Aeromexico has confirmed it is looking at acquiring additional Boeing aircraft as it plans further expansion of its network in the aftermath of archrival Mexicana ceasing operations.
The SkyTeam carrier says in a 13 September statement that a delegation led by chairman Jose Luis Barraza and CEO Andres Conesa is visiting Boeing in Seattle with the aim of evaluating potential alternatives for expanding its fleet.
Flightglobal reported early this month that Aeromexico proposed to its pilots union ASPA expansion of its 737, 767 and 777 fleets in exchange for concessions. At the time Aeromexico declined to comment on the proposal but the carrier now confirms it will invest in expanding its fleet contingent on new deals with ASPA and its flight attendants union ASSA.
Aeromexico says it is seeking new labour contracts from its unions to reflect competitive conditions and improve efficiency to allow the carrier to pursue long-term sustainable growth.
The previous owners of Mexicana, which are also representd by ASPA and ASSA, cited high labour costs in filing for bankruptcy protection early last month. Grupo Mexicana's new ownership group, which acquired the carrier on 20 August for a symbolic amount, also complained that ASSA was unwilling to negotiate significant concessions.
Grupo Mexicana, including its Click and Link units, subsequently ceased all operations on 28 August. The company's unions and the Mexican government have since been leading an effort to try to secure new investors in hopes of re-launching operations later this year.
Aeromexico in its 13 September statement says the delegation visiting Boeing aircraft factories in Seattle include its ownership group. In addition to speaking to Boeing about potential new aircraft acquisitions, Aeromexico says it is reviewing with Boeing progress of its 787 acquisition. Aeromexico plans to take delivery of the first of at least five 787s in 2012.
Aeromexico's current mainline fleet consists exclusively of Boeing aircraft - a mix of 737NGs, 767s and 777s. According to ASPA, Aeromexico is looking at adding at least four to six 737-700/800s, two to three 767s and one 777.
Flightglobal also reported earlier this month that Aeromexico was interested in acquiring additional 737-700/800s for its charter unit. Aeromexico Travel currently operates three Boeing MD-80s on charter routes but according to ASPA the company wants to expand Travel into the scheduled domestic market.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
