by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:25 AM ET, Fri August 11, 2023
The Mexican government announced plans to operate a
military-run airline after purchasing the now-defunct carrier Mexicana de
Aviacion for $48 million.
According to Reuters.com,
Mexican Interior Minister Luisa Alcalde revealed that the new military-owned
airline would utilize the Mexicana brand name after the government reached an
agreement with its former employees.
The $48 million deal includes purchasing three buildings and
a flight simulator, with the Mexican government not being responsible for
paying more than 7,000 former employees who had yet to receive salaries or
benefits.
Mexicana was previously a national carrier, but financial
turbulence forced officials to file bankruptcy in 2010. Mexican President
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador repeatedly stated his desire to revive the airline.
Defense Minister Luis Cresencio Sandoval said the revamped
airline would lease 10 Boeing 737-800s to start, with the deliveries expected
in September and October. Tickets will go on sale next month, with Mexicana
serving 20 destinations out of the Felipe Angeles International Airport.
Earlier this month, airlines expanded service to the popular
Mexican state of Quintana Roo, with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air
Canada and WestJet announcing new
routes from North America to Cancun and Cozumel.
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