Background on the Mexican Pilots’ Association (CPAM)
The Colegio de Pilotos Aviadores de México (CPAM) is a professional organization representing aviation pilots in Mexico. With a strong commitment to safety and efficiency, the CPAM plays a crucial role in ensuring that Mexican airlines adhere to high standards.
Route Change Controversy
In 2023, the CPAM raised concerns about the Mexican government’s decision to shift cargo flights from Benito Juárez International Airport (BJIA) in Mexico City to the newly opened Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA). The CPAM’s technical and professional warnings were reportedly dismissed by the Mexican aviation authority.
Impact on Major Mexican Airlines
Ángel Domínguez Catzín, president of the CPAM, expressed his concerns in a media statement. He highlighted that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) revocation of authorizations for routes operated by Mexican airlines between AIFA and BJIA, as well as the cancellation of the inaugural flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, has already caused immediate and concrete disruptions in air connectivity.
Domínguez Catzín emphasized that these actions directly affect the three major Mexican airlines, jeopardizing the stability of the nation’s aviation industry. The ripple effects extend beyond airlines, impacting pilots, crew members, exporters, importers, and thousands of professionals and families within the sector who face potential job losses and financial instability.
“Unprecedented Threat to Bilateral Aviation”
The CPAM described the imminent threat of suspending cargo operations as “unprecedented” in aviation history. They urged the Mexican government to immediately reconsider the decree that moved cargo operations from BJIA and explore effective solutions to restore equitable conditions for all operators before irreversible damage occurs.
Establishing a Technical Working Group
The CPAM also called for the immediate establishment of a technical working group that includes all relevant sector actors to regain the confidence of their commercial partners and prevent a collapse in Mexican air transport.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Colegio de Pilotos Aviadores de México (CPAM)? The CPAM is a professional organization representing aviation pilots in Mexico, committed to safety and high standards.
- What concerns did the CPAM raise regarding the route change? The CPAM warned about potential risks and implications of shifting cargo flights from Benito Juárez International Airport (BJIA) to Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA).
- How did the DOT’s actions affect Mexican airlines? The DOT revoked authorizations for routes operated by Mexican airlines between AIFA and BJIA, as well as canceling the inaugural flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, causing immediate disruptions in air connectivity.
- Who is impacted by these changes? The changes directly affect major Mexican airlines, pilots, crew members, exporters, importers, and thousands of professionals and families within the aviation sector.
- What did the CPAM urge the Mexican government to do? The CPAM called for immediate reconsideration of the decree moving cargo operations from BJIA and exploration of solutions to restore equitable conditions for all operators.
- What is the purpose of establishing a technical working group? The CPAM proposed creating a technical working group to regain the confidence of commercial partners and prevent a collapse in Mexican air transport.
