FAA rating restored

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has restored Mexico to Category 1, four months after it knocked the country down to Category 2. The demotion, reflecting poor safety procedures, meant that Mexican airlines could not inaugurate any new service to the United States, although routes in operation could continue. The move hit hard, coming as it did when Mexicana Airlines suspended all flights as it sought bankruptcy protection. Mexico spent an estimated $50 million to meet the FAA requirement, hiring 80 inspectors and 40 pilots in the process.

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Jimm Budd

Reporting from Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers