SICT Backs AIFA as Cargo Hub After Private, Public Analysis
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SICT Backs AIFA as Cargo Hub After Private, Public Analysis

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Emilio Aristegui By Emilio Aristegui | Junior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Mon, 01/23/2023 - 10:02

Following the announcement that cargo operations would move from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) explains it is reorganizing national and foreign cargo operations in compliance with the needs of the sector. However, experts argue that the relocation lacks planning and analysis. 

Mexican authorities and air cargo operators have worked jointly to develop a plan since the beginning of 2022, hosting a total of 43 meetings with 61 groups that involve federal authorities and industry representatives, says SICT. The goal is to maintain combined passenger and cargo services unaffected. 

The National Commission for Regulatory Improvement (CONAMER) has already received the government draft to relocate operations, as SICT highlights that the document considers consultations and prior work meetings. SICT explained that federal authorities and representatives of the industry participated to conduct a final well-developed draft. 

“AICM would be closed for the operations of concessionaires and permit holders that provide regular and non-regular national and international air transport exclusively for cargo. Concessionaires and permit holders that provide combined passenger and cargo services are exempted from this determination, provided that it is transported in the same aircraft as the passengers," explained SICT via a press release.

SICT coordinated 11 visits to AIFA’s facilities to comprehend the need for operations to begin with 20 work groups and 12 specific meetings to learn about the work and requirements. AICM currently receives over 1,000 cargo vehicles, which causes major traffic in the area. 

The proximity between AIFA and AICM was deemed vital in the analysis, making the relocation of cargo to AIFA a viable option due to the existence of an efficient infrastructure for cargo operations. The design for expansion in the future forecasts accommodation for 3 million tons a year at full potential. 

SICT explained that airport fees at AIFA are amongst the lowest in Mexico. The fees are between 41% and 52% lower for landing, parking and overnight stays in comparison to the average for airports. AIFA has available schedules for accommodation and does not have a restricted schedule. 

Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, Queretaro’s Minister of Sustainable Development announced that authorities from the Queretaro International Airport (AIQ) began negotiations with cargo airlines currently operating at AICM to offer them the choice to move to Queretaro, as reported by MBN.

Photo by:   Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

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