Background on Mexicana de Aviación and Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, recently defended the Mexican government’s decision to revive Mexicana de Aviación as a public company after years of neglect and corruption that led to its bankruptcy. Mexicana de Aviación, once a prominent airline in Mexico, has been through turbulent times, with Sheinbaum now at the forefront of its resurgence.
The State’s Intervention and Objectives
Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexicana de Aviación aims to provide affordable flights without compromising efficiency or profitability. She highlighted the issue of exorbitant prices for domestic flights, stating, “Traveling to Hermosillo costs the same as flying to Europe. What is needed is competition.”
Addressing Criticisms and Historical Context
During her morning press conference on July 2, Sheinbaum pointed out that Mexicana de Aviación was “privatized and driven to bankruptcy by poor management,” leaving its workers vulnerable. She credited President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for deciding to rescue the airline as a state-owned enterprise.
In response to critics who claim the government creates unprofitable businesses, Sheinbaum explained that “during the neoliberal era, everything was privatized that could be. If not for social movements, they would have even privatized public primary schools.”
New Aircraft Acquisition and Strategic Partnerships
Sheinbaum further explained that the acquisition of 20 new state-of-the-art aircraft, previously owned by Brazilian company Embraer, comprises 90% private capital and 10% public investment. This acquisition, scheduled between 2025 and 2027, will help solidify Mexicana de Aviación’s operations, particularly in routes where private airlines avoid due to lack of profitability.
Moreover, Mexicana de Aviación is linked to the Mexican Air Force and the National Defense Secretariat, providing crucial operational coverage. Sheinbaum reiterated that this project does not undermine the importance of the private sector.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Mexicana de Aviación and why is it significant? Mexicana de Aviación was once a leading airline in Mexico, but it faced bankruptcy due to neglect and corruption. Now, under the guidance of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Mexico City President Claudia Sheinbaum, the airline is being revived as a public company to offer affordable and reliable domestic flights.
- Why is the state intervening in Mexicana de Aviación? The Mexican government aims to restore Mexicana de Aviación as a public company to ensure affordable air travel options, address the lack of competition in domestic flights, and provide crucial operational support through partnerships with the Mexican Air Force and National Defense Secretariat.
- What are the criticisms against the state’s involvement in Mexicana de Aviación? Critics argue that the government is creating unprofitable businesses. However, Sheinbaum counters this by stating that during the neoliberal era, most sectors were privatized, and social movements played a crucial role in preserving public services.
- How will the new aircraft acquisition impact Mexicana de Aviación? The acquisition of 20 new aircraft from Embraer, with 90% private capital and 10% public investment, will strengthen Mexicana de Aviación’s operations. This will enable the airline to serve routes where private carriers avoid due to low profitability, ensuring more affordable travel options for Mexicans.
