Mexicana initiated operations on July 12, 1921 when it assumed operation of the Mexico City–Tampico–Tuxpan route previously run by the Mexican government. The airline soon after secured a contract with the federal mail service as a mail carrier and quickly added scheduled passenger service thereafter. The airline achieved financial and operational success in the 1940s and1950s, growing rapidly at home and abroad. Direct service to Chicago was initiated during this period, as was service to San Antonio and additional flying in and out of Los Angeles. From its first days, through the beginnings of the jet era, and into the present, Mexicana has a well-deserved reputation for technical excellence and as an aviation innovator. In the 21 st century, Mexican has been a leader in the creation of marketing and operational alliances, both globally and bilaterally. The success of these relationships has allowed Mexicana to expand its scope and the appeal of its service to customers.