Mexicana a de Aviación faces big challenges after 1st year
The state-owned Mexicana de Aviación is struggling to maintain operations just over a year after its launch, facing financial difficulties, legal challenges, and operational setbacks.
The airline currently operates with only two aircraft and maintains a 45% occupancy rate, falling significantly short of initial expectations. In early January 2024, Mexicana suspended service to eight destinations, including major cities like Guadalajara and tourist destinations such as Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta.
The carrier still owes half of the 815 million peso (US$48 million) purchase price for assets acquired from the original Mexicana airline, which went bankrupt in 2014. The outstanding payment of 408 million pesos covers facilities in Guadalajara and Mexico City, including a training center and flight simulator.
Legal complications have delayed the asset transfer, with a successful lawsuit by 45 former employees demanding fair compensation holding up the process. While an agreement has reportedly been reached with the workers, the transaction awaits approval from Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT).
The airline has faced additional challenges since its December 2023 launch. It began operations with three Boeing 737s borrowed from the Mexican Air Force, far fewer than the planned fleet of 10 aircraft. The carrier later leased two planes with crews from regional airline TAR.
Further complications include a lawsuit filed in U.S. courts by SAT Aero Holdings over alleged missed payments related to an aircraft lease agreement. Passengers have also reported issues with website functionality and insufficient staff at Felipe Ángeles International Airport, the airline’s main hub.
Pablo Casas Lías, director of the National Institute of Aeronautical Legal Research (INIJA), describes the airline’s situation as critical, with some analysts suggesting the possibility of bankruptcy if conditions don’t improve.

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