The airline industry warned that any increase in costs associated with air navigation services must be coordinated with the sector , especially in a context marked by the audit of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by the investment needs facing the Mexican aeronautical system.
Peter Cerdá, executive director and CEO of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , stated that the 10% increase in airspace usage fees that the Mexican government will implement starting next year is worrying.
“It is worrying because it has been done in a way that the government announced it was reducing resources for Seneam (Air Navigation Services in Mexican Airspace) and AFAC ( Federal Civil Aviation Agency) , especially at a time when the FAA audit is being carried out,” he stressed.
Therefore, he considered that any modification to the collection schemes should be carried out under a transparent process and agreed upon with the various actors in the industry .
“Increasing costs should be the result of coordination with the sector,” he reiterated at a press conference prior to the start of the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum , which is being held in Mexico City.
He emphasized that there is ongoing communication with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , as well as ongoing discussions with the federal government to define the path that will guarantee the financial sustainability of air navigation services.
“We have good communication with the Secretariat, but we are in talks with the government about how air traffic services will be financed, which are not only critical from an operational point of view, but also for air safety,” he commented.
On October 13, the Chamber of Deputies approved, in general terms , with 329 votes in favor, 117 against and zero abstentions, the ruling that reforms, adds and repeals various provisions of the Federal Law of Rights, in which article 289 is modified regarding the fees for the use, enjoyment or exploitation of Mexican airspace, through local, national or international aeronautical activities.
The above was proposed in the 2027 Economic Package , where the federal government justified the increase by pointing out that in recent years there has been an increase in the volume of cargo, passenger and general aviation operations, in addition to the need for a reconfiguration of the airport system, routes, procedures and service coverage, and an increase in personnel.
“The revenue generated will allow for greater investment in the sector, resulting in tangible benefits for all national and international operators using Mexican airspace, such as reduced delays through the use of modern air traffic management systems, optimization of more direct and efficient routes, and greater operational safety,” he explained.
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