Aerus: The power of compact aviation

"The bigger the better" isn't always true... at least not when small equates to efficiency.

In Mexico, there are three main airlines. Aerus is betting on carving out a space by flying other routes and using nine-passenger aircraft.

Distance and travel time

• The distance between Monterrey and Piedras Negras is just under 400 kilometers.

• The estimated driving time is around 5 hours.

• The estimated travel time by flight ranges from 5 to over 17 hours, depending on the schedule.

• Flight prices range from $2,000 to $3,000 pesos for a one-way trip, with an estimated flight time of 1 and a half hours.

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Flights and airlines

• Aeroméxico and Viva Aerobús offer flights between the cities previously mentioned, but with a layover in Nuevo Laredo.

• Aerus, a new airline, will start with up to three daily direct flights between said cities.

• Cape Air, an airline based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, specializes in connecting cities or towns that are not of interest to national airlines.

• Cape Air has a fleet of around 100 small aircraft with a capacity of 6-11 passengers and operates up to 400 daily flights during peak season.

• Aerus will begin operations with three Grand Caravan aircraft flying from Monterrey to Piedras Negras, Tampico, and Ciudad Victoria, with plans to have 14 aircraft by late 2024.

• Aerus has a team of approximately 100 people and a significant investment totaling tens of millions of dollars.

Aerus' market strategy

• Javier Herrera and his family believe that Aerus can fill the gaps left by other airlines in some areas of Mexico.

• Aerus does not aim to directly compete with Viva Aerobús or Volaris; they seek to serve routes where other airlines do not participate.

• Despite the challenges, Aerus is betting on the niche market and believes that the model fits local needs.

Airport distribution in Mexico

• In Mexico, there are 78 airports, but only 3 airports handle 54% of the passengers, while 27 airports serve fewer than 35,000 people.

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In February, the 58 least-used airports served only 19% of the total passengers who traveled by plane.

Aerus has signed letters of intent with a couple of companies that are developing electric aircraft specifically for use by regional airlines. The goal would be to have such equipment available by 2026.