SEDENA Seeks MX$20 Billion for Mexicana Aircraft

The Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) has approached the Ministry of Finance (SHCP) with a request for over MX$20 billion to procure aircraft for Mexicana de Aviación amid an ongoing legal battle with SAT Aero Holdings over lease payment defaults. 

The acquisition, detailed in the document "Acquisition of Assets to Increase Air Operations," aims to improve the quality and coverage of air services while enhancing connectivity, as stated by Grupo Aeroportuario, Ferroviario, de Servicios Auxiliares y Conexos, Olmeca-Maya-Mexica (GAFSACOMM).

Jaime Rico Villalvazo, Subdirector, Mexicana de Aviación, revealed that SEDENA's disclosed data indicates a budget request of over MX$1.6 billion for this year, escalating to MX$6.8 billion by 2027.

The chosen supplier will collaborate with the airline to ensure timely submission of documentation to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), facilitating compliance with technical feasibility requirements for aircraft incorporation into the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and daily operations.

To mitigate risks, strict validation processes will evaluate compliance with technical, technological, environmental, and operational safety specifications, in line with national and international aviation regulations. Contracts will include clauses addressing potential delivery delays and financial penalties, considering exchange rate fluctuations and economic conditions' impact on air transport demand.