Mexicana de Aviación (2023–present)
{{Short description|Airline of Mexico}}
{{About|the new airline Mexicana de Aviación|the original airline|Mexicana de Aviación (1921–2010)|other uses|Mexicana (disambiguation)}}
{{Update|part=Fleet and destination|reason=recent company changes|date=January 2025}}
{{use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox airline
| airline = Mexicana de Aviación
| logo = AEM Mexicana de Aviación logo.svg
| logo_size =
| image = Boeing 737-8MC de Mexicana de Aviación.png
| IATA = XN
| ICAO = MXA
| callsign = MEXICANA
| parent = SEDENA
| subsidiaries =
| commenced = {{start date and age|2023|12|26|df=yes}}{{cite web|url=https://www.flyingmag.com/mexican-army-run-airline-makes-first-flight-to-resort-town/|title=Mexican Army-Run Airline Makes First Flight to Resort Town|publisher=Flying Magazine|date=2023-12-27|access-date=2024-01-01|first=Kimberly|last=Johnson|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101143914/https://www.flyingmag.com/mexican-army-run-airline-makes-first-flight-to-resort-town/|url-status=live}}
| headquarters = Ex hacienda de Santa Lucía, Zumpango, Estado de México
| key_people = Sergio Montaño Méndez (General Director)
| hubs = Felipe Ángeles International Airport
| alliance =
| fleet_size = 3
| destinations = 14
| website = {{URL|www.mexicana.gob.mx}}
}}
Mexicana de Aviación (legally Aerolínea del Estado Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.){{cite web|access-date=2023-05-18|date=2023-05-18|language=en|title=Nace la Aerolínea del Estado Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. bajo el resguardo de Sedena|url=https://www.sdpnoticias.com/mexico/nace-la-aerolinea-del-estado-mexicano-sa-de-cv-con-resolucion-en-el-dof-dependera-de-la-sedena/|website=sdpnoticias|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531110110/https://www.sdpnoticias.com/mexico/nace-la-aerolinea-del-estado-mexicano-sa-de-cv-con-resolucion-en-el-dof-dependera-de-la-sedena/|url-status=live}} is a Mexican domestic, state-owned airline established on 15 June 2023. It operates under the historical commercial name Mexicana de Aviación, after the government acquired the former airline's brands and assets on 9 August 2023.
The airline is managed by the Secretariat of National Defense and its headquarters is at Felipe Ángeles International Airport.
History
On 18 May 2023,{{cite web|access-date=2023-05-18|first=Juan Luis Ramos {{!}} El Sol de|language=es|last=México|title=Nace aerolínea del Estado mexicano; estará bajo control de la Sedena|url=https://www.elsoldelcentro.com.mx/finanzas/nace-aerolinea-del-estado-mexicano-estara-bajo-control-de-la-sedena-10083375.html|website=El Sol del Centro {{!}} Noticias Locales, Policiacas, sobre México, Aguascalientes y el Mundo|archive-date=24 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524110806/https://www.elsoldelcentro.com.mx/finanzas/nace-aerolinea-del-estado-mexicano-estara-bajo-control-de-la-sedena-10083375.html|url-status=live}} the Official Journal of the Federation{{cite web|access-date=18 May 2023|title=DOF - Diario Oficial de la Federación|url=https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5689088&fecha=18/05/2023#gsc.tab=0|archive-date=18 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518191059/https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5689088&fecha=18/05/2023#gsc.tab=0|url-status=live}} listed the creation of the company Aerolínea del Estado Mexicano, S.A. de C.V, that will "promote, operate and provide the public service of national and international regular air transport of passengers, cargo, mail or a combination of these, on its own account or through public or private persons.”{{cite web|access-date=2023-05-18|language=es-ES|title=Ya es oficial la nueva aerolínea comercial del Ejército, también podrá ofrecer servicio de carga|url=https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2023/05/18/ya-es-oficial-la-nueva-aerolinea-comercial-del-ejercito-tambien-podra-ofrecer-servicio-de-carga/|website=infobae|date=18 May 2023|archive-date=24 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524044058/https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2023/05/18/ya-es-oficial-la-nueva-aerolinea-comercial-del-ejercito-tambien-podra-ofrecer-servicio-de-carga/|url-status=live}}
