If Mexico's aviation industry were an aircraft poised for takeoff, who holds the controls? OAG On Air recently sat down with Raúl Revuelta Musalem, CEO of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), one of Mexico's three major airport operators, to discuss the company's growth strategy, market insights, and vision for Latin America's aviation future.
GAP: A Driving Force in Mexican Aviation
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico operates over a dozen critical airports across Mexico, including key destinations like Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Los Cabos. These gateways serve as vital connectors between Mexico and global markets, fueling both economic development and tourism growth. Through continuous infrastructure investment and service innovations, GAP maintains its position as a cornerstone of Mexico's transportation network.
Expansion Through Diversification
Facing evolving market dynamics, GAP has implemented a multifaceted growth strategy. The group actively courts new airline partnerships and route expansions to increase passenger volumes while modernizing facilities through terminal expansions, security upgrades, and ground transportation improvements. Beyond core aviation services, GAP has developed robust non-aeronautical revenue streams including retail, dining, and advertising operations.
Navigating Industry Headwinds
While acknowledging aviation's post-pandemic recovery and rising travel demand, Musalem identified several challenges including fuel price volatility, labor shortages, and environmental pressures. GAP addresses these through operational optimization, energy efficiency programs, and stakeholder collaboration. The CEO emphasized that sustainable practices aren't just corporate responsibility measures but essential components of long-term viability.
The Digital Transformation Runway
Technology adoption forms a central pillar of GAP's strategy. The group leverages big data analytics to understand passenger behavior, artificial intelligence for security and scheduling efficiency, and IoT systems for predictive equipment maintenance. These digital initiatives aim to simultaneously enhance operational performance and traveler experiences across GAP's airport network.
Sustainability as a Growth Foundation
GAP's environmental strategy encompasses carbon reduction, energy conservation, and water preservation programs alongside community development initiatives. This dual focus on ecological responsibility and social impact reflects the company's commitment to sustainable growth that benefits both shareholders and Mexican society.
The interview provides valuable insights not only into GAP's operational philosophy but also the broader trajectory of Latin American aviation. The company's balanced approach to expansion, innovation, and responsibility offers a compelling case study for infrastructure operators worldwide.