On August 25, a long-anticipated milestone will lift off, literally. Mexicana, the reimagined state-owned airline, is set to launch its first commercial flight using the Embraer E195 E2 aircraft. The route? A straight connection between Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Tulum. And while it may seem like just another addition to the nation’s flight map, the implications stretch far beyond the runway.
Training in Motion, Women at the Helm
Mexicana has been preparing for this moment since early July, running a series of intensive training flights. These aren’t ceremonial loops; they’re part of a rigorous program designed to certify flight crews under real-world conditions. Among those preparing for takeoff are four pilot teams, two of which include women aviators. In an industry long dominated by men, this quiet but firm inclusion signals a cultural shift. As General Leobardo Ávila Bojórquez, CEO of Mexicana, puts it, women are now taking an active role in flying next-generation aircraft for the nation.
Certified to Fly: Lifting Off Under Watchful Eyes
It’s not just about ambition, it’s about precision. Mexicana’s upcoming certification flights are being coordinated closely with Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). With 34 operations already outlined, the airline is fully committed to meeting not only national standards but also the stringent safety regulations recognized by international aviation authorities.
This approach reflects a long game. As new aircraft are added to the fleet, Mexicana will expand its coverage gradually. Currently operating 14 destinations, the airline plans to push further in 2026 and 2027 with the arrival of additional aircraft. The expansion is not speculative, it’s mapped out with surgical clarity. Cities like Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregón are already in their sights.
A Lift from the Army, Then a Return
Mexicana’s return to commercial skies wasn’t built from scratch. In its initial phase, the airline operated with aircraft on loan from the Mexican Army. But that chapter is coming to a close. As Ávila Bojórquez confirmed, those aircraft will return to the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) over the course of the year.
“While we’ll continue operating four new aircraft, the planes currently in service will be returned to SEDENA,” he said, noting that the military also requires these assets for national security missions. It’s a rare example of collaboration between military infrastructure and civilian mobility.
Passenger Growth by the Numbers
Mexicana’s progress isn’t just theoretical, it’s measurable. Since operations began, the airline has flown over 600,000 passengers. In just the first half of 2025, it carried more than 211,000 travelers, marking a 24% increase from the same period in 2024.
Market share remains modest at 0.59%, but this marks a tangible improvement over the previous year. And in a sector as competitive, and as tightly regulated, as air travel, even small gains matter.
The occupancy rate tells a similar story. For the first half of 2025, Mexicana reported a 53% load factor, up seven percentage points from 2024. More telling is the shift in efficiency: in early 2024, the airline averaged 48 passengers per flight. Now, that number stands at 79. That’s a 60% leap in operational effectiveness, achieved through route restructuring and smarter fleet management.
AIFA and Tulum: Twin Engines of National Connectivity
The success of Mexicana is tied closely to its two foundational hubs: AIFA and the new international airport in Tulum. General Isidoro Pastor Román, director of AIFA, recalled that the project took just over two years from groundbreaking in October 2019 to its opening in March 2022. It started modestly with just seven routes, today, it boasts 38 domestic and eight international destinations. Daily operations now exceed 150 passenger flights.
Cargo operations at AIFA have also exploded. Since February 2023, over 838,000 tons of goods have moved through the airport in foreign trade. As of mid-July, AIFA has already transported over 3.6 million passengers in 2025 and is projected to surpass 7.3 million before the year ends.
Meanwhile, the Tulum International Airport has its own success story. Built in just 18 months and inaugurated in December 2023, the airport quickly surpassed expectations. By July 2025, it had already handled over 747,000 passengers for the year, pushing its total to more than 2 million since opening. Its seasonal nature means even more growth is expected during the upcoming winter, with up to 15 international routes planned in addition to its current eight.
What the Future Holds for Mexicana
Looking ahead, Mexicana plans to integrate 20 new aircraft into its fleet, five this year, seven in 2026, and eight in 2027. This rollout supports a broader goal: transporting 3.4 million passengers annually and capturing 4.8% of the domestic market. With these figures, the airline isn’t just scaling up, it’s reshaping the very landscape of national air travel.
The economic ripple effects are equally significant. Mexicana is expected to generate 2,100 direct jobs and over 8,000 indirect ones. This isn’t just about flights; it’s about economic mobility, employment, and a more interconnected Mexico.
Why This Matters
Mexicana is not a nostalgic return to the past. It’s a calculated, modern attempt to build a state-run airline that actually works, one that connects cities, creates jobs, and serves the public interest without sacrificing professionalism or profitability.
And as new jets lift off from runways in Tulum and AIFA, they carry more than passengers. They carry a signal: that infrastructure, when planned and executed well, still has the power to move a country forward, quite literally.
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