In August 2023, deals were finalized by the Mexican government, which introduced the airline during a press conference. After briefly launching ticket pre-sales in September, the airline planned to begin operations in December 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.transponder1200.com/cuales-seran-las-rutas-y-aviones-que-operara-la-nueva-mexicana-de-aviacion/|title=¿What will be the routes and planes that the new Mexicana de Aviación will operate?|language=Spanish|accessdate=July 22, 2023|date=July 2022|website=Transponder1200|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722100741/https://www.transponder1200.com/cuales-seran-las-rutas-y-aviones-que-operara-la-nueva-mexicana-de-aviacion/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Government of Mexico unveils its new airline Mexicana de Aviación announcing Tulum as secondary base |url=https://riviera-maya-news.com/government-of-mexico-unveils-its-new-airline-mexicana-de-aviacion-announcing-tulum-as-secondary-base/2023.html?cn-reloaded=1 |access-date=31 August 2023 |work=Riviera Maya News |publisher=Riviera Maya News |date=11 August 2023 |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831152102/https://riviera-maya-news.com/government-of-mexico-unveils-its-new-airline-mexicana-de-aviacion-announcing-tulum-as-secondary-base/2023.html?cn-reloaded=1 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Soto |first1=Héctor |title=Introducing Mexicana de Aviación: Mexico's New Airline |url=https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/introducing-mexicana-de-aviacion-mexicos-new-airline |access-date=31 August 2023 |work=Mexico Business News |publisher=Mexico Business |date=10 August 2023 |archive-date=31 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831152102/https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/introducing-mexicana-de-aviacion-mexicos-new-airline |url-status=live }}
In October 2023, the airline was granted an Assignment Title by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency.{{cite news |title=Mexicana de Aviación, la aerolínea que operará la Sedena, recibe título de asignación |url=https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/mexicana-aviaci%C3%B3n-aerol%C3%ADnea-operar%C3%A1-sedena-110357706.html |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Yahoo! Noticas |publisher=Yahoo |date=7 November 2023 |language=Spanish |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175804/https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/mexicana-aviaci%C3%B3n-aerol%C3%ADnea-operar%C3%A1-sedena-110357706.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Mexicana de Aviación Prepares for Liftoff with Assignment Title |url=https://www.mexicanist.com/l/mexicana-de-aviacion/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Mexicanist |publisher=Mexicanist |date=8 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110175805/https://www.mexicanist.com/l/mexicana-de-aviacion/ |url-status=live }}
The first aircraft was delivered on 17 December 2023, registered as "XA-ASM". It made its maiden test flight from Santa Lucia to Tijuana.{{cite news |title=Mexicana de Aviación inicia vuelos para obtener certificación |url=https://expansion.mx/empresas/2023/12/18/mexicana-de-aviacion-inicia-vuelos-para-certificacion |work=Expansión |publisher=Expansión |date=18 December 2023 |language=Spanish |access-date=19 December 2023 |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219033944/https://expansion.mx/empresas/2023/12/18/mexicana-de-aviacion-inicia-vuelos-para-certificacion |url-status=live }}
The inaugural flight was on 26 December 2023 from Felipe Ángeles International Airport to Tulum International Airport; though, the flight briefly diverted to Mérida due to weather before finally landing in Tulum.{{cite news |title=The first official Mexicana de Aviación flight to Tulum ends up landing in Mérida |url=https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2023/12/the-first-official-mexicana-de-aviacion-flight-to-tulum-ends-up-landing-in-merida/ |access-date=3 January 2024 |work=The Yucutan Times |publisher=The Yucatan Times |date=26 December 2023 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104001238/https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2023/12/the-first-official-mexicana-de-aviacion-flight-to-tulum-ends-up-landing-in-merida/ |url-status=live }}
In January 2025, it was announced that Mexicana has ended services to seven destinations, and that it has begun a restructuring process.{{cite news |last1=de la Rosa |first1=Alejandro |title=Mexicana de Aviación will stop operating eight routes as of January 6; restructuring begins |url=https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/mexicana-aviacion-dejara-operar-ocho-rutas-partir-6-enero-inicia-reestructura-20250105-740601.html |access-date=7 January 2025 |work=El Economista |publisher=Periódico Especializado en Economía y Finanzas, S.A. de C.V. |date=5 January 2025}}
Operations
File:Aviones de Mexicana de aviación en el AIFA.jpg aircraft taxiing at Felipe Ángeles International Airport.]]
