Mexican government acquires Mexicana de Aviación for US$48 million: settling a 13-year armed forces dispute

The Mexican government has acquired Mexicana de Aviación, a national airline, for US$48 million.

This acquisition aims to compensate 7,407 employees and end a 13-year conflict, enabling the airline to resume operations under the supervision of the Armed Forces.

Ticket sales for 20 national destinations are set to begin in September, with prices touted to be about 20% less than the current market rates.

The deal also comprises three properties and a flight simulator.

The agreed sum will be distributed among the over 7,400 former employees impacted by the airline’s bankruptcy declared in August 2010.

Defense chief, General Luis Cresencio Sandoval, mentioned that the Armed Forces would operate the airline, which will retain the name Mexicana de Aviación.

The airline’s first flight under this new management is scheduled for December.

The new airline will be headquartered at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), a primary military air base, and the new Tulum terminal.

Starting with a fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the Armed Forces will lease these planes.

Three planes are expected by the end of September and the remaining seven by the end of October. The airline will initially provide 209 direct jobs, employing a total of 745 individuals.

Initial routes include destinations like Cancún, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Each Boeing 737-800 can carry 180 passengers.

The Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, verified the acquisition and expressed concerns about past mismanagement.

General Sandoval noted an initial investment of around US$235 million for operating the new airline, covering costs like plane rentals and fuel.

The profitability of this new military-run company will be based on flight activities.

Negotiations also involved trade unions and federal departments like Labor, Communications, and Transportation.

Compensation payments are scheduled to begin on August 15, paving the way for a cost-effective airline.

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