In a move towards enhancing Mexico’s aviation infrastructure, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Tuesday (16th) the purchase of 20 aircraft from the renowned Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. This acquisition is intended to expand and modernize the fleet of Mexicana de Aviación, the nation’s state-owned airline.
Currently, Mexicana de Aviación serves 92 countries, playing a pivotal role in promoting Mexican tourism globally. The airline anticipates an improvement in key performance metrics, including occupancy rates, which presently stand at 60%, and customer satisfaction, which is already high at 93%. With the new fleet, these numbers are expected to rise, reflecting the government’s commitment to quality service.
Improving Efficiency
The expansion is not just about numbers; it’s also a step towards operational and sustainable gains. The newer models are anticipated to reduce fuel consumption and logistical costs, while also improving efficiency on domestic routes. This strategic investment aligns with global trends of making aviation more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Mexicana de Aviación currently operates flights to 14 destinations. The integration of the Embraer aircraft into the fleet will enable the airline to reestablish strategic routes and diversify internal connections. This move is set to strengthen the role of air transport in the country’s economic development and territorial integration.
This initiative is part of a broader strategic plan aimed at expanding Mexico’s air network. The objectives are clear: achieve greater efficiency, promote sustainability, and foster better territorial integration by the end of the plan.
Already delivering
Leobardo Ávila Bojórquez, the general director of Mexicana de Aviación, shared that Embraer delivered the first unit of the 190/195 E2 model at the beginning of July, with a seating capacity ranging from 108 to 132 passengers. The timeline for the incorporation of these aircraft is ambitious: five more planes are set to join the fleet by the end of 2025, followed by seven in 2026, and eight in 2027. By 2028, the airline expects to have a total of 20 new Embraer jets, which will allow Mexicana de Aviación to transport up to 3.8 million passengers annually, capturing 4.8% of the market share.
During a presentation at the event “La Mañanera del Pueblo,” Ávila Bojórquez highlighted the airline’s growth, mentioning that in the first half of 2025 alone, the state airline transported 211,000 passengers, marking a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in passenger numbers underlines the positive trajectory of the airline and the potential success of the modernization plan.
The purchase of Embraer jets not only signals a vote of confidence in Brazil’s aviation technology but also marks a new chapter for Mexicana de Aviación. With a focus on both growth and sustainability, Mexico is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the aviation industry. Passengers can look forward to more options, improved service, and a reduced carbon footprint as the airline takes flight into a new era.
