Modernization of Cancún Airport’s Fuel Station Continues
Cancún, Quintana Roo. The Institutional Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) Program 2025-2030 plans to build a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending plant in Cancún to meet international carbon reduction standards for aviation.
High Passenger Concentration in Key Mexican Airports
According to the document, 63% of all air passengers in Mexico are concentrated in five major airports: Mexico City International Airport, Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana.
Updating Infrastructure for Cancún’s High Operations
Due to the high level of operations at Cancún’s terminal, it is necessary to update the modernization program for its fuel storage infrastructure.
Phased Implementation Plan
- Initiate a pilot project for blending and storage at Mexico City Airport, starting with the importation of SAF for blending and commercialization.
- Construct a blending plant at Cancún’s fuel station.
SAF Blending Plant Explained
A SAF blending plant is an installation where concentrated SAF, derived from renewable sources, is mixed with conventional jet fuel to produce the final fuel used in aircraft. This process is crucial because most current aircraft engines cannot operate on pure SAF, and regulations allow for a maximum of 50% SAF mixed with traditional fuel.
Mexico’s Role in Sustainable Aviation
By adopting SAF, Mexico will solidify its position as a regional leader in sustainable aviation, strengthen technological and energy sovereignty, and help fulfill commitments from the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (“Affordable and Clean Energy”) and 13 (“Climate Action”).
Continuing Modernization of Cancún Airport
The implementation of this blending plant in Cancún continues the modernization of Cancún Airport’s fuel station, which began in 2021 with improvements to the hydrogen network, risk mitigation systems, automation and control, and supply lines.
Aiming for Higher Global Competitiveness Ranking
Another parallel objective is for Mexico to improve its position in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking 2025. Currently, Mexico ranks 55th out of 69 global economies, placing it below Colombia (54th) among Latin American countries.
Specifically, Mexico’s competitiveness performance in infrastructure ranks 61st globally, below Brazil (58th) but above Peru (63rd).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of building a SAF blending plant in Cancún? The new plant will help Mexico meet international carbon reduction standards for aviation and position the country as a leader in sustainable aviation.
- Why is modernizing Cancún Airport’s fuel station important? The high volume of operations at Cancún’s terminal necessitates updated infrastructure to ensure efficient and sustainable aviation services.
- How does adopting SAF contribute to global competitiveness? By embracing sustainable aviation fuel, Mexico aims to enhance its global competitiveness ranking and strengthen its position in infrastructure development.
