China Bans Boeing Amid Trade War: The Week in Aerospace

This week in aerospace news, trade tensions escalate as China blocks Boeing deliveries and US parts, adding pressure to a global aerospace sector already strained by tariffs and supply chain issues. Meanwhile, Mexico updates aviation regulations and announces plans for a major MRO facility investment. Blue Origin makes history with an all-women commercial spaceflight.

Get ready for takeoff – This is the Week in Aerospace!

Gulfstream's G800 Gets FAA, EASA Certification After Delays

Gulfstream Aerospace, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has received type certification from both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its G800 business jet. 

FAA Shuts Down NY Helicopter After Deadly Hudson Crash

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the immediate shutdown of New York Helicopter, the operator of the Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River on Apr. 10, killing six people. Among the victims were five members of a Spanish family and the American pilot. The company ceased operations amid heightened scrutiny from federal authorities and public officials.

Airbus Keeps Forecast, Warns of Tariff and Supply Chain Risks

Airbus has reiterated its annual forecast but cautioned that it is closely assessing the potential effects of tariffs on the aerospace sector, alongside ongoing supply chain disruptions. CEO Guillaume Faury informed shareholders that the company is examining how these challenges could impact operations, especially as aircraft demand continues to grow amid escalating trade tensions.

Ryanair Weighs COMAC C919, Denies Active Interest in Deal

Ryanair weighed COMAC C919 to replace Boeing 737 amid US tariffs but clarified it is not actively pursuing Chinese aircraft, citing misinterpretation. This consideration stems from anticipated cost increases for Boeing 737 operations due to US tariffs. 

Mexico Updates Aviation Rules to Align with Global Standards

Mexico has enacted four new regulatory measures and one addition to strengthen its civil aviation sector. These measures were published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) and are part of an administrative agreement issued by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), under the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT), led by Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina.

China Blocks Boeing, US Parts as Trade Tensions Escalate

China has ordered its airlines to suspend deliveries of all Boeing aircraft in response to the latest round of US tariffs on Chinese imports, which impose duties as high as 145%, according to multiple reports citing individuals familiar with the matter. The directive also extends to US-sourced aviation components, further escalating trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.

Blue Origin's New Shepard Flies Katy Perry in All-Women Crew

Blue Origin’s New Shepard program completed its 11th human flight on Apr. 14, 2025, marking the first all-female crewed commercial spaceflight since 1963. The mission reached the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km above Earth—and successfully returned to Blue Origin’s West Texas launch site after an 11-minute journey.

Airlines Target Wealthy Travelers Amid Weaker Demand

As airlines face weaker demand for both domestic and international travel due to the effects of President Donald Trump's trade policies, carriers are increasingly shifting their focus to wealthier travelers—a segment that has shown consistent revenue growth.

US Army Issues Memo on ADS-B Use After Reagan Collision Probe

The US Army has submitted a previously withheld memo to the Senate Commerce Committee regarding its use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology in the National Capital Region. The release follows an ongoing congressional investigation into a fatal midair collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Eagle commercial aircraft near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Jan. 29, 2025. The crash claimed 67 lives.

Mexico’s Space Agency Warns of Governance Risks in ATDT Shift

Personnel from the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) have voiced concerns over the proposed transfer of the agency’s functions to the newly created Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT), warning that the move could dismantle Mexico’s space governance structure and jeopardize international commitments.

Aerospace Faces Tariff, Supply Chain, and Parts Shortage Issues

The aerospace industry continues to face uncertainty as tariffs are imposed and withdrawn, compounding existing challenges like supply chain disruptions and parts shortages. The unpredictable tariff landscape has heightened concerns over delivery delays and slowed production.

Mexico to Invest MX$1.5 Billion in Former Mexicana MRO Facility

Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is preparing a MX$1.5 billion investment plan to acquire the former Mexicana de Aviación maintenance base (MRO), through Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA). The facility, located at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) ceased operations a decade ago, but remains one of the few valuable assets held by former employees of the defunct airline.