Bienvenido a nuevo Mexicana!
On 16 December 2023, Scramble reported that the Mexican Air Force was set to transfer its two Boeing B737-800s to start-up Mexicana. Now, we can show you a picture from Twitter, featuring B737-800 XA-ASM (44437) in the new livery of the reborn airline.
The new Mexicana is a pet-project of the Mexican president, who has been urging the launch of a new national airline since he was elected in 2018. The president is of the assumption that a national airline will be good for competition, increase connectivity and lower prices for the Mexican people.
The original Mexicana was founded in 1921 and was one of the world's oldest airlines when it went bankrupt in 2010. Last August, the government officially acquired the Mexicana-brand for its new national airline.
Mexicana will be completely owned, managed and operated by the Mexican Air Force, hence the transfer of its two B737-800s. According to CH-Aviation, the plan is also to transfer B737-300 3529 (24095) to the airline. Next to this, the airline is planning to (wet)-lease two Embraer ERJ145s from TAR Aerolineas to boost its capacity when it launches. Later, in early 2024, the plan is to lease four B737-800s. If this means the current B737s return to the Mexican Air Force is yet unknown.
The airline has now officially applied for its civil Air Operator's Certificate and aims to launch early next year. It will have its base at Mexico City-Felipe Ángeles International and will start with domestic flights only. On its website, Mexicana lists 20 destinations.
Credit photo: Fernando Guillen Raudales