Mexicana de Aviación Prepares for Liftoff with Assignment Title

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts because a new star is about to take off in the Mexican aviation industry, and it's got all the makings of an epic journey. On October 30, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) handed out the golden ticket - or in this case, the assignment title - to the latest entrant in the Mexican aviation scene, Mexicana de Aviación. But here's the kicker, it's not just another airline; it's a state-owned bird of the skies.

Now, this isn't just your run-of-the-mill news. This is more exciting than discovering extra legroom on a budget flight. The AFAC, which sounds a bit like an abbreviation for an aviation-themed rock band, granted this coveted title to “Aerolínea del Estado Mexicano S.A de C.V.” — quite a mouthful, right? This might not seem like a big deal, but hold on to your flight manuals because it's a historic moment.

The assignment title was awarded in accordance with the amendments to the Aviation Law and its Regulations, approved last May 3. So yes, it's fresh out of the legal oven, and it's piping hot. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) must be on cloud nine, and Mexicana de Aviación is on cloud… well, high, as they are about to take to the skies.

But what exactly does this title mean? It's like getting the keys to a brand-new aircraft but not being able to fly it just yet. The SICT can grant assignment titles for an indefinite period to parastatal entities of the Federal Public Administration to provide regular national air transportation services. In other words, they have the green light to play in the aviation playground.

Now, here's the catch, the assignment title is like a magic spell that only works as long as it's useful. According to the Civil Aviation Law, it will stay valid indefinitely until there's no longer a cause of public utility, public interest, general interest, social interest to safeguard, or national security concerns. It's like having a “get out of aviation jail” card, but it's not transferable, and you can't use it to buy duty-free chocolate bars.

Pablo Casas, the director of the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Jurdico-Aeronáuticas (Inija), explained that this magical title should be recorded in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF). Like the aviation version of the town crier shouting news from the rooftops. However, insiders revealed that this announcement won't be making headlines because it's all hush-hush due to being a state-owned airline. Mexicana de Aviación is the airline equivalent of a secret agent, ready to take to the skies in stealth mode.

But before they can perform acrobatics in the air, there's one more hoop to jump through: the Air Services Operator Certificate (AOC), also granted by the AFAC. This certificate demands a rigorous inspection of the airline, including its organizational structure, aircraft types, maintenance workshops, routes, fares, and even where they'll be selling tickets. A rigorous checklist that airlines have to follow before they can take off.

Now, don't get too excited just yet. While the assignment title is in hand, Mexicana de Aviación still has a marathon to run. Casas pointed out that obtaining the AOC Certificate is no easy feat and can take at least a year. With the government announcing operations in December, they might have to spread their wings a little wider and soar a little later than initially planned.

Juan Antonio José, another airline specialist, emphasized that this assignment title is just the first step in a legal process. They can't simply put on their pilot hats and fly off into the sunset. The title might not be the “go” button, but it's certainly an essential “get ready” sign for this new chapter in Mexican aviation.

As the new Mexicana de Aviación unfolds its wings, the journey ahead is filled with excitement and challenges. The sky's the limit, and it's only a matter of time before this state-owned airline takes flight. So keep your tray tables in an upright position and your eyes on the horizon because the Mexican aviation industry is about to witness a groundbreaking transformation. Buckle up – it's going to be a thrilling ride.