Airline

Airlines in Mexico

Dipesh Dhital

28 May 2020 — 4 min read

Mexico has a rich history in aviation, with its first recorded flight taking place in 1910. Today, the aviation industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy, serving as a key component of Mexico’s transportation system. Airlines in Mexico connect the country to other regions of the world, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. This article aims to list the airlines operating in Mexico, the regulatory environment in which they operate, the challenges they face, and their impact on the Mexican economy.

Major airlines in Mexico

Mexico is home to several major airlines, including Aeroméxico, Interjet, Volaris, VivaAerobus, and TAR Aerolineas. These airlines offer a range of services, from budget-friendly flights to premium services, connecting Mexico to various destinations around the world.

Aeromexico

Aeromexico is Mexico’s flagship airline, founded in 1934. With a fleet of over 107 aircraft, Aeroméxico offers flights to 89 destinations across Mexico, the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Volaris

Volaris is a low-cost airline based in Mexico that was founded in 2005. With a fleet of over 112 aircraft, Volaris operates primarily within Mexico and the United States, connecting more than 71 destinations. The airline is known for its budget-friendly prices, making air travel accessible to a broader range of people in Mexico.

Volaris has experienced significant growth since its launch and plays a significant role in the Mexican aviation industry, contributing to its economy and transportation system.

TAR Aerolineas

TAR Aerolineas is a regional airline based in Mexico, founded in 2012. The airline operates a fleet of regional jets, serving destinations primarily within Mexico. TAR Aerolíneas has a strong presence in Mexico’s regional aviation market, offering reliable and convenient air travel options for passengers traveling within the country.

VivaAerobus

VivaAerobus, founded in 2006, is another low-cost airline operating in Mexico, offering flights to 58 destinations within the country, South America, and the United States.

Other airlines

Aéreo Servicio Guerrero
Aerodavinci
Aerolíneas Ejecutivas
Aeromaan
Aeromar
Aeroméxico Connect
Aeroméxico Contigo
Aeronaves TSM
AeroUnion
Aviesa
Avioquintana
Calafia Airlines
Estafeta Carga Aérea
Interjet (Ceased operation on December 2020)
Magnicharters
MasAir
MAYAir

History of airlines in Mexico

Early aviation in Mexico saw a slow start, with the first recorded flight taking place in 1910. It wasn’t until the mid-1920s that commercial airlines started to emerge, offering air transport services to the Mexican public. The first commercial airline to launch in Mexico was Aeronaves de México, later renamed Aeroméxico.

Regulatory environment for airlines in Mexico

The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) is the governmental entity that oversees the regulation of the civil aviation sector in Mexico. AFAC replaced the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) in October 2019 and operates under the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation jurisdiction. AFAC’s responsibilities include formulating government policies for the advancement of aviation in Mexico, managing training programs, monitoring aviation infrastructure and technical developments, and ensuring safety measures.

Challenges faced by the airline industry in Mexico

The airline industry in Mexico faces various challenges, including economic pressures, political instability, the need for investment in modern aviation infrastructure, ensuring safety and security, and addressing environmental concerns. These challenges can impact the profitability and growth of airlines in the country, making it essential for the industry to adapt and respond to changing market conditions.

Impact of airlines on the Mexican economy

The airline industry in Mexico has a significant impact on the country’s economy, providing direct employment to over 278,000 people and contributing 2% to the country’s GDP. The industry also boosts the trade balance by exporting more than it imports and supports related industries such as tourism and cargo transportation.

In 2021, Mexico received 32 million international tourists. Similarly, in 2020, the revenue generated from air cargo transportation in Mexico amounted to nearly 6.7 billion Mexican pesos. These data points demonstrate the airline industry’s significant role in the Mexican economy.

Future of the airline industry in Mexico

The future of the airline industry in Mexico is promising, with expected growth in air passenger traffic and government plans to invest in aviation infrastructure and technologies. Despite intense competition and the impact of political and economic factors, the aviation industry in Mexico is poised for growth in the coming years.

The Mexican government, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), has prioritized infrastructure since taking office in December 2018. As part of this effort, the government announced the Construction and Modernization Program (CMP) 2018-2024, which includes four priority projects worth over $20 billion USD.

Conclusion

Mexico’s airline industry has come a long way since its early days, growing into a major component of the country’s transportation system and economy. Airlines in Mexico connect the country to other regions of the world, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The regulatory environment for airlines in Mexico is well-established, with the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) responsible for ensuring the safety and security of air travel and protecting consumers’ rights.

Despite the challenges airlines face in Mexico, the future of the aviation industry in the country looks promising, with new opportunities for growth and increased air connectivity. The aviation industry in Mexico continues to play a significant role in the country’s economy and will likely continue to do so for years to come.