2020’s Impact on Aerospace

This week, we report on the declining numbers in traffic at the Mexico City International Airport, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the aviation sector, with flight companies in Mexico reporting bankruptcy. However, the Ministry of Tourism in Mexico remains positive, expecting better numbers in 2021, with really optimistic and more conservative scenarios being forecast. Also, the Iranian government will compensate families of victims from an Ukrainian downed plane.

In other news, scientists at Oxford have devised a way to transform CO2 into jet fuel. Also, the EU hopes to resolve a 16-year-long aircraft dispute it has not settled with the US during Biden’s future presidency.

This and more in your weekly aerospace roundup!

AICM Reports 57.2 Percent Drop in Traffic in 2020

Although passenger numbers have risen in the last few months, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) still reported a 57.2 percent lower travel ratio between January and November 2020, compared to the same period last year, highlighting the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s aviation and tourism industries. Mexico’s airlines have suffered from the pandemic and health restrictions with some even reporting bankruptcy.

What Will Happen to Mexican Tourism in 2021?

The Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR) released its forecast for 2021 concerning tourism and flying rates. The ministry has presented optimistic, conservative and pessimistic scenarios while taking into consideration everything that has happened with COVID-19 in Mexico’s aviation industry.

International

Iran government will compensate the families of a downed plane

A Ukrainian plane was downed on Jan. 8, 2020, by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Iranian government has announced that it will give US$150,000 to each family of the 176 victims.
Oxford Transforms CO2 Into Jet Fuel

Scientists at the University of Oxford in England announced that they devised a method to produce carbon-neutral jet fuel fixing carbon dioxide (CO2).

EU Wants Swift Resolution of Aircraft Dispute With Biden

The European Commission said that new US tariffs on EU products have disrupted ongoing negotiations with the US and hopes to find a quick solution to a 16-year-long dispute over aircraft subsidies. The Commission hopes to find a solution with the newly elected president Joe Biden, hoping to be able to negotiate as early as his term commences.

Singapore Airlines Close to Restarting MAX Flights

Singapore Airlines has transferred one of its six Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to Singapore’s Changi International Airport, indicating reactivation of its services in the near future.  The Airline has received permission from the government to fly again, although the authorization has not been made public yet.