SAN DIEGO (Border File) — Of the 5 million passengers who flew all over Mexico in 2024, Mexicana Airways transported 23,300 of them, lower than part a share level of the marketplace proportion, in line with Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Company.
Mexicana additionally closed out the 12 months by way of getting rid of 8 of its routes, about part of its flights.
It was once created by way of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and started flying in December 2023.
The unique Mexicana seized operations in 2010, however Lopez Obrador reincarnated the airline as a more cost effective choice for vacationers in Mexico.
He gave regulate of its operations to the Mexican Military.
El Financiero, Mexico’s most precious monetary newsletter, is reporting the airline sustained $50 million in losses for 2024.
Participants of the PRI and PAN political events are calling Mexicana a “colossal failure.”
“They simply canceled 8 routes in lower than a 12 months, Morena (ruling celebration) promised a high-class airline, however the one factor it has delivered is a white elephant that may finally end up costing us 19 billion pesos ($950 million),” mentioned Héctor Saúl Téllez, financial coordinator for PAN’s representatives in Mexico Town.
All the way through a information convention previous this week, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum denied the airline is in bother, promising a shiny long run for Mexicana.
“It is in it for the lengthy haul,” mentioned Sheinbaum. “It is being evaluated to peer what new routes can also be added. It is seeking to achieve extra airplane that will probably be delivered this 12 months.”
She additionally mentioned Mexico’s Nationwide Protection Secretary is drafting a brand new operation plan for the suffering airline.
Fernando Gómez Suárez, an airline trade govt, mentioned it is too early to name Mexicana a failure, however added that cancelling 8 routes in its first 12 months isn’t a excellent symbol.
“They began with out a marketplace technique, monetary plan and with out provisions to protected airplanes,” he mentioned. “They learned in an instant that it is exhausting to fly with out airplane, it is not that simple to move out and get them. When your plan comprises routes that require 10 planes, however you simplest have 5, it is exhausting to be environment friendly.”
Gómez Suárez mentioned Mexicana has but to practice thru on its promise to fly routes which are being neglected by way of different carriers.