Aeromexico plans to replace its E190s with B737 MAX9s

MEXICO - In order to increase the number of outbound seats by 83%, Grupo Aeromexico intends to replace its Embraer 190 aircraft with B737 MAX9s.

According to investor sources interested in the eventual next placement of the airline led by Andrés Conesa, the Embraer has been an important pillar in the group's results, as the domestic airline Connect operates with them and from October 2023 to September 30, 2024, 30% of Aeromexico's total flights from Mexico City's International Airport (AICM) were operated with E190 aircraft.

However, these aircraft could be replaced by the Boeing 737 MAX9, as the Embraer 190s are configured for 99 passengers, of which 11 are Premier class, while the B737 MAX9s are configured for 181 passengers, of which 16 are Premier and 18 Plus.

For several reasons, including the fact that slots at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) are limited by 30% and this is Aeromexico's most important hub, in addition to a very important expansion in the capacity of existing routes, it is planning to use the B737, which implies an improvement in slack through flexible, low-risk, “capital-efficient” and profitable ways to grow in any market conditions.

So far, Boeing 737 MAXs are used on strategic and high-demand routes to optimize the use of space and lower unit costs, while maximizing revenue.

In that sense, the sources said, the Embraer 190s could be transferred to routes with lower demand, “if their leases are renewed”, and this would imply moving them to operate routes from Monterrey or Guadalajara airports.