signs of a positive recovery for a company that struggled with financial stability and flight demands since the beginning of the pandemic.

Aeroméxico Will Delist Shares from BMV

As part of its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy procedures, Aeroméxico will delist its shares from the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), complying with its obligations under US law. Aeroméxico also canceled its subscription to the National Securities Registry.

AFAC Removes In-flight Mask Requirements

AFAC introduced new safety measures for passengers, making the use of face masks during flights and in waiting areas optional. 

“The measure applies to those who use airport facilities, as well as in aircraft cabins. Ambulatory rooms and last waiting rooms in airport facilities are large and sufficiently ventilated spaces. Aircraft use a high-efficiency filtration system (HEPA) that eliminates 99.9 percent of particulates, bacteria and viruses,” reads a press release by Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure Communications and Transport (SICT).

COFECE Green Lights Partnership Between Viva Aerobus, Allegiant

Mexico’s Federal Economic Competition Commission (COFECE) approved the commercial alliance between ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCS) Allegiant and Viva Aerobus, formerly announced in December 2021.