Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Reform allowing state-owned airline passes in Chamber of Deputies

The Chamber of Deputies approved a reform of the Civil Aviation and Airport laws on Friday, paving the way for a new state-owned airline operated by the Defense Ministry.

The new legislation states that the Infrastructure, Communications and Transport Ministry (SICT) can authorize public agencies – such as the Olmeca-Maya-Mexica company operated by the military – to operate and manage airlines.

Planes on the tarmac
A combination of economic crises and regulatory obstacles has caused the closure of 21 Mexican airlines in the last two decades. There are only three national commercial airlines currently operating in the country: AeroMéxico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris. (mathes/Depositphotos)

The vote was tightly contested, but ultimately passed with 256 in favor and 219 against. Voting largely reflected congressional support of the government, with Morena and parties supportive of AMLO’s policies voting in favor.

President López Obrador had confirmed plans to create a state-owned commercial airline operated by the armed forces in October 2022, after media outlets reported on information contained in leaked Defense Ministry documents.

The federal government bought the defunct Mexicana de Aviación airline brand (commonly known as Mexicana) in January, with the intention of using the name for the new army-run airline.

Mexicana was founded in 1921, which made it one of the world’s oldest commercial airlines when it ceased operations in 2010. 

Mexicana plane
The airline Mexicana, inaugurated in 1921, ceased operations in 2010 and declared bankruptcy in 2014. In January, the federal government purchased the rights to the brand. (Wikimedia)

In February, the Chamber of Deputies passed legislation that gives the military control over Mexican airspace, with the stated aim to increase security and to deter drug traffickers. The law permits the creation of a new monitoring center to detect activity often associated with traffickers, including turning off transponder codes, unexplained route changes and failure to communicate with air traffic control services. 

Critics of the reform said that the bill is another move towards militarization. This administration has relied on the military and advocated increasing the scope of its responsibilities, including the control of the National Guard (GN) – a move deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court last week.

The government has been exploring ways to further promote competition in the aviation industry, including a controversial cabotage law that would have allowed foreign airlines to operate domestic routes within Mexico. However, in a second package of legislation addressing the downgrading of the country’s U.S. FAA safety rating category – also passed in the Chamber of Deputies on Friday – the ban on cabotage was upheld. 

The Federal Competition Commission has said that the launch of a state-owned airline would be anti-competitive by allowing the government to operate both airlines and airports. President López Obrador has said that the state-owned airline will allow tickets to be offered at a lower price point, increasing access for low-income Mexicans.

The reform bill will now move to the Senate for debate.

With reports from Debate and El Universal

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
At the G7, Sheinbaum appeared between French President Macron and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in an official leaders' photo.

Mexico-Canada relations take center stage during Sheinbaum’s G7 visit

0
Both President Sheinbaum and Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized their support for the USMCA and said they were interested in the idea of holding a trilateral meeting that included Trump.
Trial marriage? Jalisco lawmakers say short-term marriage contracts are a practical solution to today's high divorce rates.

Jalisco considers temporary marriage contracts to reduce divorce court burden

0
The initiative would allow couples to enter marriage contracts lasting two to five years. At the end of the term, couples could renew the contract or let it dissolve automatically.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum raising her arm while standing at a podium with the sigil of the Mexican government. She is looking out to an audience off camera. She is delivering Baja California Sur news.

From hospitals to water plants, big infrastructure projects promised in Baja California Sur

0
President Sheinbaum's recent Los Cabos visit brought news to residents of new and stalled infrastructure projects she promised to expedite. Meanwhile, the Fonatur roundabout project got a cash infusion.