Mexico City – After 13 years grounded, Mexicana de Aviación, a legendary name in Mexican aviation, has triumphantly touched down once more. President López Obrador himself inaugurated the airline’s grand return with a symbolic flight from Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport to the new Tulum airport in Quintana Roo.
The journey, however, wasn’t entirely smooth. Tulum’s stormy skies forced a detour to Mérida, Yucatán, but after a quick refuel, the Mexicana jet continued its path, landing in Tulum by midday.
This relaunch marks a new chapter for Mexicana, now under the Mexican government’s wing and piloted by the military. Their initial fleet consists of Boeing 737s inherited from the Air Force, with Tulum being just the first stop. Tijuana, Puerto Vallarta, and other popular destinations are soon to be added to their itinerary.
While initial plans outlined in October envisioned a grander takeoff, with up to 386 flights per week and over 69,000 weekly seats, Mexicana’s reservation system now reveals a more measured start. They’ll be offering 80 weekly flights to 16 destinations, translating to roughly three daily journeys. This is a significant scaling back, but the excitement surrounding Mexicana’s return remains undimmed.
For President López Obrador, this is a major win, fitting perfectly into his ambitious infrastructure megaprojects aimed at propelling tourism and development. Mexicana’s resurgence joins the ranks of recently inaugurated initiatives like the Maya Train and Interoceanic Train, all intended to be pillars of national progress.
The revival of Mexicana de Aviación holds the promise of reshaping Mexico’s aviation landscape. With increased competition, there is anticipation for lower fares and expanded travel options, providing a welcome boost to the tourism industry. Mexicana’s return signifies not only the comeback of a historic airline but also the potential for a more dynamic and accessible travel experience for the public.
