Grupo Aeromexico is expanding its domestic operations at Mexico City International Airport, the airline said in a statement. From December 11, the airline will move some departures from Terminal 2 (where it has been since 2008) to Terminal 1, complementing its existing network. Let’s investigate further.
Transition to T1
Mexico City International Airport has two terminals. The second was inaugurated in November 2007. Soon after, Aeromexico moved its operations there, and since then it has largely become Aeromexico’s terminal. Its partner Delta also operates from T2.
In the meantime, almost everyone has remained at Terminal 1, including Mexican low-cost carriers Volaris and Viva Aerobus (as well as some Aeromexico partners like LATAM).
Nonetheless, as part of Aeromexico’s strategy, starting December 11, the airline will expand its operations to Terminal 1. The carrier will initially operate 20 daily departures from Terminal 1. It will also continue to operate from Terminal 2.
Aeromexico will move operations from nine domestic routes to Terminal 1. These routes go to Campeche, Durango, Los Mochis, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Tampico, Zacatecas and Zihuatanejo.
In December, Aeromexico will offer 135 flights to these nine destinations from Mexico City, down 9.4% from its pre-pandemic capacity. All flights are operated under the Aeromexico Connect regional branch and its Embraer E190 fleet.
Strengthening of its position at Mexico City International Airport
Aeromexico aims to improve and strengthen its position at Mexico City International Airport. Despite launching a few international flights from other hubs like Monterrey and Guadalajara, Aeromexico still sees Mexico City as its central hub.
In its disclosure statement (part of its Chapter 11 plan), the airline said,
“Today, Aeromexico holds the number one spot at Mexico City International Airport, “AICM”, offering more daily flights from AICM than any other airline. AICM is the company’s central hub, the airport the busiest in Mexico and the main airport for international flights to and from Mexico.
The carrier seeks to strengthen and leverage its strategic position in Mexico City by improving network and schedule positions at the AICM. In doing so, Aeromexico should position itself to “benefit from a rebound in international demand and business.” The airline will be able to offer more flights at the most popular times of the day and generate more revenue bonuses.
According to Aeromexico, its increased presence at the AICM will align with the banking structures of other flagship carriers in their respective major hubs.
Get your boarding pass the flight of the year. the Future Flight Forum takes off soon!
What about Santa Lucia airport?
This week, Volaris and Viva Aerobus announced their intention to take off from the new Mexico City airport in the Santa Lucía military base. Volaris will operate two routes to Cancun and Tijuana. Viva Aerobus has yet to announce where it will fly.
Unlike its low-cost competitors, Aeromexico has shown no interest in Santa Lucía (or Felipe Angeles International Airport, AIFA). The airline has little point-to-point connectivity and, as noted, sees AICM as its central hub.
In 2019, Aeromexico’s CEO said,
“We have a hub model. We have to operate in one airport. It makes no sense for us to operate from two airports so close together. He added that flying from two different airports in the same city would only increase costs for the company.
Do you think it’s a good idea for Aeromexico to move some domestic flights to T1? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more
About the Author
