Mexico could become a strategic hub for cargo aircraft maintenance by 2030, as plans exist to have more facilities that carry out this type of work, said General Miguel Enrique Vallín, head of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) .
Vallín assured that this will give industry participants greater certainty regarding the maintenance of their equipment.
“If we look at the platform we have, that hub at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) where all the air cargo is concentrated, which is the largest we have in Mexico and Latin America, the construction of other MROs is planned there, which are the largest maintenance bases, there is participation from the private sector and from the Ministry of National Defense (Defense) ,” he explained.
In an interview following his participation in the 60th anniversary celebrations of Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) , he mentioned that they have already received applications for the construction of this type of facility at AIFA.
He noted that in 2021, freight transportation in Mexico surpassed the volume recorded in 2019, achieving annual growth of nearly 4% , making 2024 “the best year for this important sector in the country.”
Regarding the possibility of further increasing operations at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) , Vallín indicated that this will depend on the terminal’s infrastructure.
“If airport infrastructure isn’t improved, how can passenger service be guaranteed? Passenger safety, convenience, and comfort; all airlines and airports take into account the user experience on the flight and at the airport,” he emphasized.
He asserted that the limitation on operations at the AICM is due to the fact that airlines are using larger aircraft and spending more time on the runway and taxiways, despite the fact that the infrastructure is inadequate.
It’s worth remembering that in early May, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) authorized the AICM to increase its number of operations per hour from 43 to 44. This decision was made following an analysis conducted by the Mexican Air Navigation Services (Seneam) and the airport itself.
“A maximum of 44 landing and takeoff operations can be handled per hour at the AICM, in accordance with the airspace limitations determined by Seneam. This measure will be temporary and will remain in place as long as the indicated conditions prevail,” he stated.
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