Monday, September 10, 2007

Mexicans Use Budget Airlines for Immigrant Flow
By Carlos Luken

Mexico’s airline industry has struggled for years. Its two traditional carriers, Aeromexico and Mexicana, have recurrently gone through agonizing processes of nationalizations, privatizations and amalgamation.



The merger of the two Mexican giants, once thought to be the solution, quickly turned into the problem and after years of impossible accommodations the company was finally (and unsuccessfully) put on the auction block.



As with many worldwide cases, escalating fuel prices, increased competition and standing commitments to combative labor unions have been the principal causes for the industry’s demise.



In Mexico’s case these critical causes were magnified by government efforts to eliminate the traditional two-company monopoly and open the market to smaller regional airlines. As it did so, new companies found they could operate from unattended regional markets under new and favorable labor conditions, for shorter distance flights and using state of the art systems and airplanes, thus significantly lowering their operating costs and fares.



These new conditions were a turning point and a low-fare airline industry began and rapidly soared. Mexico’s rural markets proved to be hefty as small airports turned into regional hubs servicing hundreds of neighboring towns and villages.



Overcrowded airports replaced previously cramped bus stations.



Almost overnight thousands of previously isolated and poverty-stricken persons found a fast and cheap way of seeking opportunities elsewhere. Many traveled to larger cities, but most sought the often-dangerous journey for the elusive American Dream.



This energized a mounting illegal activity and turned into a major international unlawful trade that now rivals narcotics. As well, it is the main cause of conflict in Mexico-U.S. relations.



Today, in some regional airports and of course in the country‘s largest in Mexico City, a strange phenomenon frequently occurs. You spot groups of noticeable individuals trying to inconspicuously wait for their flights by sitting out of sight in corners or close to walls.



What makes these people so noticeable is not the color of their skin nor their features, but their apprehensive attitude. Most seem afraid of their unfamiliar surroundings; they travel in small quail-like coveys numbering five to ten people. Furthermore, in an apparent effort to camouflage them individually, they curiously all dress nearly alike in cheap jeans and baseball caps from different major league teams. However a better-dressed man, who appears to be their guide, is almost always leading them.



It’s not surprising to see groups being led hurriedly by the well-dressed leader to a flight’s gate precisely at the time boarding instructions are being broadcast. An airline employee and an airport security guard, who generally accompany them, both help to quickly usher them onto the plane, filling it almost to capacity.



Witnessing these scenes, one cannot help but speculate that these unfortunate and frightened individuals are being led willingly yet illegally to the United States, guided by an efficient and organized network of “coyotesâ€