U.S. and Mexico Discuss Aviation Concerns in High-Level Meeting
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg meets with Mexican counterpart to address aviation issues
In a significant development, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg held a productive meeting with Mexican Transportation Minister Jorge Nuno to discuss various concerns surrounding Mexico’s aviation industry. The meeting aimed to find common ground and foster cooperation between the two countries.
Mexico’s aviation industry faces challenges amid increased control exerted by President Lopez Obrador
Over the past few years, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has exerted greater control over the aviation industry, including transferring civilian aviation duties to the armed forces. This shift in power has caused tensions and frictions between Mexico and the United States.
Focus on maintaining U.S. air safety rating and addressing legal challenges
A key topic of discussion during the meeting was Mexico’s plan to sustain its recently recovered U.S. air safety rating. Following over two years of being rated lower, Mexico regained its higher rating in September. However, aviation analysts have raised concerns about potential risks to this recovery, including a legal challenge to a major overhaul of Mexico’s aviation law.
Cargo flight relocation and strategies to reduce flight saturation also on the agenda
Another issue brought to the table was Mexico’s decision to relocate cargo flights from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to the military-run Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). This move, which took place last year, has drawn attention from the U.S. government. Buttigieg and Nuno discussed the concerns raised by cargo carriers and explored potential solutions.
The meeting also addressed strategies to alleviate flight saturation at the AICM, the busiest airport in Mexico. President Lopez Obrador has urged commercial airlines to shift their operations from the AICM to the AIFA. However, government-mandated flight cuts at the AICM, set to begin in January, have faced opposition from airlines.
A collaborative approach to overcome challenges
The meeting between Buttigieg and Nuno demonstrates a commitment to resolving the issues affecting the aviation industry in both countries. By engaging in open dialogue and seeking common ground, the U.S. and Mexico aim to strengthen their bilateral relationship and ensure the smooth operation of their aviation sectors.
Overall, this high-level discussion marks a crucial step toward finding mutually beneficial solutions and fostering cooperation between the United States and Mexico in the aviation domain.