The airline intended to start operations on 1 December 2023, with a planned fleet of 10 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. However, it did not receive a valid air operator's certificate at the time and delivery was postponed.{{cite news |last1=Soto |first1=Héctor |title=Boeing Delays Aircraft Delivery to Mexicana de Aviación |url=https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/boeing-delays-aircraft-delivery-mexicana-de-aviacion |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Mexico Business News |publisher=Mexico Business |date=1 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110181752/https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/boeing-delays-aircraft-delivery-mexicana-de-aviacion |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=Aerolíneas piden "piso parejo" con nueva Mexicana de Aviación|date=2023-10-26|access-date=2024-01-01|language=es|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/aerolineas-piden-piso-parejo-nueva-mexicana-de-aviacion/1616111|publisher=Excélsior|first=Paredes|last=Miriam|archive-date=26 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026125416/https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/aerolineas-piden-piso-parejo-nueva-mexicana-de-aviacion/1616111|url-status=live}} The airline used an Embraer 145 aircraft for certification, wet leased from TAR Aerolíneas, and was registered as "XA-VGQ".{{cite news |title=La 4T se alista para conquistar los cielos: Ya está listo el primer avión de Mexicana de Aviación, será usado para obtener certificado de servicios aéreos (FOTOS) |url=https://losreporteros.mx/la-4t-se-alista-para-conquistar-los-cielos-ya-esta-listo-el-primer-avion-de-mexicana-de-aviacion-sera-usado-para-obtener-certificado-de-servicios-aereos-fotos/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Los Reporteros Mx |publisher=Los Reporteros Mx |date=9 November 2023 |language=Spanish |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110174659/https://losreporteros.mx/la-4t-se-alista-para-conquistar-los-cielos-ya-esta-listo-el-primer-avion-de-mexicana-de-aviacion-sera-usado-para-obtener-certificado-de-servicios-aereos-fotos/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Paredes |first1=Miriam |title=Mexicana inicia con Embraer, no con Boeing; arrienda aviones a TAR |url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/mexicana-inicia-con-embraer-boeing-arrienda-aviones-tar/1618958 |access-date=10 November 2023 |work=Excelsior |publisher=Imagen Digital |date=10 November 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110090134/http://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/mexicana-inicia-con-embraer-boeing-arrienda-aviones-tar/1618958 |url-status=live }} The airline initially reduced its destination count from 20 to 9.{{cite news |title=Mexicana de Aviación, a punto de despegar: Inicia la venta de boletos a 9 destinos |url=https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/mexicana-aviaci%C3%B3n-punto-despegar-inicia-052309197.html |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=Yahoo! Noticas |publisher=Yahoo |date=14 November 2023 |language=Spanish |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117043643/https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/mexicana-aviaci%C3%B3n-punto-despegar-inicia-052309197.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.sdpnoticias.com/opinion/la-nueva-mexicana-un-avion-y-una-ruta/|title=La nueva Mexicana: un avión y una ruta|language=Spanish|website=sdpnoticias|date=November 17, 2023|accessdate=November 17, 2023|last=Garmendia|first=Ximena|archive-date=18 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118020220/https://www.sdpnoticias.com/opinion/la-nueva-mexicana-un-avion-y-una-ruta/|url-status=live}} The fleet was planned to consist of two Boeing 737-800 and one 737-300, all inherited from the Mexican Air Force.{{cite news |last1=Meier |first1=Ricardo |title=Mexicana de Aviación's first Boeing 737-800 emerges days before the start of revenue flights |url=https://www.airdatanews.com/mexicana-de-aviacions-first-boeing-737-800-emerges-days-before-the-start-of-revenue-flights/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |work=Air Data News |publisher=Air Data News |date=18 December 2023 |archive-date=19 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219033944/https://www.airdatanews.com/mexicana-de-aviacions-first-boeing-737-800-emerges-days-before-the-start-of-revenue-flights/ |url-status=live }}
