AIFA Cargo Theft Rises as AICM Traffic Falls, New Routes Emerge

This week in aerospace news: Mexico cargo theft is rising along key access routes to AIFAs; AICM sees continued passenger decline in 2025 due to government policies, restrictions, and infrastructure works. Meanwhile, Mexico unveiled new domestic and international air routes at FITUR 2026 to strengthen connectivity ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Ryanair Raises FY2026 Forecast as Capacity Improves as the carrier lifts its FY2026 traffic outlook on improved Boeing deliveries and resilient European demand; RTX posts higher 4Q25 revenue and profit driven by strong Pratt & Whitney engine sales and growing aftermarket services as airlines keep older fleets flying; Embraer targets nearly a 30% increase in jet deliveries to around 100 aircraft per year as regional jet demand supports a return to pre-pandemic output; GE Aerospace forecasts 2026 earnings above expectations on high-margin aftermarket demand.

More news below:

Allegiant–Sun Country Merger Creates New US Leisure Carrier

Allegiant Travel Company and Sun Country Airlines announced a definitive merger agreement that will create a leading leisure-focused airline in the United States. Under the agreement, Allegiant will acquire Sun Country in a  cash-and-stock transaction that values Sun Country at an implied US$18.89 per share.

Women Hold 42% of Aviation Jobs but Lag in Senior Roles: IATA

Women accounted for 41.6% of the global aviation workforce in 2024, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscoring gradual progress toward gender balance while highlighting persistent gaps in technical and flight deck roles. The figures were published as part of IATA’s “25by2025” initiative, launched in 2019 to improve female representation across the air transport sector.

Cargo Theft Near AIFA Grows, State of Mexico Tops Incidents

Mexican transport operators and local authorities are reporting a rise in cargo theft along key access routes to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), particularly on the Mexico–Pachuca highway (85/85D), connections to the Circuito Exterior Mexiquense (CEM), and feeder roads serving Tecámac, Zumpango, Nextlalpan, Tonanitla and Ecatepec in the State of Mexico, as well as Tizayuca in Hidalgo.

Airbus Prioritizes Production Stability Amid Delivery Pressures

Airbus’ new commercial aircraft CEO said production stability will be his top priority as airlines and leasing companies push for improved delivery performance, while also signaling openness to a larger version of the A220 jet. Lars Wagner made the comments on Jan. 26 at the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, his first public appearance since taking the role on Jan. 1.

Ryanair Raises FY2026 Forecast as Capacity Improves

Ryanair raised its full-year passenger and pricing outlook after receiving initial aircraft deliveries from Boeing, signaling improved capacity planning as demand for air travel in Europe remains strong. The Irish low-cost carrier said traffic in fiscal year 2026 is expected to rise 4% to nearly 208 million passengers, above the 207 million forecast issued in November, supported by better aircraft availability and sustained consumer demand.

RTX 4Q25 Profit Rises on Pratt & Whitney Engine Demand

RTX reported higher fourth-quarter revenue and profit, supported by increased engine sales and sustained demand for aircraft maintenance and repair services, according to results released Jan. 26. The aerospace and defense group said performance was driven primarily by its Pratt & Whitney engine business and steady growth in aftermarket services, as airlines continue operating older fleets amid aircraft delivery constraints.

Mexico Unveils New Air Routes at FITUR Ahead of World Cup 2026

Mexico reinforced its aviation and connectivity strategy during the International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) 2026 in Madrid, announcing new international and domestic air routes as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Canada. Federal and state authorities, airport operators, and airline executives used the event to outline capacity expansions and partnership agreements aimed at strengthening tourism flows, business travel, and regional economic integration.

Embraer Targets Nearly 30% Jump in Jet Deliveries

Embraer plans to increase commercial aircraft deliveries by nearly 30% over the next two years as rising demand for regional jets supports a return to pre-pandemic production levels, according to the company’s commercial aviation chief. Speaking ahead of the Airline Economics conference in Dublin, Embraer Commercial Aviation CEO Arjan Meijer said the Brazilian planemaker is targeting about 100 aircraft deliveries per year, up from 78 jets delivered in 2025.

