Rate for MMTJ updated to show rates from 08:00 to 17:00 Local Time
Airports operated in Mexico by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) have raised rates for landing, ramp and parking for General Aviation aircraft. In addition to this increase, they have also penalized smaller aircraft by applying a minimum rate applicable to larger aircraft.
Rates in Mexico are assessed based on an aircraft's MTOW. However, GAP is now assessing ALL aircraft a minimum MTOW of 11,000 lbs which further impacts the cost increase. In the case of Tijuana, aircraft are assessed rates with a minimum of 22,000 lbs MTOW. The combined impact is over 400%. These rates were approved by Mexico's DGAC.
Airports operated by GAP are: Aguascalientes (MMAS) Guadalajara (MMGL) Leon/Guanajuato (MMLO) Hermosillo (MMHO) La Paz (MMLP) Los Cabos (MMSD) Los Mochis (MMLM) Manzanillo (MMZO) Mexicali (MMML) Morelia (MMMM) Puerto Vallarta (MMPR) Tijuana (MMTJ)
The attached table shows the new MINIMUM rates for landing, ramp and overnight parking (per day) for each airport. It also compares old versus new rates for a C182 at the Los Cabos airport (MMSD) to put the increases into perspective. Pilots should take these new rates into consideration when choosing destinations in Mexico. For more information, contact Caribbean Sky Tours at +1 786 206 6147 or at info@caribbeanskytours.com
Off Peak is between 17:01 and 07:59 LT Peak is from 08:00 to 17:00 LT
In our previous table we had used Off-Peak when really we should have used Peak rates. The table has been corrected to reflect this. The impact is very significant as shown.
These rates were approved by Mexico's DGAC. Unfortunately, the DGAC does not have a current Director General since Gilberto Lopez Meyer left to assume the role of VP of Safety for IATA in Canada. It is unlikely that much can be done until there is a permanent Director General. GAP has been trying to restrict General Aviation in Guadalajara for several years now. Their total focus has been on Commercial Aviation. They have somehow convinced the DGAC to approve the increased rates and the minimum MTOW for calculating the rates at all of their airports. Talking to GAP will not do much. Pressure has to come form the Mexican Federal Government and the tourism industry.
We have received a lot of feedback regarding the calculations that we have made. Here are the underlying assumptions:
> They are based on the Mexican Federal Register > The rates use a 5 Metric Ton minimum MTOW for all airports EXCEPT Tijuana (MMTJ). MMTJ uses a 10 Metric Ton minimum MTOW > The Loading/unloading ramp rate is calculated in 30 minute increments to a maximum of 2 hours. We have used a 2 hour assumption as a worse case > The parking is based on 24 hour days > We utilized the legally mandated 16% IVA (VAT tax rate) > We use a 16.3 exchange rate
There is a major initiative underway here in Mexico to address the increases we reported earlier. As soon as we have concrete information on changes, we will advise.
There has been a lot of activity down here in Mexico regarding the new GAP rates. Here is the latest:
The Mexican Federation of Pilots - FEMPPA (We are the regional delegate in Puebla, Mexico) has been pushing to have the rates reviewed and revised. They are leading the charge on this topic.
In the meantime, there is a moratorium by GAP on the implementation of the new rates. If any pilot visits a GAP airport and is charged based on the new rates scheme, they should advise us immediately at 786 206 6147 (USA Tel) or at +52 222 375 2630 (MEX Tel) or at info@caribbeanskytours.com . The moratorium is in effect until the next set of meetings and could be extended until January 01, 2016.
