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Aeromexico files for bankruptcy, third Latin American carrier to restructure

July 01, 2020
5 min read
Aeromexico 787-9 Business Class MEX-EZE
Aeromexico files for bankruptcy, third Latin American carrier to restructure
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Mexico's largest airline Aeromexico has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S., joining peers Avianca and LATAM Airlines in restructuring amid the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global aviation industry.

The Mexico City-based carrier will continue flying as it restructures its balance sheet through the courts, Aeromexico said late on Tuesday. This includes plans to double the number of flights it offers in Mexico and quadruple the number of flights it offers internationally in July compared to June. Still, schedules will still be down nearly 70% year-over-year, underscoring the broader impact of the pandemic.

Aeromexico's bankruptcy will not impact its Club Premier loyalty program, the airline said. All points, as well as vouchers and other credits, remain valid.

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"Our industry faces unprecedented challenges due to significant declines in demand for air transportation globally, hence we are committed to taking the necessary measures so that we can operate effectively in this new landscape," Andres Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico, said in a statement.

From a U.S. perspective, Aeromexico is the third Delta Air Lines partner to restructure, following Virgin Australia and LATAM. Delta owns a 51% stake of Grupo Aeromexico, the Mexican carrier's parent company, and the two airlines have a joint venture partnership that allows them to coordinate flights between Mexico and the U.S.

Aeromexico called its partnership with Delta "critical" to its business in a court filing on July 1. It plans to maintain all of its agreements, including the joint venture, with the U.S. carrier through the restructuring process.

Delta has yet to comment on Aeromexico's bankruptcy but has previously said that it stands behind LATAM. However, with both LATAM and Aeromexico, Delta stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in equity investments.

Related: Delta Air Lines stands by new partner LATAM, despite bankruptcy

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Wedding night? Soon to be joint venture partners, Aeromexico and Delta.

A post shared by Ned Russell (@airbus777) on

While airlines around the world have been hit hard by the crisis, few governments in Latin America have stepped up and offered aid to carriers. So far, Brazil is among the few that have offered financial support to its airlines. Elsewhere, bankruptcies have hit two region's largest carriers, Avianca and LATAM.

Avianca has shut its Peruvian subsidiary and received court approval to return at least 12 aircraft to their leasing firms. LATAM has shut its Argentinian operation and is working to return 24 jets to lessors.

Aeromexico does not have operations outside of Mexico, but may try to shrink its fleet through bankruptcy. The airline and its regional partner Aeromexico Connect flew 119 jets, including 35 Boeing 737-800s and 19 Boeing 787s, at the end of March.

Related: Ultimate Guide to Aeromexico Club Premier

Updated with comment from Aeromexico on importance of its partnership with Delta.

Featured image by NICK ELLIS/THE POINTS GUY

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.