Background and Relevance
Mexicana de Aviación, the state-owned Mexican airline, has reported a 14.6% increase in passengers served, totaling 434,299 for the past year. Despite this growth, the airline fell short of its target of 451,000 clients. The airline’s market share in Mexico stood at 0.7% in 2025, up from 0.5% in 2024.
Who is Mexicana de Aviación?
Mexicana de Aviación is a significant player in Mexico’s aviation industry, operated by personnel from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena). The airline has been gradually recovering since its return two years ago, with a focus on efficiency and scalability.
Performance and Future Plans
The airline achieved its best results in recent history during the winter vacation period in December, serving 52,514 users and reaching an occupancy rate of 81%. However, it did not meet its target set in the Programa Institucional 2025-2030, aiming to serve nearly one million clients this year.
Mexicana de Aviación has been expanding its fleet with five new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, each capable of carrying 132 passengers. These additions have increased operational competitiveness, connecting 15 airports, including its base at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
- Current routes: Campeche, Chetumal, Ciudad Victoria, Guadalajara, Ixtepec, Mazatlán, Mérida, Monterrey, Palenque, Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana, Tulum, San José del Cabo, and Zihuatanejo.
- Planned additions: At least three new routes, potentially including the first international flight to the United States, are expected in the second half of the year.
In terms of cargo transport, Mexicana de Aviación carried 362.6 tonnes in 2025, a 21% increase from the previous year. The airline aims to leverage this growing business for potential economic benefits.
Marketing Strategies
To boost passenger numbers, Mexicana de Aviación has implemented various promotions:
- Base fares of 50 pesos (excluding taxes and fees) for flights to Ciudad Victoria, Guadalajara, Zihuatanejo, and Monterrey, with a purchase deadline of January 31.
- Continued “Martes de Primera” promotions to attract passengers.
- Plans to strengthen its presence by encouraging agreements with state governments and the federal Tourism Secretariat for promotional campaigns and inclusion in official destination packages.
- Development of commercial partnerships with businesses, chambers of commerce, and potential strategic allies to increase revenue, secure recurring demand, and expand the strategic customer network.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How many passengers did Mexicana de Aviación serve in 2025? A: The airline served 434,299 passengers in 2025.
- Q: What was Mexicana de Aviación’s market share in 2025? A: The airline’s market share was 0.7% in 2025.
- Q: Did Mexicana de Aviación meet its passenger target for 2025? A: No, the airline fell short of its target of 451,000 clients.
- Q: How many new routes does Mexicana de Aviación plan to add in 2026? A: The airline plans to add at least three new routes, potentially including its first international flight to the United States.
