Aerus Targets U.S. Expansion: A New Chapter in Mexico-U.S. Air Travel
Aerus, the Monterrey-based airline, is setting its sights on the United States, eyeing a significant expansion into cross-border air travel. The airline has formally approached the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), seeking permission to commence both scheduled and charter passenger flights connecting Mexico and the U.S. This move, documented in a recent submission to the DOT, marks a bold step for Aerus as it aims to join the ranks of Aeroméxico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus, becoming the fourth Mexican-based scheduled passenger airline to operate flights to the United States.
Operating out of Monterrey Mariano Escobedo, Aerus has laid out ambitious plans to conduct between 1,100 and 1,200 annual flights across the border. This strategy comes on the heels of the discontinuation of Aeromar Airlines’ services to the U.S. following its closure in February 2023. Aerus, leveraging a fleet of three Cessna C208B Caravans with eight seats each, is poised for growth, further highlighted by its 2023 initiative to embrace sustainable aviation through a Letter of Intent with Eviation. This agreement could see Aerus augment its fleet with up to 30 all-electric Alice aircraft, each boasting nine seats, underscoring the airline’s commitment to eco-friendly air travel.
Aerus’s proposed U.S. routes include strategic connections from Monterrey to Brownsville, Laredo, McAllen, and Corpus Christi International, as well as flights linking Tampico with McAllen and Brownsville. This network design is not arbitrary; it is deeply influenced by the cultural and business ties that thread through the Mexico-U.S. border, as highlighted by Aerus CEO, Javier Herrera García. These routes reflect the airline’s dedication to serving the nuanced travel needs of individuals and businesses navigating the rich tapestry of cross-border relations.
The airline’s foundation is solidly Mexican, with the Herrera family holding complete ownership. Filiberto Herrera Andrés leads as the majority shareholder, complemented by strategic stakes held by other family members, including CEO Javier Herrera García. This familial backing not only emphasizes Aerus’s roots but also its commitment to growing Mexico’s aviation landscape.
Aerus, legally known as Aerotransportes Rafilher S.A. de C.V., took to the skies in February 2023, marking its entry as one of the three Mexican start-ups that launched operations last year. Alongside Señor Air and Mexicana, Aerus is part of a new wave of airlines aiming to redefine air travel in and out of Mexico.
As Aerus awaits the DOT’s decision, the airline’s U.S. venture represents more than just new routes; it’s a bridge between cultures, economies, and people. With an eye on sustainable aviation and a deep understanding of the cross-border dynamic, Aerus is not just planning flights; it’s envisioning a closer, more connected North America.