In March 2024, the airline announced plans to purchase 10 Embraer aircraft after Boeing's deal fell through, and deliveries were expected after 2025. It was suggested that they would operate the Embraer E175 and Embraer E195-E2 planes.{{cite news |last1=Woerner |first1=Lukas |title=New Airline Mexicana Ditches Boeing for Faster Launch, Switches to Embraer |url=https://aeroxplorer.com/articles/mexicana-de-aviacion-switches-to-embraer-after-airline-ditches-boeing-order-for-faster-launch.php |access-date=9 March 2024 |work=AeroXplorer |publisher=AeroXplorer |date=4 March 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309015750/https://aeroxplorer.com/articles/mexicana-de-aviacion-switches-to-embraer-after-airline-ditches-boeing-order-for-faster-launch.php |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ferreira |first1=Carlos |title=Adeus Boeing: Mexicana de Aviación encomenda dez jatos brasileiros Embraer E175 e E195-E2 |url=https://aeroin.net/adeus-boeing-mexicana-de-aviacion-encomenda-dez-jatos-brasileiros-embraer-e175-e-e195-e2/ |access-date=9 March 2024 |work=Aeroin |publisher=Aeroin |date=1 March 2024 |language=Portuguese |archive-date=2 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302062646/https://aeroin.net/adeus-boeing-mexicana-de-aviacion-encomenda-dez-jatos-brasileiros-embraer-e175-e-e195-e2/ |url-status=live }} In June 2024, it was confirmed that Mexicana has ordered 20 Embraer E2 aircraft, consisting of 10 E190-E2 and 10 E195-E2 jets.{{cite news |title=Mexicana de Aviación Orders 20 Embraer E2 Aircraft |date=2024-06-03 |url=https://embraer.com/global/en/news?slug=1207397-mexicana-de-aviacion-orders-20-embraer-e2-aircraft |publisher=Embraer}}
Select flights are operated in partnership with TAR, using two of its 50-seated Embraer 145 planes.{{cite news |last1=Lerma |first1=Reneé |title=Mexicana de Aviación Conducts Test Flights for AOC Approval |url=https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/mexicana-de-aviacion-conducts-test-flights-aoc-approval |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=Mexico Business News |publisher=Mexico Business |date=18 December 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225215453/https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/mexicana-de-aviacion-conducts-test-flights-aoc-approval |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Carrillo |first1=Emmanuel |title=Las otras 'alas' de Mexicana: Esta aerolínea estará detrás de sus operaciones regionales |url=https://www.radioformula.com.mx/economia/2023/12/25/mexicana-de-aviacion-esta-aerolinea-estara-detras-de-sus-operaciones-regionales-795192.html |access-date=25 December 2023 |work=Radio Fórmula |publisher=Grupo Fórmula |date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225215944/https://www.radioformula.com.mx/economia/2023/12/25/mexicana-de-aviacion-esta-aerolinea-estara-detras-de-sus-operaciones-regionales-795192.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2023/12/22/mexicana-inicia-venta-de-boletos-tar-le-operara-6-destinos/|title=Mexicana begins ticket sales; TAR will operate 6 destinations|language=Spanish|accessdate=December 25, 2023|date=December 22, 2023|website=El Financiero|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226142524/https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2023/12/22/mexicana-inicia-venta-de-boletos-tar-le-operara-6-destinos/|url-status=live}} As of 2025, only one leased aircraft from TAR remain operational for three destinations due to its partnership termination, and as part of Mexicana's change of operations.{{cite news |last1=Goytia |first1=Óscar |title=Mexicana de Aviación Hit by TAR Aircraft Loss, Route Cuts |url=https://mexicobusiness.news/aerospace/news/mexicana-de-aviacion-hit-tar-aircraft-loss-route-cuts |access-date=10 January 2025 |work=Mexico Business News |publisher=Mexico Business Company |date=7 January 2025}}
Lawsuit
