Mexico strengthens civil aviation safety and rescue protocols

Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) have signed a collaboration agreement to strengthen civil aviation safety. Published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, the agreement establishes joint mechanisms for training, search and rescue (SAR), and the investigation of aviation accidents and incidents.

A key component of the agreement is the creation of a national network of SAR Coordinating Subcenters located in Mazatlán, Monterrey, Mérida, and Mexico City. These centers are required to conduct at least one annual search and rescue simulation.

To ensure impartiality, the agreement mandates a strict separation between technical operational safety investigations and administrative investigations. This measure prevents the same inspector from participating in both processes, thereby avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, the institutions will implement cross-training programs involving the AFAC’s International Civil Aviation Training Center (CIAAC) and SICT investigators. The collaboration is set to remain in effect until September 30, 2030.