All operators traveling to Mexico — private non-revenue, charter (non-scheduled commercial) — follow different landing permit arrangements. Therefore, your landing permit process depends entirely on your flight purpose.

In 2024, Mexico made several significant changes to the permit process. This article will go over everything you need to know about Private and Charter Ops permits and cabotage, including the benefits of blanket permits and what’s considered cabotage in Mexico.

Private Non-Revenue Operations

Single-Entry Authorizations (AIUs)

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Mexico Annual/Multiple-Entry permits for private operators are no longer available. Instead, AFAC (Federal Civil Aviation Agency) is now issuing AIUs (Authorizations) that are valid for six months.

However, the situation has become more complex:

• The actual 6-month validity is not being consistently honored across different airports.
• Most AIUs list crew and passengers, requiring a new AIU when these change.
• Some airports may accept modifications with a payment, while others require a new permit.

When this change was initially announced, it was promoted to have a validity of 180 days and was NOT supposed to be dependent on having the same crew on each trip. However, as is often the case in Mexico, laws are interpreted differently at different airports by different comandantes.

Recommendation

Due to these inconsistencies, we now advise that all Part 91 Flights obtain a new single-entry authorization for each mission into Mexico. We cannot guarantee that a permit will remain valid for future use based on the different interpretations by the comandante at each airport.

If you have an AIU valid for six months but need to change crew or passengers, it’s best to submit it for review to see if it will be accepted. Some authorities may allow it with a payment for modification, while others will require a new permit.

Private Ops Checklist

Here is a checklist to help make sure you have the necessary documentation and details on the permit process.

New Requirements

The required documents for this authorization remain essentially the same but must now include the “Layout of Passenger Accommodations” from the Cargo and Balance manual.

Charter Operations

Recent Changes

For charter operations to Mexico, the landscape has changed significantly in the last month:

• Some airports are starting to deny one-time charter permits, requiring a Mexico AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and blanket permit.
• Any charter operator coming to Mexico more than 3 times a year is required to have a blanket permit.
• The limit of three one-shot permits per operator (not per aircraft) introduced in 2023 is still in effect.

Blanket Permits for Charter Ops

Blanket permits are still challenging to obtain. They require significant paperwork and a very long processing time (minimum 90 days under ideal conditions).

Only aircraft equipped with specific equipment can be listed on the blanket permit: ELT, CVR, FDR, TCAS II, TAWS/GPWS, & Transponder. Some of this equipment is not required in the U.S. or other countries, adding another layer of complexity.

The process starts with obtaining the Mexico AOC, followed by the blanket permit application. It’s best to work with a 3rd-party provider to navigate this complex process.

Charter Ops Checklist

Here is a checklist to help make sure you have the necessary documentation and details on the permit process.

Cabotage Rules Update

Our Global Regulatory Services and Universal Aviation Mexico teams recently had a pivotal discussion with Mexico’s AFAC, potentially revolutionizing cabotage rules in the country.

Key Changes:

1. Operators can now transport passengers out of Mexico, even if they didn’t initially bring them into the country. This allows passengers arriving commercially or via different charter companies to leave with any operator.
2. Multiple stops within Mexico may be allowed with proper justification and approval.
3. Passengers who arrive in a commercial airline can now be picked up by air charter company.

This marks a significant departure from traditional cabotage restrictions, which previously:

• Limited operators to a single stop within the country
• Required passengers leaving Mexico to depart with the same operator that brought them in

For charter operators wanting to make multiple stops, if there’s a specific purpose, consult with a regulatory team to request authorization. It’s likely to be approved with proper justification.

Tips for Operators

1. Bring all necessary regional paperwork.
2. Consider processing a Mexican insurance policy in advance if needed.
3. For charter operations, it’s best to have a blanket permit due to the evolving requirements.
4. Always consult with a 3rd-party provider for the latest information before operating in Mexico.

Conclusion

The current permit situation in Mexico remains fluid. As of this writing, private operators are recommended to request a new single-entry authorization for each operation into Mexico due to how each local airport comandante is interpreting the new 2024 rules.

Before operating into Mexico, it’s best to consult with your 3rd-party provider to ensure you are working with the latest information. The inconsistency of the situation has been extremely frustrating, and finding a straight answer has been challenging. We’re hopeful that we may get some alignment from the various airports in the future, but for now, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared for potential variations in interpretation and enforcement.