Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said his government is considering the possibility of creating a publicly run airline to serve destinations that currently do not have good air connectivity.
As part of his daily morning press conference, the president said on Tuesday that the Ministry of National Defence (SEDENA) could be in charge of running an airline that would initially have ten aircraft, including the support of the presidential airplane, to offer regular commercial services.
The presidential aircraft is the same Boeing 787-8 acquired during Felipe Calderón’s administration, with registration number XC-MEX, which aroused controversy from the moment of its acquisition. Before taking office, the current president spoke out against its purchase because, in his opinion, it had represented a bad deal for Mexico. After becoming the country’s leader, he put the plane up for sale, but never found a buyer.
“The economic viability analysis is being carried out”, said López Obrador. According to the president, his administration is currently analysing possible types of aircraft for the new airline’s fleet. However, he clarified that no decision has been made yet, but that “it is very likely that this new airline will be in place by next year”.
In addition, he said the move would represent the return to Mexico of “a symbol and an emblem”. He also remarked that the investigation into the possible future nature of the airline should be expanded. In that sense, he commented that “Mexicana” or another name that “has to do with Mexico” would be the best option, although they should analyse the legal viability of that corporate name.
The memory of Mexicana de Aviación
The name Mexicana attracted particular attention because of its coincidence with Mexicana de Aviación, a national airline founded in 1921 that ceased operations permanently in 2010. During its last decades of activity, the company remained a majority state-owned enterprise.
On Wednesday, López Obrador reiterated that “it would be very good for the name Mexicana de Aviación to be used in this company that will possibly be formed”. On the other hand, he pledged to consult with the former workers of the defunct company and talk to them about the situation of the lawsuits for unjustified dismissals.
However, he clarified that the Mexican government would not be able to support a full rescue of the company. “We are going to rescue the Mexican people” he said, true to his style, and added: “We have to look to invest where there are benefits for the nation”.
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