Aeroméxico-Delta Alliance at Risk: Aero Week

This week in aerospace news: The US Department of Transportation (DOT) challenged Mexico’s aviation policies and plans to revoke Aeroméxico and Delta’s antitrust immunity by October 2025, citing violations of the bilateral air transport agreement. In response, Mexico’s SICT reported operational improvements at AICM and AIFA. IATA urged both governments to resolve the dispute to preserve the agreement.
Meanwhile, US airlines have seen a 14% increase in premium cabin seats since 2019, and Mexico’s PROFECO recovered over MX$260,000 in passenger complaints. Mexicana will launch its first E195-E2 flight in August, while NASA staff protested proposed budget cuts, citing safety concerns.

More news below:

Katya Echazarreta Launches 2nd Aerospace Camp

From July 21 to Aug. 1, 2025, 140 students aged 13 to 19 from Mexico and across Latin America are taking part in the second edition of the “Código Europa” Aerospace Camp, organized by the Katya Echazarreta Foundation. The program spans multiple venues in Mexico City and Morelos, including the Papalote Children’s Museum in Cuernavaca and Chapultepec, the Museum of Science of Morelos, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), and the National Technological Institute of Mexico.

NASA Staff Warn of Safety Risks Over Budget Cuts

A formal protest is unfolding within NASA as nearly 300 current and former employees have signed the "Voyager Declaration," a letter  addressed to Acting Administrator Sean Duffy. The letter strongly opposes the significant budget cuts and policy changes proposed under the Trump administration. According to the letter, these changes jeopardize astronaut safety, waste public resources, and undermine NASA’s core scientific mission.

IATA Calls on Mexico and US to Save Aviation Pact

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on the governments of Mexico and the United States to engage in dialogue to resolve their ongoing air service dispute, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the bilateral agreement vital to the aviation industry.

US Airlines Boost Premium Cabin Sales Amid Soft Demand

US airlines are increasingly relying on premium cabins to boost profits amid soft demand in the main cabin. Data from Visual Approach Analytics shows a 14% increase in US premium seats since 2019—more than three times the growth in main cabin seating. 

PROFECO Recovers MX$260,000 in Airline Complaints This Summer

Since the summer vacation period began on July 11, Mexico’s Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) has issued 1,849 advisories to travelers and recovered over MX$260,000 (US$14,000) for airline-related complaints.

Mexicana Debuts E195-E2, Cuts Fuel Use by 29%

Mexicana is set to begin commercial flights with its first Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on Aug. 25, 2025, launching service between Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Tulum International Airport. 

Airbus Considers Ending A319neo Production Amid Low Demand

Airbus is reviewing whether to halt production of the A319neo, the smallest aircraft in the A320neo family, due to persistently low demand and reduced profitability compared to its larger counterparts. Since its launch in 2010, the A319neo has received only 57 orders over 15 years, with many from a limited group of Chinese carriers.

DOT Targets AICM Policies, Seeks to End Aeroméxico-Delta Alliance

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has  raised complaints against Mexico over aviation policies affecting US carriers, citing violations of the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement. The DOT highlighted operational changes at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and the forced cargo relocation to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) as key actions harming US airlines. It also announced a preliminary decision to revoke the antitrust immunity of the Aeroméxico-Delta Air Lines alliance, effective Oct. 25, 2025.

SICT Responds to US on AIFA, AICM Operational Shifts

The Mexican Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) outlined improvements at Mexico City’s two main airports in response to recent observations from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding compliance with the bilateral aviation agreement. The federal government reported operational gains at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and growth at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), citing measurable efficiency improvements following adjustments in airport operations.

Aerus CEO Calls for Mexico Regional Aviation Policy

Javier Herrera García, CEO, Mexican regional airline Aerus, has called for the creation of a state policy to support the country’s regional aviation sector. “We are one of the few economically developed countries without support for regional aviation,” Herrera said during a press briefing. He cited international models such as the US Essential Air Service (EAS) and government-backed subsidies in Spain and Brazil as examples Mexico could follow.

Guadalajara Airport Tests LiDAR to Track Passenger Flow

The Guadalajara International Airport has conducted a pilot test of LiDAR 3D technology—a laser-based mapping system designed to optimize terminal operations by monitoring passenger flow in real time. Developed by tech firm Outsight, the system uses laser sensors to anonymously track movement from arrival to boarding gates, capturing only silhouettes and not facial details.

SAF Could Cut Airline Emissions 60% in LatAm by 2050

If Latin American airlines adopt sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), emissions could fall by up to 60% compared to business-as-usual projections, according to a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The study–funded by LATAM Airlines Group and Airbus—was unveiled at F-Air Colombia 2025 and examines feedstock availability, production costs, emissions impacts, and policy frameworks.