Background on the Mexican Pilots’ Association (CPAM)
The Colegio de Pilotos Aviadores de México (CPAM) is the professional association 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.
The Controversial Decision
In 2023, the Mexican government decided to shift cargo flights from Benito Juárez International Airport (BJIA) in Mexico City to the newly opened Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA). This decision was met with concerns from the CPAM, which highlighted potential risks and implications associated with this change.
CPAM’s Initial Warnings
According to Ángel Domínguez Catzín, president of CPAM, their technical and professional warnings were minimized by the Mexican aviation authority. The CPAM expressed their apprehension regarding the consequences of this decision on air connectivity and the stability of Mexico’s aviation industry.
Impact on Major Mexican Airlines
The Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States revoked authorizations for routes operated by Mexican airlines between AIFA and AICM to Newark, NJ, as well as canceling the inaugural flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico. These actions have resulted in immediate and concrete impacts on air connectivity.
- Three major Mexican airlines are directly affected by these changes.
- The aviation industry’s stability is at risk, affecting not only airlines but also pilots, crew members, exporters, importers, and thousands of professionals and families within the sector.
- The threat of suspending cargo operations is unprecedented in aviation history, posing a significant risk to Mexican airlines and their partners.
CPAM’s Call for Action
The CPAM urges the Mexican government to immediately reconsider the decree that moved cargo operations from AICM to AIFA. They emphasize the need for effective solutions that restore equitable conditions for all operators before irreversible damage occurs.
Additionally, the CPAM proposes establishing a technical working group that includes all sector stakeholders to regain the confidence of 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 the professional association representing aviation pilots in Mexico, committed to safety and high standards.
- What decision did the Mexican government make regarding cargo flights? The government decided to shift cargo flights from Benito Juárez International Airport (BJIA) in Mexico City to the Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA).
- What concerns did the CPAM raise about this decision? The CPAM highlighted potential risks and implications on air connectivity and the stability of Mexico’s aviation industry.
- How have the DOT’s actions impacted Mexican airlines? The DOT’s decision to revoke authorizations and cancel routes has resulted in immediate impacts on air connectivity, affecting major Mexican airlines and their partners.
- What is the CPAM’s call to action for the Mexican government? The CPAM urges the government to reconsider the decree, find effective solutions for equitable conditions, and establish a technical working group to regain confidence in Mexican air transport.
