Mexicana Returns 25 Percent of Fleet, Suspends More Service

Mexicana Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy in New York and Mexico at the beginning of the month, is returning 25 percent of its fleet to leasing companies and suspending some of its low-cost and regional services. This follows the suspension of service on several international and some domestic flights earlier this week.

The carrier, Mexico’s biggest in terms of passenger numbers, is facing mounting difficulties as service providers balk on fueling planes or dispute contracts. IATA suspended the carrier’s BSP sales channel, forcing it to suspend the sale and issuing of tickets indefinitely.

Other sources of revenue have either dried up or are being retained by financial institutions following the company’s recent decision to file for bankruptcy. Earlier this week, however, press reports suggested Mexicana could get new funding from Advent International, an investment firm.