AICM Launches Renovations Ahead of FIFA 2026 World Cup: Aero Week

This week in aerospace news: Mexicana de Aviación is making a major comeback with 20 new Embraer jets after reporting MX$1.4 billion in losses. Mexico City’s AICM has begun renovating 4,300 m² of Terminal 1’s Concourse B in preparation for FIFA 2026. International air travel by Mexican residents increased 9.9% in early 2025, reaching 2.39 million passengers. At the Paris Air Show, Chihuahua promoted aerospace investment opportunities, while a 600% surge in global aviation cyberattacks raised alarms. In the United States, Trump called for expedited eVTOL certification, and Honeywell achieved a milestone in autonomous helicopter flight technology.

Mexicana de Aviación Plans Comeback With 20 Embraer Jets

After reporting losses of up to MX$1.4 billion, government-owned Mexicana de Aviación is set for a major revival with the acquisition of 20 Embraer aircraft. The new fleet will include 10 E190-E2 jets seating 108 passengers and 10 E195-E2 jets seating 132. The first five aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Mexico on June 26, 2025, with the remainder expected by 2027.

Chihuahua Courts Aerospace Investment at Paris Air Show

The State of Chihuahua engaged in over 50 business meetings with aerospace industry leaders at the 2025 Paris Air Show, advancing its strategy to attract high-tech investment and bolster advanced manufacturing. The delegation focused on companies specializing in avionics, composite materials, advanced technologies, and training centers, seeking to forge new partnerships and grow existing operations in the region.

Airlines Halt Middle East Flights Amid US-Iran Tensions

Airlines are halting flights to the Middle East, with several governments directing national carriers to repatriate citizens following US military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday.

AICM Begins Renovations Ahead of FIFA 2026 Amid Delays

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has officially started the renovation of Terminal 1’s Concourse B, a 4,300m² space primarily serving domestic travelers. The remodeling aims to enhance the passenger experience through modern furniture, safer finishes, and more comfortable waiting areas. According to AICM, the work began this week and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2025.

Airlines, Airports Face 600% Rise in Cyberattacks Worldwide

Cyberattacks targeting the global aviation supply chain  have surged by 600% over the past year, according to a report by defense and cybersecurity firm Thales. The study, “Cyberthreats on the Aviation Sector,” was unveiled at the 2025 Paris Air Show and is based on intelligence and incident reports from January 2024 to April 2025.

SpaceX to Clean Playa Bagdad Debris Amid Mexico Investigation

Mexican authorities have initiated a formal investigation into debris reportedly linked to a recent SpaceX Starship rocket launch. Metal fragments and components were discovered scattered along Playa Bagdad in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Matamoros Mayor Alberto Granados confirmed that SpaceX has established contact with the local administration and communicated its intention of hiring a company to clean the beach.  

IATA Projects US$36 Billion Airline Profit in 2025

The National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO) and the Federal Consumer Protection Office (PROFECO) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance commercial practices in Mexico's airline sector and safeguard consumer rights through increased transparency and access to accurate information.

Trump Urges Quick eVTOL Certification to Boost US Air Mobility

President Donald Trump has directed US regulators to expedite the certification process for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), aiming to position the United States ahead of Asia in the rapidly emerging air mobility sector. The directive, announced this month, follows recent milestones as key eVTOL manufacturers secure significant contracts with the US military.

Honeywell, Near Earth Achieve First Autonomous Helicopter Flight

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy successfully conducted the first fully autonomous test flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter in May 2025. The milestone flight, held in Phoenix, Arizona, used a Honeywell-owned aircraft and marked a significant advancement in support of the US Marine Corps' Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program.

Mexican Air Travelers Abroad Rose 9.9% in Early 2025

In the first four months of 2025, 2.39 million Mexican residents traveled abroad by air, marking a record high for the period, according to data from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). This represents a 9.9% increase compared to the 2.17 million who traveled internationally by air during the same period in 2024.