EI-DRA departs from Los Angeles prior to the hijacking. Copyright Photo: Michael Carter.

AeroMexico (Mexico City) had its flight AM 576 from Cancun to Mexico City hijacked today by a Bolivian hijacker demanding to speak to Mexican president Felipe Calderon. The Boeing 737-852 EI-DRA (msn 35114) landed safely at MEX. Security forces surrounded the aircraft and a group of suspects were apprehended for questioning but only one was determined to be the hijacker. The aircraft had 104 people on board and was relocated to a remote spot at MEX. The hijacker was threatening to blow up the airliner but never entered the cockpit and quickly surrendered. Later he stated God told him to hijack the aircraft. All of the 104 passengers (minus the hijacker) and seven crew were rescued.

Hours later AeroMexico issued this press release:

finance.yahoo.com/news/AeroMexico-Media-Statement-bw-4075449969.html?x=0&.v=1