Mexican Army-Run Airline Makes First Flight to Resort Town

The military's role in the revival of state-run Mexicana airlines is to ‘rescue’ it from corruption, according to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 12:26 PM ET

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A Mexicana Boeing 737-800 makes the inaugural flight of the military-run state airline on Tuesday. [Courtesy: Mexicana]

Key Takeaways:

Mexico's military has revived the state-operated Mexicana airlines, launching its inaugural flight from Mexico City to a new international airport in Tulum.
The government spent $48 million to buy the Mexicana brand, which had previously folded, with tickets priced about a third cheaper than commercial offerings.
President López Obrador stated the military's role is to protect the airline from corruption and reverse past privatization, as the defense ministry expands control over airports.
Mexicana will initially serve 14 destinations across the country, utilizing five aircraft with plans for expansion next year.

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Mexico’s military has revived the country’s former state-operated Mexicana airlines, launching service from Mexico City to a new international airport in the Caribbean.

A Mexicana de Aviación Boeing 737-800—operating as MXA 1788—made the inaugural flight Tuesday morning, departing Felipe Ángeles International Airport (MMSM) near Mexico City and landing at Tulum International Airport (MMTU) around 1:30 p.m. local time.