XA-BEM  Lockheed 10A Electra                                        (c/n 1004)

                                    

                                         Several airlines established themselves in Mexico in the 1920s and early 30s. with limited amounts
                                         of success.   Most of these were promoted by airline interests in the US, notably Pan American,
                                         American and United.   Aerovias Centrales, S.A. was founded by PanAm in 1932 initially with
                                         Fokker F-10As and Fairchild 71s for shorter routes.  In 1934 three Lockheed Orions were
                                         acquired along with five Lockheed 10As.  The first of these is seen above in this Lockheed photo
                                         taken at Los Angeles' Grand Central Air Terminal probably on delivery.   Aerovias Centrales
                                         flew routes north from Mexico City to Ciudad Juarez and Nogales, but did not cross the border
                                         into the US.     Most of the fleet was purchased new by PanAm and then sent to Mexico for
                                         registration.