Modernization of Cancún Airport’s Fuel Station Continues with New SAF Mixing Plant
Cancún, Quintana Roo. The Institutional Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) 2025-2030 Program outlines the construction of a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mixing plant in Cancún to meet international carbon reduction standards for aviation.
According to the document, 63% of Mexico’s air passengers are concentrated in five major airports: Mexico City International Airport, Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana. Given Cancún’s high level of operations, updating its fuel infrastructure modernization program is essential.
Phased Approach to Modernization
The plan begins with launching a pilot project for mixing and storing SAF in Mexico City’s fuel station, starting with the importation of SAF for mixing and commercialization. Subsequently, a mixing plant will be built in Cancún’s fuel station.
A SAF mixing plant is an installation where concentrated SAF, derived from renewable sources, is blended with conventional jet fuel to produce the final fuel used in aircraft. This process is vital as most current aircraft engines cannot run on pure SAF; regulations allow blending up to 50% SAF with traditional fuel.
Mexico’s Role in Sustainable Aviation
By adopting SAF, Mexico will solidify its regional leadership in sustainable aviation, strengthen technological and energy sovereignty, and enable compliance with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 commitments. Specifically, it will support ODS 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and ODS 13 (Climate Action).
Moreover, the new mixing plant in Cancún continues the modernization of Cancún Airport’s fuel station, initiated in 2021 with improvements to the hydrant network, risk mitigation systems, automation and control, and supply lines.
Aiming for Global Competitiveness
Another parallel objective is to improve Mexico’s position in the World Competitiveness Center’s (IMD) 2025 Global Competitiveness Ranking, placing the country at 55 out of 69 global economies. In comparison to Latin American countries, Mexico ranks below Colombia (54) but above Peru (63).
Specifically, Mexico’s competitiveness in infrastructure ranks 61st globally, trailing Brazil (58) but ahead of Peru (63).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of building a new SAF mixing plant in Cancún? The new plant will help Mexico meet international carbon reduction standards for aviation and support its commitments to the UN’s Agenda 2030, particularly ODS 7 and ODS 13.
- Why is modernizing Cancún’s fuel infrastructure important? Given the high volume of air passengers and operations at Cancún Airport, updating its fuel infrastructure is essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance with global standards.
- What is the phased approach to modernization? The plan begins with a pilot project for mixing and storing SAF in Mexico City’s fuel station, followed by building a mixing plant in Cancún.
- How will adopting SAF impact Mexico’s global competitiveness? By demonstrating leadership in sustainable aviation, Mexico aims to improve its position in the IMD’s 2025 Global Competitiveness Ranking, particularly in infrastructure competitiveness.
