According to media reports 2 of Mexicana Airlines aircraft were seized in Canada and prevented from departure.  This was due to rumors and/or actual indications of financial trouble for Mexicana.  Specifically, Mexicana may have had trouble paying the leases on these 2 planes.  Some time ago I wrote about Mexicana and whether it was a good fit for the One World Alliance.  I based my observation on the product, not the balance sheet.  I assumed, in that post, that OneWorld dissected Mexicana’s balance sheet before bringing them into the alliance.

Apparently someone at OneWorld didn’t do their homework.  Mexicana just joined OneWorld in November of 2009, less than 1 year ago.  How could their financial viability deteriorate that quickly and dramatically?

Last month, Mexicana Airlines officially joined the Oneworld Alliance bringing the total number of member airlines to 11, but is Mexicana worthy of being in the alliance?  Actually, I don’t really know.  I suppose it depends what the requirements are besides Mexicana’s admittance being financially beneficial for all member airlines and providing some type of incremental convenience for passengers.

Here are some important qualities from Oneworld’s website, according to Governing Board Chairman, American Airlines Chief Executive Gerard Arpey: “Oneworld is very selective about who we invite on board to join us as a new member. We only consider airlines with brands that match the quality of our established partners, who share our priorities of safety, customer service and profitability and who can expand our existing combined network in key regions…”

I decided to check it out for myself and found a reasonable business class fare, Mexicana has many, at an unreasonable time: a 1am departure from JFK to Mexico City.  This was my first experience flying Mexicana and was looking forward to some redeeming qualities.

We boarded the plane a full hour before departure time which made for a comfortable boarding and on time departure.  Cocktails and water were offered while on the ground.  I found the seats to be comfortable albeit somewhat worn out and dirty.  The forward bathroom was in dire need of a fix up.

When we reached cruising altitude, two types of hot dinner entrees were offered.  Unfortunately, I was too tired to eat and did not see nor partake in dinner, but it smelled pretty good.  I reclined my seat and slept until 45 minutes before landing in Mexico City.

Not only was there no pre-arrival cabin service, passengers were not even asked to return their seats to the upright position.  The flight attendant did not collect any service items that were used during flight.  I landed in Mexico City with my seat in full recline and  glass of water on my center console!  Passengers should not have to be asked to prepare for landing, but surprising behavior from an otherwise accommodating, friendly flight crew.

Does Mexicana belong?  According to the obvious requirements, financial and passenger convenience, yes.  According to Mr. Arpey’s standards, well, that remains to be seen and we can debate… for now.