In a surprising turn of events, Mexico’s new state carrier, Mexicana de Aviación, is set to launch its commercial operations on December 26, thanks to an unexpected source – the country’s army.
Faced with delays in leasing aircraft, Mexicana de Aviación will rely on the Mexican Air Force to provide three narrowbody jets.
The Air Force’s contribution includes two Boeing 737-800s and one Boeing 737-300, all originally built for commercial services. These aircraft underwent thorough analysis and certification by the Civil Aviation Federal Agency (AFAC) to meet the standards for commercial operations.
Simultaneously, Mexicana de Aviación has secured a wet lease agreement with regional carrier TAR Aerolíneas, bringing two Embraer E145 aircraft into its fleet.
The State-owned carrier, a revamped version of the former Mexicana de Aviación that ceased operations in 2010, has been gearing up to serve the domestic market from Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport.
Originally scheduled for a December 1 debut, Mexicana de Aviación now aims to take to the skies on December 26, pending the acquisition of its Air Operator Certificate.
While the original plan included a network of 20 destinations, the current strategy focuses on nine key cities across Mexico.
These destinations include Acapulco, Guadalajara, Huatulco, Monterrey, Mazatlán, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Villahermosa, and Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Notably, other destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, Tijuana, Mérida, and San José del Cabo are temporarily on hold.
The aircraft from the Mexican Air Force, bearing registrations FAM-3526 and FAM-3528, are expected to play a crucial role in Mexicana de Aviación’s initial operations.
Both aircraft have recent activity records, with FAM-3528 even making a noteworthy trip to Tel Aviv, Israel, for a humanitarian mission.
With Mexicana de Aviación’s unique blend of military and civilian support, the airline is poised to make a distinctive mark on Mexico’s aviation landscape, providing connectivity to key destinations and overcoming challenges with innovative solutions.
As travelers eagerly anticipate the carrier’s inaugural flights, all eyes will be on Mexicana de Aviación as it takes flight with an unconventional but powerful alliance with the Mexican Air Force.
