Airbus Industrie and Boeing are in negotiation with Cintra, the holding company which manages Aeromexico and Mexicana, on a crucial fleet replacement contract that could prove vital for future campaigns throughout Latin America.
The Mexican campaign, which centres on the immediate need for a replacement for Aeromexico's ageing McDonnell Douglas DC-9 fleet, is expected to gain momentum as future plans for Cintra, and the two airlines, become clearer. The Mexican Government is debating whether to keep the carriers under common ownership, or to split them up and offer parts of each for sale to foreign investors, probably other airlines.
Cintra declines to comment on the outcome of the government debate, but Aeromexico and Mexicana believe that the benefits of the combined operation will make a division less likely. The move to place both under common ownership was approved in 1995 only as a stopgap to stave off bankruptcy for both airlines.
Airbus, which demonstrated a new Air Canada A319 at the show, is optimistic that a fleet renewal programme will begin soon. The manufacturer is offering the A318 and other A320 family options to Aeromexico and Mexicana. The latter operates 14 A320s and is looking for a long-term replacement for its 23 Boeing 727-200s.
Mexicana has hushkitted 10 of the aircraft with the FedEx system, but is studying other options for the remaining 727s, such as the aerodynamic modification kit developed by Raisbeck. It is also "in serious talks" with BFGoodrich over the "Super 27" re-engining programme. The airline says: "If this is adopted, the aircraft would have longer life and could be converted to cargo eventually."
The carrier is considering phasing out its 12 Fokker 100s "within five years", depending on the outcome of negotiations with Airbus and Boeing on a replacement type common with its choice of DC-9 successor. Mexicana cites product support as the main reason for its plans to dispose of the Fokkers.
Boeing's 717-200, which had its international debut at the show, is being offered as the company's main replacement option for Aeromexico's 17 DC-9-30s as well as, potentially, Mexicana's Fokker 100s. It also put a Continental owned 737-600 on display, however, as part of its efforts to counter the presence of the A319.
Source: Flight International
