Background on Mexicana de Aviación and its Current Status
Mexicana de Aviación, once a prominent Mexican airline, has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. The airline’s struggles led to its suspension of operations in 2010 and subsequent liquidation proceedings. Despite these setbacks, efforts have been ongoing to revive the airline under the auspices of the Mexican government.
Sedena’s Financial Contribution
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) has recently allocated an additional 4,797.7 million pesos to its budget during the second quarter of this year. These funds are earmarked for the program “Adquisición de activos” (Acquisition of Assets) aimed at enhancing Mexicana de Aviación’s air operations.
Purpose of the Funds
The primary objective of this financial injection is to acquire 20 Embraer aircraft, which will bolster Mexicana’s fleet and enable it to resume commercial flights. Initially, the airline lacked resources allocated by the Secretariat of Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP), prompting Sedena’s intervention.
Severance of TAR’s Involvement
Previously, the regional airline TAR had been operating one of Mexicana’s aircraft and managing four routes. However, as of May, TAR is no longer associated with Mexicana’s operations. The 14 current destinations are now being served by the three Boeing aircraft from the Mexican Air Force, which will be gradually returned to their original owners.
Financial Execution and Payments
As per the financial reports, Sedena has not expended any of the newly allocated funds by the end of June this year. Nevertheless, payments have been made to Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer. In the previous year, Sedena exercised 1,605 million pesos as an advance on the total investment estimated for acquiring the aircraft and ground support equipment, amounting to 21,759.2 million pesos.
Impact on Mexicana’s Revival
These financial commitments have facilitated the arrival of the first new Embraer aircraft in Mexico, which is currently undergoing certification processes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of Sedena’s additional funds? The funds are intended to acquire 20 Embraer aircraft, thereby strengthening Mexicana de Aviación’s fleet and enabling it to resume operations.
- Why did Sedena intervene in Mexicana’s situation? Initially, Mexicana lacked resources from the Secretariat of Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP), prompting Sedena’s financial support.
- What is the current status of TAR’s involvement with Mexicana? TAR is no longer operating any of Mexicana’s aircraft or managing its routes. The 14 destinations are currently being served by the Mexican Air Force’s Boeing aircraft, which will be returned gradually.
- How have Sedena’s funds been utilized so far? Although Sedena has not spent any of the newly allocated funds by June, payments have been made to Embraer for the acquisition of aircraft and ground support equipment.
- What is the significance of the first new Embraer aircraft arriving in Mexico? The arrival of this aircraft, currently undergoing certification, signifies progress in Mexicana’s revival efforts.
