National Aviation Day in Mexico

By presidential decree of Manuel Avila Camacho, the commemoration of the National Aviation Day in Mexico was established on October 23rd.

The history of aviation in Mexico is closely linked to the origins of the Mexican Air Force. Although it may seem that they are the same, there are differences. Throughout the nineteenth century, the technique of aerostatic flights was developed and perfected. One of the best known feats, in the 20th century, was that of the Frenchman Ernesto Pugibet, who managed to raise an airship over Mexico City in 1909. That same year Alberto Braniff flew a Voisin biplane for the first time in Mexico.

Six years later and due to the need to develop a national aviation, the Escuela Militar de Aviación and the Talleres Nacionales de Construcciones Aeronáuticas were established in Balbuena (Mexico City). In 1917, the air courier service was established, thanks to the development of the Civil Service. Ten years later, the first commercial flight tests were carried out, which, although limited, allowed the opening of the first national commercial airlines a couple of years later.

Within the framework of World War II, Mexican troops were authorized to be sent to the war front; thus, the 201st Squadron was created, which had an outstanding participation in the Pacific War against the Japanese army forces.

Undoubtedly, aviation is a fundamental element of Mexico, not only as a military force that supports operations against organized crime, drug trafficking or rescue and reconstruction work after natural disasters; pilots and members of commercial aviation are internationally recognized for their performance and quality.