Safe Flying: Aeromexico Airlines
Tara A. Spears
Every aspect of Aeromexico Airlines- from its logo to flight amenities to its quality service – reflects the pride, tenacity, and endurance of Mexico. Since its origin in 1934, the flag carrier of Mexico has had exceptional management that enabled the airline to grow into a world transportation presence that currently runs scheduled flight services to more than 90 destinations in Mexico, North, South, and Central America; Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. In addition, Aeromexico has a very great safety record that is 25% lower than other international airlines. Aeromexico is a company that, despite having a large proportion of its capital held by foreign investors, represents Mexico around the world.
During the global economic recession caused by covid 19 pandemic, Aeromexico has managed to stay in the sky. El Herald de Mexico newspaper sums up the feeling of the nation: That should Aeromexico cease to operate it would be a catastrophic scenario for the country, for employees, for the government and for Mexican economic recovery. Mexico needs Aeromexico.
This company, run by Andrés Conesa, has almost accomplished miracles to succeed. Conesa successfully initiated a financial restructuring with Apollo Global Management, a financial company. In mid-2020 during the shutdown period, the 1,800 pilots and 2,400 flight attendant members of the Union Association of Air Pilots of Mexico negotiated with airline management in order to comply with the financial belt-tightening. “ASPA pilots accepted reductions of about $350 million on Aeromexico and Aeromexico Connect collective employment contracts for the next four years,” ASPA reported. The union added that accepting such an “agreement represents a significant economic sacrifice for pilots and their families, but also demonstrates the pilots’ commitment to the future of the airline.”
Throughout its history, Aeromexico’s management has reflected the cultural characteristics of honor, tradition, creativity. It continues to survive in challenging times as the current CEO, Andres Conesa upholds the company’s vision. Conesa was quoted after completing complex employee and funding negotiations, “the airline has the opportunity to rethink its employment relationship and recognize that workers are one of its most valuable assets for business continuity. It is very important that the company and workers honor the principles of respect and integrity.”
It’s amazing that during the economic downturn that Aeromexico was able to achieve, for the first time in the airline’s history, 100 exclusive cargo flights. The cargo flights transported medical supplies to 11 countries to help combat COVID-19, several of them in cooperation with the Government of Mexico. “It’s a clear example that Aeromexico has not stopped flying and that the airline industry, even in situations like this, has a very important role,” said Conesa. “We (Aeromexico) are a sector that not only connects people with destinations, we also drive economies and today, we transport hope on our planes.”
We are in an unprecedented environment, where the aviation industry has suffered the strongest structural damage in its history. There has been a drastic drop in passenger demand and it is estimated that the levels that were had in 2019 will not return until 2022.
In the time of covid 19, many fear air travel. Aeromexico leads the industry in safety and health measures. It implemented health initiatives in order to provide greater safety to its passengers and employees in the face of the pandemic. According to an independent airline watchdog, Airline Ratings, Aeromexico meets all the CDC safety protocol’s seven points.
One cannot underestimate the importance of Aeromexico Airlines to the Mexican economy. Mexican aviation employs 1.4 million people and contributes 3.5% of GDP, representing $37.4 billion annually. In addition, thanks to the airline industry, manufacturing activity has become more global, stimulating the growth of income and higher job strata. Aeromexico has become the portal for Mexicans to become citizens of the world; aviation has impacted regional development thereby providing regional jobs and improving the quality of life for workers in hospitality and tourism businesses.
When you choose to fly Aeromexico Airlines, you can be assured of having a safe environment and a comfortable journey. Aeromexico takes representing its country seriously and is proud of its people and its history.
