Background on AIFA and its Significance
The Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA), located on a military base in Santa Lucía, is venturing into its first commercial licitation process. The aim is to hire a consulting firm to develop a passenger route development plan, maximizing revenue sources and enhancing connectivity to achieve the anticipated takeoff.
AIFA’s Financial Performance and Current Operations
By mid-year, AIFA reported earnings of 414.9 million pesos, primarily driven by cargo business. The airport aims to expand its operations further. Currently, it offers 40 domestic and 8 international routes (for comparison, the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México, or AICM, has 44 domestic and 61 international routes). AIFA hosts operations from Aeroméxico, Viva, Volaris, Aerus, Mexicana de Aviación, and Magnicharters, among others.
AIFA’s Strategic Focus on Route Development
Route development is crucial for AIFA’s marketing strategy and business growth initiative. An active and updated route development strategy significantly increases the chances of maintaining AIFA as the top choice for airlines considering network adjustments.
According to AIFA’s director, Isidoro Pastor, the military-owned entity aims to cultivate its own markets. Since its inauguration, only five flights have moved from the AICM, with the rest being new operations.
Technical Requirements for Route Development Plan
AIFA’s strategic planning department acknowledges the lack of technical capacity to create a route development plan. No similar consulting services have been contracted since AIFA’s operations commenced in March 2022.
The selected consultant’s responsibilities will include evaluating AIFA’s operated routes over the past three years, identifying demand patterns and success factors. Additionally, they will analyze airlines that have operated at AIFA, traffic volume, and market behavior.
For instance, Copa Airlines temporarily paused its Panama operations, showcasing the importance of such analysis.
The consultant must also consider the economic activity in AIFA’s surrounding area, including tourism, commerce, and businesses. This information can be invaluable for airlines interested in expanding their presence in Santa Lucía.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is AIFA and why is it important? AIFA is a civilian airport located on a military base in Santa Lucía. Its significance lies in its potential to contribute to Mexico’s aviation sector and boost regional economic growth.
- What is the purpose of hiring a consultant? The consultant will develop a passenger route development plan to maximize AIFA’s revenue sources and enhance connectivity, ultimately helping the airport achieve its anticipated growth.
- What are AIFA’s current operations and route offerings? AIFA currently operates 40 domestic and 8 international routes, hosting airlines such as Aeroméxico, Viva, Volaris, Aerus, Mexicana de Aviación, and Magnicharters.
- Why is route development crucial for AIFA? An active and updated route development strategy significantly increases the likelihood of maintaining AIFA as the top choice for airlines considering network adjustments.
- What are the technical requirements for the route development plan? The consultant must evaluate AIFA’s past routes, identify demand patterns and success factors, analyze operating airlines, traffic volume, and market behavior.
- Why is considering the local economy important? Understanding the surrounding area’s economic activity, including tourism, commerce, and businesses, can provide valuable insights for airlines interested in expanding their presence at AIFA.
