Airlines in Mexico Current Behavior Changes Analysis¶
Ongoing Behavior Changes¶
Based on the analysis of the provided reports, several ongoing behavior changes among final customers are significantly impacting the relationships and demand within the Mexican airline value chain. The most prominent changes are observed within the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) passenger segment, while the provided information does not detail specific behavioral shifts in the Business-to-Business (B2B) cargo segment.
A primary behavior change is the increasing price sensitivity and preference for low fares among a large segment of passengers. This is strongly evidenced by the significant growth in passenger numbers and the continued dominance and strong performance of Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers (ULCCs) like Volaris and Viva Aerobus in the domestic market. These airlines have successfully stimulated demand by offering unbundled low base fares, appealing to price-conscious leisure travelers and those visiting friends and relatives (VFR). [Cheap Mexican airlines reviewed - Earth Vagabonds] This behavior drives intense competition on price among airlines.
Related to the low-fare trend, there is a growing willingness among passengers to purchase ancillary services. As airlines unbundle services, customers are becoming more accustomed to paying separately for options such as checked baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and in-flight amenities. This behavior is a critical component of the ULCC business model, where ancillary revenues constitute a substantial portion of their total revenue. [Driving growth with airline ancillaries - Mastercard Data & Services], [Strategies for airlines to improve ancillary sales - Cognizant] It indicates a shift in customer expectation towards a more à la carte travel experience.
Furthermore, there is an observable trend towards increased adoption and preference for direct digital channels for booking and managing travel. Airlines are actively promoting their websites and mobile applications to reduce distribution costs associated with intermediaries like Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) and traditional travel agencies. [Air Distribution Simplified | NDC - CWT] This aligns with customer behavior that favors convenience, self-service, and direct interaction with the service provider through digital platforms.
Finally, the most overarching behavior is the continued strong demand for air travel in Mexico, resulting in significant overall passenger growth. Mexican airports collectively handled over 119 million passengers in 2024, setting a new record. [Pasaje aéreo batió récord en México durante 2024 - Bien Informado] This demonstrates a robust appetite for air travel among the Mexican population and international visitors, driving the expansion efforts of airlines despite existing infrastructure constraints.
For the B2B segment (cargo shippers), the provided reports describe their need for speed, reliability, and capacity but do not specify any recent or ongoing changes in their purchasing behavior or preferences.
Table of the impact of these changes on the value chain¶
| Ongoing Behavior Change | Impact on Value Chain Step(s) and Relationships |
|---|---|
| Increased Price Sensitivity (B2C) | Airline Operations: Intensifies price competition, putting pressure on yields for all airlines, especially full-service carriers. Reinforces the ULCC business model. Infrastructure (Airports): Creates pressure on airlines to negotiate lower airport fees, potentially straining relationships with airport operators seeking to maximize revenue. |
| Willingness to Purchase Ancillaries (B2C) | Airline Operations: Drives airlines, particularly ULCCs, to focus on developing and marketing ancillary services as a crucial revenue stream. Impacts revenue management strategies. Distribution & Sales: Increases the importance of direct sales channels (websites, apps) where ancillary sales are more effectively captured, potentially shifting revenue away from indirect channels and impacting relationships with intermediaries. |
| Increased Adoption of Direct Digital Channels (B2C) | Distribution & Sales: Strengthens airlines' direct relationships with customers, potentially reducing reliance on GDSs and travel agencies. Requires ongoing investment in digital platforms and IT infrastructure. Airline Operations: Improves efficiency in booking and customer service processes. |
| Continued Strong Demand for Air Travel (Overall B2C Growth) | Infrastructure: Exacerbates pressure on existing airport capacity (especially in Mexico City) and Air Traffic Control (ATC), straining relationships between airlines and infrastructure providers due to delays and slot limitations. Increases demand for fuel supply. Aircraft & Fleet Management: Drives demand for new aircraft (often single-aisle) and increases the need for MRO services due to higher fleet utilization, impacting relationships with manufacturers, lessors, and MRO providers. Airline Operations: Supports overall growth in passenger numbers for all airlines but intensifies operational challenges related to congestion and resource constraints. |
References¶
- Aeroméxico, la aerolínea más confiable de 2024, según Cirium - Yahoo Finanzas. https://yhoo.it/4bx7qJz
- Aeroméxico, lista para su oferta pública – El Financiero. https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/empresas/2024/07/25/aeromexico-lista-para-su-oferta-publica/
- Air Distribution Simplified | NDC - CWT. https://www.cwt.com/ch-en/technologies/air-distribution-simplified
- Cheap Mexican airlines reviewed - Earth Vagabonds. https://earthvagabonds.com/cheap-mexican-airlines/
- Driving growth with airline ancillaries - Mastercard Data & Services. https://www.mastercard.com/news/perspectives/2023/driving-growth-with-airline-ancillaries/
- Lideran aerolíneas mexicanas crecimiento internacional en Norteamérica: OAG | Aviación 21. https://aviacion21.com/aerolineas/lideran-aerolineas-mexicanas-crecimiento-internacional-en-norteamerica-oag/
- Mexico - Aerospace - International Trade Administration. https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/mexico-aerospace
- Mexicana transportó 256 mil de los 55 millones de pasajeros en vuelos nacionales en 2024; apenas 0.46% del mercado - Fábrica de Periodismo. https://fabricadeperiodismo.org/mexicana-transporte-55-millones-pasajeros-vuelos-nacionales-2024/
- Pasaje aéreo batió récord en México durante 2024 - Bien Informado. https://bieninformado.com.mx/2024/02/08/pasaje-aereo-batio-record-en-mexico-durante-2024/
- Strategies for airlines to improve ancillary sales - Cognizant. https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/insights/strategies-for-airlines-to-improve-ancillary-sales
- The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule. https://www.aa.com/en-us/travel-updates/new-routes/mexico
- Top 20 Busiest Air Routes Between Mexico and the United States - Aviacionline. https://aviacionline.com/2024/01/top-20-busiest-air-routes-between-mexico-and-the-united-states/
- Viva Aerobus gana más pasajeros que Aeroméxico y Volaris en 2023 - Forbes México. https://www.forbes.com.mx/viva-aerobus-gana-mas-pasajeros-que-aeromexico-y-volaris-en-2023/
- World's Best Airlines For 2025. https://www.airlineratings.com/worlds-best-airlines-2025/