Story ID: 
Universal's Mexico Bizav Ops Guide Details Changes
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: While Mexican cabotage rules were eased, entry permits became more complicated
Word Count: 273
Universal Weather & Aviation has published a guide for business aviation operations in Mexico that discusses several recent changes made by the country’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency. These include easing cabotage regulations and highlighting inconsistencies with its new entry permit system for private aircraft.
According to the flight-planning company, the previous annual permit program is replaced by single- and multi-entry authorizations (AIU) that are intended to be valid for six months. However, that period is not being consistently honored by all airports.
“Most AIUs list crew and passengers, requiring a new AIU when these change,” said Universal. “And some airports may accept modifications with a payment, while others require a new permit.” Due to these inconsistencies, “we now advise that all Part 91 flights obtain a new single-entry authorization for each mission into Mexico.”
The guide also addresses fresh challenges for Part 135 operators. Some airports are starting to deny one-time charter permits, instead requiring a Mexico air operator certificate and a blanket permit. But blanket approvals are supposed to apply only to charter operators coming to Mexico more than three times a year. In any case, such permits “require significant paperwork and a very long processing time (minimum 90 days under ideal conditions),” according to Universal.
On the positive side, changes this year ease former cabotage restrictions. Operators can now transport passengers out of Mexico, even if they didn’t initially bring them into the country. Even “passengers arriving commercially or via different charter companies can leave with any operator.” In addition, multiple stops within Mexico may be allowed “with proper justification and approval.”