Aeromexico To Retire Embraer Fleet For 737 MAX

Aeromexico has unveiled plans to modernise its fleet by retiring its Embraer fleet in favour of Boeing 737 MAX jets.

As part of fleet development plans, the airline will focus on adding further MAX aircraft across the group, specifically into its subsidiary, the Connect branding.

Developments around the plans were unveiled through Aeromexico’s request to be listed on Wall Street and in a stock exchange filing.

Aeromexico firmly believes that while the Embraer jets have served a purpose for some time, there is greater potential across the brand. This potential includes significantly increasing the capacity of its operations in the Connect division.

By changing aircraft, Aeromexico says it will be able to increase capacity by 83%, which will result in fantastic benefits across the group, with operating costs also expected to drop by 29%. Moreover, these benefits would trickle down to customers, who would also reap the rewards from the renewal efforts.

The Aeromexico Embraer Fleet

As part of the Aeromexico connect fleet, there is a considerable reliance on the ERJ family. This is the only family of aircraft operated by the Connect division.

The latest fleet data indicates the airline has 35 active ERJ-190s, with 2 listed as parked, bringing the total to 37. These aircraft, however, average 14.5 years and are thus only getting older by the day.

Aeromexico Connect only operates a fleet of Embraer ERJ-190 aircraft – Photo: Caribb

As these aircraft continue to age, Aeromexico is aware that the costs of maintaining them will only rise further. This can be a deterrent, and operational expenses may also grow year over year. As demand only rises, the company believes now is the right time to proceed with fleet renewal.

While options exist to purchase the popular E2 jets from Embraer as a dedicated replacement, Aeromexico wants fleet continuity. The mainline brand already flies a large amount of 737 MAX jets, which are far younger.

Data says that Aeromexico has 34 737-8s to its name, with these averaging only 4.4 years of age. Meanwhile, there are also 19 737-9s, with these being the youngest, averaging some 2.4 years. The MAX will help replace the existing 737-800s in the company’s fleet.

Now, the airline sees the MAX as an ideal option for replacing Embraer aircraft at the Connect division. Only Boeing aircraft will be featured by moving ahead with this fleet plan across its mainline and Connect branding.