ASPA Schedules December 1 Protest Against Foreign Pilot Employment
The Asociación Sindical de Pilotos Aviadores de México (ASPA) has announced a peaceful protest scheduled for December 1, 2025. The demonstration aims to address the issue of foreign pilot employment in Mexico. ASPA argues that the airline Volaris is contravening the Civil Aviation Law by not employing only Mexican-born pilots for their aircraft.
Protest Details Against Foreign Pilot Employment
The protest will take place outside the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transporte (SICT) located at Avenida Universidad, 1738 in Coyoacán. It is set to commence at 10:00 AM, with participants expected to remain silent and static.
Who is Invited?
- Active pilots
- Pilot students
- Retired pilots
Participants are encouraged to wear their uniforms and to register prior to attending. While ASPA emphasizes their right to defend their workforce, they do not plan to obstruct traffic on Avenida Universidad during this picketing event.
Legal Concerns Surrounding Foreign Pilots
ASPA has outlined several legal grounds for their protest against the hiring of foreign pilots. According to their statements, these practices are perceived as threats to Mexican sovereignty. They reference:
- Article 40 of the Civil Aviation Law: Mandates that only Mexican-born individuals may operate aircraft with a Mexican flag.
- Circular CO AV-08. 3/20: States that Mexican concession holders must utilize technical personnel who are Mexican by birth.
- Article 17 bis (Cabotage prohibition): Asserts that no foreigner may operate domestic flights within Mexican territory.
- Article 27 of the Constitution: Highlights sovereignty risks regarding who operates within Mexican airspace.
Response from Aviation Authorities
Despite these concerns, the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) has previously indicated that Volaris’s use of foreign pilots does not breach the law, citing their arrangement as a wet lease.
ASPA’s protest next month reflects a significant pushback against policies they believe undermine local pilot employment and national regulations. As the date approaches, the association continues to gather support from the piloting community.
