Mexicana's Comeback and Mexico's Sky-High Ambitions

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) started today's morning conference from the National Palace with major announcements regarding the future of air travel in Mexico. The Mexican government has acquired the Mexicana de Aviación brand, concluding successful negotiations with over 7,000 airline workers.

This purchase, described as an “act of social justice” by representatives of Mexicana de Aviación, will pave the way for the revival of the state-owned airline. This move comes after the airline's employees' 13-year battle for due compensations, with the brand's assets appraised at 815 million pesos. Payments to the workers are set to commence shortly.

Blueprint for the New State Airline

Luis Cresencio Sandoval, head of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), unveiled plans for the state airline. This airline aims to make air travel more accessible to Mexicans and visitors alike, becoming a beacon of growth and development. Strategically headquartered in the Exhacienda de Santa Lucia, the airline will initially operate 10 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, adorned with Mexicana de Aviación's emblem and the Mexican flag colors.

A unique single class system is set to bring flight costs down by up to 20%, with a diverse offering of 20 destinations. Ticket sales are anticipated to start next September, marking a significant expansion in national and international connectivity options, along with the creation of new job opportunities.

While the airline's profitability timeline remains contingent on its activity levels, an initial investment of 4 billion pesos has been committed. Luis Cresencio Sandoval also indicated that ticket sales would commence in September, pending the readiness of the first three aircraft.

Archaeological Efforts on Mayan Train Route

The President detailed that both the Mayan Train and the new state airline would be overseen by the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), praising their budget management capabilities. Additionally, AMLO emphasized the importance of public ownership of national assets and highlighted the substantial savings made in the AIFA airport construction.

Diego Prieto, head of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), provided an update on the archaeological recovery efforts along the Mayan Train route. With the entire route now approved, significant historical assets, including real estate, movable goods, and vessels, have been salvaged.

International Notes

On the international front, President AMLO expressed condolences over the murder of Ecuadorian presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio. The President called for patience and prudence concerning speculations of Mexican cartel involvement.

Media Relations

Touching upon media relations, AMLO provided critical comments on El Financiero newspaper and journalist Ciro Gómez Leyva, referencing their historical polling inaccuracies.

Judicial Issues

AMLO disclosed his communication with Judge Martin Santos, expressing disapproval for the injunction granted to Xóchitl Gálvez, further drawing attention to rulings against the current administration's policies.

Palenque International Airport:
Lastly, developments at the Palenque International Airport in Chiapas were highlighted. The President noted its capability to host the new state airline and stressed the strategic importance of such infrastructure in bolstering tourism in Mexico's southeast region.

Today's conference underscored the government's commitment to rejuvenate Mexico's aviation sector, preserve its rich heritage, and drive infrastructural growth.