Aeroméxico, CDMX Tourism Boost City’s 2026 World Cup Profile

Aeroméxico and the Mexico City Tourism Promotion Trust signed a letter of intent at FITUR 2026 in Madrid to jointly promote the Mexican capital as a global destination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The agreement emphasizes air connectivity, international visibility, and coordinated tourism campaigns during a year expected to drive higher inbound travel. The tournament will be hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

GE Aerospace Expects Profits to Beat 2026 Forecasts

GE Aerospace forecast 2026 profit above market expectations, supported by sustained demand for high-margin aftermarket parts and services as airlines increase maintenance spending amid ongoing aircraft supply constraints. The Ohio-based company expects adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for 2026 to range between US$7.10 and US$7.40, compared with the average analyst estimate of US$7.11, according to LSEG data. The company also projected adjusted revenue growth in the low double-digit percentage range. 

AICM Extends Multi-Year Passenger Decline in 2025

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) closed 2025 with more than 44.6 million passengers, extending a decline in traffic that industry analysts attribute to government policy decisions, operational restrictions and ongoing infrastructure works ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Aeroméxico Targets 9% Growth on Spain Routes in 1H26

Grupo Aeroméxico plans to increase its connectivity with Spain by 9% in 1H26, driven by the launch of new long-haul routes and higher frequencies on existing services, company executives said at the FITUR international tourism fair in Madrid.

Spirit Airlines in Talks With Castlelake Amid Chapter 11

Spirit Airlines is in talks with alternative investment firm Castlelake over a potential takeover as the US low-cost carrier seeks a path forward from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to people familiar with the matter. The discussions come as Spirit continues negotiations with creditors and explores strategic options following its bankruptcy filing in August 2025—its second Chapter 11 filing in a single year.

North America Airfares Rise Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Airfare prices across North America are rising sharply as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, adding a significant cost barrier for fans already facing inflated ticket prices. Data from Mexico, the United States and Canada show that dynamic pricing, seasonal demand and higher airport fees are converging to push flight costs well above historical norms months before the tournament begins.

ASUR Secures Shareholder Backing for 20-Airport Acquisition

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) has secured shareholder approval to proceed with the acquisition of a portfolio of 20 airports across Brazil and three other countries, authorizing the company to finance and execute a transaction that would significantly expand its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mexico’s AIFA Pushes Growth Strategy Amid Transport Constraints

Mexico’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is seeking to strengthen its position in the passenger market as it approaches four years of operations, but limited ground transportation remains the main obstacle to broader growth.

DOJ Flights to Mexico City Linked to Ryan Wedding Case

Aircraft operated by the US Department of Justice  (DOJ) conducted at least five documented operations at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) over the past week, coinciding with the transfer of Ryan James Wedding, a former Olympic athlete accused of large-scale drug trafficking linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, according to official flight records and confirmations from Mexican aviation personnel.

FAA Permanently Limits Helicopter Flights Near Reagan Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has permanently restricted helicopter and powered-lift operations in airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), formalizing emergency measures initially imposed after a fatal midair collision in January 2025 and fully implementing urgent safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Volaris and Viva Aerobus Merger: A Real Test of CNA Independence

“In December 2025, Volaris and Viva Aerobus CEOs announced the merger between the two airlines. This is set to become the first truly emblematic case for Mexico’s new Comisión Nacional Antimonopolio (CNA.) Beyond its commercial logic, scale, fleet synergies and cost efficiencies in a constrained global aviation market, the transaction concentrates an unprecedented share of domestic capacity under a single corporate group, while attracting open political attention. This combination makes it a defining test of whether the CNA can exercise technical rigor and institutional independence in its first major concentration review,” says Ivan Szymanski, Partner, Vázquez Tercero & Zepeda

Ex-Canadian Crew Member Accused of Fraudulently Claiming Flights

US federal prosecutors say a former Canadian flight attendant fraudulently obtained hundreds of free flights from three US airlines over four years by posing as a pilot and as an active airline employee, exploiting travel privileges designed for working flight crews. The case centers on Dallas Pokornik, 33, a Toronto native who was arrested in Panama, extradited to the United States, and charged with wire fraud in federal court in Hawaii, according to court records and statements from US authorities.