Airlines React to Mexico’s Downgrade in Air Safety

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After the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States downgraded Mexico to Category 2 in air safety, the national airlines made their positions known.

The US air authority lowered the rating after an evaluation to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) in which it identified several areas of non-compliance with the minimum standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The airlines will be able to continue with their flights between the two countries, but it prohibits new services and routes, and the US airlines will not be able to market and sell tickets in shared codes on flights to Mexico.

Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus reiterated their commitment to the safety of their operations for passengers and crews, and they ensure that the demotion of this FAA Category to Mexico does not refer to their work, which is subject to continuously evaluated international standards.

The flag carrier of Mexico reported that its operations will not be affected, since all reservations, vouchers, and tickets as well as Premier Points remain in force. Customers can buy their flights on the website, mobile app, call center, and travel agencies.

Volaris reiterated that the process followed by the FAA is to periodically audit the aeronautical authorities of the other countries, in this case, the AFAC in Mexico, so the decision concerns only regulatory agencies.

The low-cost airline confirmed that its operation will continue unaffected towards the United States and will focus its efforts on the recovery of the national market and towards regions such as Central and South America.

The codeshare you have with Frontier, which represents only 0.4 percent of your occupancy, could eventually be suspended. In the event of such a situation, Volaris will protect customers to make their changes free of charge.

For its part, Viva Aerobus acknowledged the follow-up that has been given to the 28 FAA observations, which according to AFAC have been fully addressed, including the hiring of qualified personnel, the recent reform of the Civil Aviation Law, and the advancement of the training program, which will be key to the recovery of Category 1.

Currently, 14 percent of the airline’s operation corresponds to more than 20 routes between Mexico and the United States, which will not affect or change the itineraries, and he also indicated that it will emphasize growth in the domestic market.

Source: nitu.mx

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