Flights Hit by Violence; AIFA Rail Nears Launch

This week in aerospace news: Violence linked to CJNG following the death of Nemesio Oseguera “El Mencho” triggered flight suspensions and erased US$1.63 billion in market value from airport operators and airlines. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced that the Mexico City rail link to Felipe Ángeles International Airport will launch before Easter. Operational controls also tightened at Mexico City International Airport, where enforcement actions at Terminals 1 and 2 resulted in 1,839 violations and 51 vehicle impoundments aimed at improving traffic flow.

Meanwhile, Aeroméxico warned that any extension beyond 2026 of US slot restrictions imposed by the US Department of Transportation could constrain growth at AICM and AIFA.

More news below:

Mexico City–AIFA Rail to Launch Before Easter

Mexico City’s rail connection to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is set to begin operations before Easter, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced, marking the first operational milestone of the government’s Northern Passenger Train program. Sheinbaum highlighted coordinated progress across multiple rail projects and acknowledged residents’ cooperation in clearing 24.89 million square meters of right-of-way for the Mexico City–Queretaro, Queretaro–Irapuato, Saltillo–Nuevo Laredo and AIFA–Pachuca lines.

e-SAF to Deliver 40% of SAF by 2050, Scale-Up Hurdles

Electro-sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) is projected to supply more than 40% of total sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand by 2050, positioning it as a cornerstone of long-term aviation decarbonization. However, the pathway from projection to production remains highly uncertain. No commercial-scale e-SAF facility is currently operational, and project pipelines face mounting economic and infrastructure constraints that could create supply bottlenecks well before 2030.

Aeroméxico Flags Risks if US Extends Slot Curbs

Aeroméxico warned it could face operational constraints if US authorities extend beyond 2026 the current restrictions on expanding routes and frequencies from Mexico City airports. CEO Andrés Conesa Labastida said the company would encounter “a problem” if limits imposed by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) remain in place for flights from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The measures affect Aeroméxico’s ability to grow in its primary hub market.

Mexico Strengthens Supply Chains Amid Geopolitical Strains

“While the immediate pandemic effects have faded, the supply chain vulnerabilities it exposed remain. Many suppliers still face raw material shortages and logistical inefficiencies. To mitigate these issues, AMP works with over 600 suppliers globally, maintaining dynamic, frequently updated digital catalogs to ensure real-time part availability,” says Juan Carlos Flores, Senior Sourcing & Supplier Relations Manager, AMP.

Mexico’s CJNG Violence Halts Flights, Erases MX$28 Billion

Mexico’s financial and operational sectors faced significant disruptions on Feb. 22 following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). A coordinated wave of violent unrest, including blockades and attacks on commercial sites, led to the suspension of hundreds of flights and caused airport and airline stocks to lose more than MX$28 billion (US$1.63 billion) in market value in a single day, while retail chains implemented emergency closures in affected regions.

Airbus Unveils NGRC Concepts for NATO Fleet

Airbus Helicopters has unveiled two rotorcraft concepts aimed at shaping the future of NATO’s medium-lift helicopter fleet under the alliance’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program. The announcement outlines both a conventional high-performance helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft, reflecting alternative pathways to replace aging medium-lift fleets expected to retire from 2035 onward.

Aeroméxico Revenue Hits US$5.3 Billion; Profit Falls 43% in 2025

Aeroméxico closed 2025 with total revenue of US$5.3 billion, down 4.6% from US$5.6 billion in 2024, according to its latest annual financial report. Net income fell to US$351.9 million, a 43% decline from US$617.5 million the previous year, reflecting margin compression despite revenue remaining above the US$5 billion threshold.

AICM Steps Up Enforcement at Terminals 1 and 2

A mobility enforcement operation carried out during January and early February at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) resulted in 1,839 traffic violations, 51 vehicle impoundments and more than 600 towing actions, according to official figures released by Grupo Aeroportuario Marina and local authorities. The initiative, implemented across Terminals 1 and 2, was designed to improve traffic flow and safety in one of the country’s busiest transportation hubs.

Airbus Cuts A320neo Output, Pressures Pratt & Whitney

Airbus has lowered its near-term production targets for its best-selling A320neo aircraft family and signaled potential contractual action against engine supplier Pratt & Whitney, citing what it described as a failure to meet agreed delivery commitments. The remarks were made during the company’s latest annual results presentation and subsequent disclosures.