DOJ Supports Ending Delta–Aeroméxico JV Immunity: Aero Week

This week in aerospace news: The US Department of Justice supported ending antitrust immunity for the Delta–Aeroméxico joint venture. Meanwhile, Aeroméxico reported a 3.1% decline in passenger traffic from January to July 2025, while Volaris posted a 6.8% increase. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg marked his first year in the role, focusing on stabilizing operations amid ongoing challenges.

China advanced its lunar mission with a successful test of the Lanyue lander. OMA confirmed progress toward achieving its 66% emissions reduction target by 2030. Mexico began a MX$327 million expansion of Colima Airport ahead of its international designation. ANA became the first airline to deploy AI-based turbulence prediction, reporting 86% accuracy.

More news below:

ANA First to Use AI Turbulence Prediction at 86% Accuracy

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has become the first airline to implement an artificial intelligence-based turbulence prediction system across its fleet, developed by BlueWX in collaboration with Keio University. The model, built using deep learning techniques and a decade of turbulence data, has achieved an 86% accuracy rate and is designed to improve flight safety, passenger comfort, and operational reliability.

Boeing CEO Marks Year of Wins Amid Ongoing Challenges

One year after stepping in during one of  Boeing's most turbulent chapters, CEO Kelly Ortberg has slowed the company’s steep decline but now faces fresh operational and strategic hurdles. Ortberg, who came out of retirement to take the helm, has concentrated on stabilizing core operations, improving production quality, and tackling safety and transparency issues.

China Advances Moon Mission with Lanyue Lunar Module Test

China has conducted a key test for its manned lunar exploration program by simulating a full landing and takeoff of its new lunar module, Lanyue (“Embrace the Moon”), marking a significant step forward toward its goal of landing astronauts on the Moon before 2030.

OMA Aims for 66% Emissions Cut by 2030, Reports 2024 Progress

Grupo Aeropuertario del Centro Norte (OMA) has released its 2024 Sustainability report, confirming that the group is on track to achieve a 66% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2018 baseline levels. OMA operates major airports in Monterrey, Culiacan, Chihuahua, and 10 other cities across Mexico, and also reported progress on clean energy, water efficiency, and green financing.

Delta-Aeroméxico Pact Faces DOJ Push to End Immunity

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally supported termination antitrust immunity for the joint business agreement between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico. This move aligns with a preliminary decision by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and could disrupt over 1.8 million seats annually on transborder flights between the United States and Mexico.

Aeroméxico Passengers Down 3.1% Jan–Jul 2025

Aeroméxico reported a 3.1% year‑over‑year decline in passenger traffic from January through July 2025, transporting 14,355,000 passengers compared to 14,808,000 in the same period in 2024. The airline noted that international traffic increased 2.5%, while domestic traffic declined 5.7%.

Boeing’s Spirit AeroSystems Deal Expected to Close 4Q25

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Boeing’s US$4.7 billion all-stock acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, choosing not to proceed with a more extensive “phase 2” antitrust investigation. Announced on July 8, the CMA’s decision followed an initial review launched in June and eliminates a major regulatory obstacle for Boeing. The full text of the ruling is expected to be published soon.

Volaris Reports 6.8% Passenger Growth in Jan-Jul 2025

Volaris transported 13.1 million passengers from January through July 2025, a 6.8% increase compared to the 12.3 million passengers carried during the same period in 2024, according to its latest monthly traffic report submitted to the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV).

Embraer to Add Starlink Internet to Praetor and Legacy Jets

Embraer has announced that it will begin offering Starlink satellite internet as a retrofit service for customers of its Praetor and Legacy executive jet models. The connectivity upgrade is being implemented in partnership with Nextant Aerospace, the engineering division of US-based aircraft provider Flexjet.

US Urges ICAO to Rename and Defund Gender Equality Program

The US government has formally requested that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rename its “Gender Equality Programme” to the “Empowerment Programme for Women” and discontinue using regular budget funds for the initiative under its current title. This request aligns with the Trump administration’s broader effort to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across various sectors, including aviation.

Colima Airport Expansion Begins Ahead of International Status

The federal government of Mexico has launched a MX$327 million (US$18.9 million) investment to expand the Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado National Airport in Buenavista, Colima. The move comes as President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration finalizes a decree to designate the terminal as an international airport.