In March 2024, the airline was sued by Texas-based SAT Aero Holdings, seeking up to $841 million in damages due to issues such as failing to pay $5.5 million for aircraft leasing, contract breaching, and failure to obtain licenses for importing aircraft. SAT was recruited to provide services to the airline. A complaint was filed in Manhattan, and the Mexican military defense did not have any information regarding the case.{{cite news |last1=Stempel |first1=Jonathan |last2=Madry |first2=Kylie |title=Mexico's state-owned airline faces $841 million lawsuit in contract dispute |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/mexicos-state-owned-airline-faces-841-million-lawsuit-contract-dispute-2024-03-28/ |access-date=28 March 2024 |work=Reuters |publisher=Reuters |date=27 March 2024}}{{cite news |title=Conflicto en el aire: millonaria demanda en EU contra Mexicana de Aviación |url=https://www.proceso.com.mx/economia/2024/3/27/conflicto-en-el-aire-millonaria-demanda-en-eu-contra-mexicana-de-aviacion-326273.html |access-date=28 March 2024 |work=Proceso |publisher=Comunicación e Información S.A. de C.V. |date=27 March 2024 |language=Spanish |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328054706/https://www.proceso.com.mx/economia/2024/3/27/conflicto-en-el-aire-millonaria-demanda-en-eu-contra-mexicana-de-aviacion-326273.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Dolmetsch |first1=Chris |title=Mexico's New State Airline Sued in $800 Million Contract Dispute (subscription required) |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-27/mexico-s-new-state-airline-sued-in-800-million-contract-dispute |access-date=28 March 2024 |work=Bloomerg |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=27 March 2024 |archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328021018/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-27/mexico-s-new-state-airline-sued-in-800-million-contract-dispute |url-status=live }}
Destinations
{{As of|2024|10}}, Mexicana de Aviación flies to a total of 12 domestic destinations.{{cite web|url=https://www.sinembargo.mx/09-01-2024/4452518|title=Hay 14 mil reservaciones|language=Spanish|website=sinembargo.mx|date=January 9, 2024|accessdate=January 9, 2024|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110053920/https://www.sinembargo.mx/09-01-2024/4452518|url-status=live}}
Mexicana has announced additional routes wiill be incorporated following work to strengthen the airport infrastructure:{{Cite web |last=Domínguez |first=Pedro |date=2023-10-08 |title=Rutas de Mexicana de Aviación: aerolínea tendrá vuelos a 20 destinos |url=https://www.milenio.com/politica/rutas-de-mexicana-aviacion-aerolinea-tendra-vuelos-20-destinos |access-date=2025-04-11 |website=Grupo Milenio |language=es-MX}}
- Apodaca, Nuevo León
- Tulum, Quintana Roo
- Ciudad Ixtepec, Oaxaca
- Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
- Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas
- Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche
- Ciudad Obregón, Sonora
- Loreto, Baja California Sur
- Palenque, Chiapas
- Nogales, Sonora
- Puebla
- Tamuín, Son Luis Potosí
- Uruapan, Michoacán
- Matamoros, Tamaulipas
- Colima
- Guaymas, Sonora
Fleet
{{As of|2025|04}}, Mexicana de Aviación operates the following aircraft:{{cite web|url=https://www.planespotters.net/airline/Mexicana-2023|title=Mexicana Fleet Details and History|website=Planespotters.net|access-date=April 12, 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em auto; text-align:center"
|+ Mexicana fleet |
| Aircraft
!In !Orders !Passengers !Notes |
|---|
| Boeing 737-800
|3 |— | |
| Embraer E190-E2
|— |10 |108 |rowspan="2"|Deliveries begin Q2 2025.{{cite press release|url=https://mexicana.gob.mx/assets/images/landing_page/comunicado/comunicado-02-Junio-2024.pdf|title=Mexicana de Aviación adquiere 20 aviones EMBRAER E2|website=Mexicana|access-date=June 3, 2024}} |
| Embraer E195-E2
|— |10 |132 |
| Total
!3 !20 !colspan=2| |
See also
References
{{reflist|2}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.mexicana.gob.mx/}} {{in lang|es}}
{{Airlines of Mexico}}
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Category:Airlines established in 2023