The Senate is moving forward with a reform to Article 292 of the Federal Fees Law, which removes the exemption for training flights conducted by aviation schools from payment to the Navigation Services in Mexican Airspace (SENEAM). Proponents justify this measure by arguing that aviation schools are profit-driven entities. However, critics warn it will significantly increase training costs for students, with flight-hour prices expected to rise.

This could negatively impact both students and aviation schools. Given the context of a global pilot shortage, many argue that this reform is misguided and should be reconsidered. Aviation schools, unlike commercial airlines, should receive fiscal incentives to support the training of future pilots.

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Grateful for Safe Skies and Strong Partnerships. Happy Thanksgiving from Sierra LATAM.

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The president of the National Chamber of Aerotransports (Canaero), Diana Olivares, has called for an increase in the federal budget allocation for the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). Olivares highlighted the importance of improving air infrastructure in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The AFAC has experienced a 9% budget cut, which has impacted its ability to carry out important tasks such as achieving Category 1 status.

Olivares emphasized the need for more budget allocation to enhance the independence of the AFAC and to support the aviation industry, which serves as a crucial connection for investments. While maintenance work has been carried out in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the AICM, Olivares noted that there are still areas that require improvement to meet the demands of a growing industry, especially with the upcoming World Cup. Canaero is collaborating with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport to provide information for improving commercial aviation practices.
 
Source: https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/cartera/mundial-2026-canaero-pide-mas-presupuesto-para-sector-aereo-senala-recorte-presupuestal-del-9-a-la-afac/

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Mexico is not panicking about a potential second Trump presidency, seeing it as an opportunity to negotiate with the deal-making president. While acknowledging risks like tariffs, mass deportations, and possible military action against drug cartels, Mexico believes it is better prepared than during Trump’s first term. The government has been planning for trade, security, and migration issues, and President Claudia Sheinbaum aims to engage with Trump’s team before his inauguration.

Officials believe Mexico has leverage, such as its strong economic ties with the U.S. and its ability to manage migration. The country is also in a favorable position to negotiate avoiding tariffs and to handle increased deportations, drawing on past experience. Additionally, the relocation of companies from China to Mexico could benefit the economy.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/es/2024/11/21/espanol/america-latina/mexico-trump-tarifas-migracion.html

The Mexican government is planning to cut 9% of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC)’s budget in the 2025 Federal Expenditure Budget Bill. This contradicts the AFAC’s own activity report, which highlighted the lack of resources to carry out inspections and surveillance. The projected budget of 634 million pesos represents a decrease of over 59 million pesos. However, the airline industry has stated that at least 2 billion pesos are needed for aeronautical verification and surveillance, while the AFAC estimates that 4 billion pesos are required to meet international standards.
 
 Furthermore, the AFAC faces a deficit of 4,000 workers, making it difficult to carry out verification programs. Despite receiving additional resources to address deficiencies in air safety, the budget remains insufficient, resulting in a high number of cancelled safety checks. The lack of personnel, budget shortfalls, and other issues contribute to the FAA’s findings of noncompliance with air safety standards.

SOURCE: https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/empresas/2024/11/18/gobierno-cortara-9-de-presupuesto-de-la-autoridad-aeronautica-mexicana-en-el-paquete-economico-2025/

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The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) in Mexico is facing significant challenges that threaten aviation safety. Documents reveal that the agency has not been able to carry out its annual verification program due to lack of funding and personnel. These deficiencies have contributed to the recent downgrade of Mexico’s air safety rating to category 2 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The government’s management report highlights the agency’s inability to conduct technical-administrative verifications, citing limitations in human resources.

This is concerning because these verifications are crucial in ensuring the safety of air operations and passengers. Additionally, in the past two years, the agency has scheduled 106 safety checks but only managed to carry out 24. Lack of personnel and budgetary constraints are major factors contributing to the nonconformities identified by the FAA. The current director of the agency, General Enrique Vallín, has emphasized the need for 4 billion pesos and the hiring of 4,000 employees to meet international standards and fulfill the agency’s functions.

SOURCE: https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/empresas/2024/11/13/aviacion-de-mexico-en-riesgo-persisten-fallas-que-ocasionaron-degradacion-a-categoria-2/

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