Reorganization of national and foreign cargo at AICM considers the needs of the sector: SICT

This is an automated translation of the original release published in Spanish.

Statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation ( SICT )

The SICT reiterates that it will continue to coordinate and carry out the necessary work groups with the country's aeronautical industry, in order to duly attend to the operational and transportation needs of the entire national air sector.

The government draft to reorganize national and international cargo operations at the Benito Juárez International Airport of Mexico City (AICM), sent to the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement (CONAMER), considers consultations and prior work meetings with federal authorities and representatives of the airline industry.

The aforementioned document states in a single point that the AICM would be "closed for the operations of concessionaires and permit holders that provide the service to the public of regular and non-regular national and international air transport exclusively for cargo."

Likewise, it makes it clear that "concessionaires and permit holders that provide combined passenger and cargo services are exempted from this determination, provided that it is transported in the same aircraft as the passengers."

It should be noted that the SICT, through the Transportation Undersecretariat, has held a total of 43 events since July of last year with 61 groups from the air cargo industry and federal government agencies to expose the convenience of reorganizing national and foreign cargo at the AICM.

This federal agency has also coordinated 11 visits to the AIFA facilities to clearly understand the needs for the start of operations; 20 work groups with the industry for monitoring and attention to commitments, and 12 specific meetings to learn about their work and map their specific requirements.

Currently, there are more than 1,000 cargo vehicles that enter and leave the AICM, which causes significant road congestion.

In contrast, the planning of roads around the AIFA Cargo Terminal will not generate such effects and the movement of cargo to said airport will contribute to freeing up the current roads in the AICM, improving urban traffic conditions.

There is also a decrease in the noise generated by cargo aircraft in the surrounding populations, due to the fact that they are at a considerable distance and there is less population density in the approach and takeoff area of the aircraft.

It is important to highlight that the AIFA, due to its proximity to the AICM, is considered a viable option by the federal government, since it has an adequate and efficient infrastructure for cargo operations, thanks to the fact that its design provided for expansion capacity to future of three million tons a year when it reaches its full potential.

In addition, it has more direct access to the fiscal precincts, with double entry (entry and exit of independent merchandise), greater capacity in the fiscal route and more expeditious reviews, due to the electronic transfer of the petitions.

Airport fees are among the lowest in the country – landing, parking and overnight – between 41 and 52% less than the average for airports. In addition, it has areas available for logistics development within the polygon (for example, areas for the second and third line for cargo handling prior to entering customs).

Felipe Ángeles Airport has schedules available to accommodate dedicated cargo operations all day and does not have restricted schedules.

The SICT reiterates that it will continue to coordinate and carry out the necessary work groups with the country's aviation industry, in order to duly attend to the operational and transportation needs of the entire national aviation sector.

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