Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport Kicks Off: The Week in Aerospace

President López Obrador inaugurated Quintana Roo’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, which has a 3,700m runway. Meanwhile, United Airlines unveiled a US$2.6 billion expansion focusing on EU flights, aiming to add 800 new planes to its fleet by 2032. In other news, Volaris secured compensation from Pratt & Whitney for faulty engines, which caused a 2.2% capacity drop in November.

Reader, prepare for liftoff! This is the Week in Aerospace:

Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport is Ready to Take Off

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador inaugurated Quintana Roo’s new airport on Dec. 1. López Obrador highlighted the airport's extensive features, noting its 3,700m runway, which is one of the country's largest. Over 17,000 job opportunities were created during its construction, along with the deployment of 1,000 units of heavy military machinery.

United Airlines Announces US$2.6 Billion Expansion Project

United Airlines unveiled an expansion project that includes numerous non-stop flights and the renovation of its facilities in Houston, Texas. United Airlines is making several investments to renew its infrastructure and fleet, such as the inauguration of its new Airbus A321neo, featuring a cutting-edge cabin interior and more. This aircraft marks the first of about 800 new planes set to join United Airlines fleet by 2032.

Volaris, Pratt & Whitney Reach Agreement on Faulty Engines

Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris has sealed a compensation deal with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for the removal of defective engines from its fleet. The agreement ensures that Volaris will receive compensation for each unit requiring extraction due to ongoing mandatory inspection rounds. The GTF engines, subject to these inspections due to the discovery of a rare metal powder defect in certain parts, led to a 2.2% reduction in the airline's capacity in November compared to the same period last year, as reported in a statement released by Volaris.