Mexican Aerospace Sector Moving Ahead

Canadian OEM Bombardier will expand operations in Queretaro, positioning Mexico as a strategic hub for the planemaker and highlighting the state’s qualified workforce and technological capacities. Meanwhile, Mexican universities will collaborate under the coordination of the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) and NASA on a new satellite project.

Buckle up! This is the Week in Aerospace!

Mexico’s Category 2 Safety Rating Continues to Harm Aviation

Mexican airlines were estimated to lose 65 percent of their revenue, equivalent to US$9.32 billion, as a result of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) downgrade Mexico’s airspace to Category 2, reports the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Mexico's GDP would also see US$7 billion less due to the downgrade and the country would lose over 170,000 direct jobs and almost 780,000 indirect ones, added IATA. 

Viva Aerobus, Allegiant Submit New Joint Venture Proposal to DoT

Expecting Mexico’s airspace to regain the Category 1 rank soon, ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) Allegiant and Viva Aerobus submitted a new proposal to the US Department of Transportation (DoT) to expedite the approval of a cross-border joint venture.

The partnership between both carriers, which was announced in December 2021 as a fully-integrated Commercial Alliance Agreement, was designed to “dramatically expand options for nonstop leisure air travel between the US and Mexico, while lowering fares to make travel more accessible and affordable for residents of both nations,” according to Viva Aerobus.

Bombardier to Increase Production at Queretaro Plant

Bombardier announced that it will increase production of aerospace parts at its manufacturing facilities in Queretaro, positioning Mexico as a strategic hub for the company.

“We are very pleased with the workforce Bombardier has in Mexico because they have been able to do quality work, which has made it possible to have high-end aircraft, such as the Global 7500,” said Eric Martel, CEO, Bombardier.

Mexico, NASA to Collaborate on Satellite Project

Mexican universities will work on the “AztechSat Constellation” project under the coordination of AEM and NASA, aiming to develop new generation sustainable satellites that protect marine fauna.

The universities that will participate on the project are UNAM, Universidad Panamericana, Universidad Nacional Aeronáutica de Querétaro (UNAQ), Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) and Universidad Politécnica de Querétaro (UPQ).

FAA Approves New Unleaded Aviation Fuel

The FAA approved the use of Supplemental Type Certificates, which will permit the use of General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s 100-octane unleaded fuel in every general spark-ignition engine. The move is being hailed by the sector as a step forward in the transition to the use of fuels without lead. 

Engine Incident Investigation to Last Two Months: Viva Aerobus

Investigations of the engine failure incident that occurred during a Guadalajara-Los Angeles flight on Aug. 23, 2022, will be carried out by planemaker Airbus and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney during the following two months, said Juan Carlos Zuazua, Director General, Viva Aerobus.

Viva Aerobus Announces New Loyalty, Rewards Program

Viva Aerobus announced “Doters,” its first loyalty and reward program, which will enable clients to accumulate points every time they travel. Doters Points will be redeemable for new flights, additional services and bus tickets, among other services within the Doters ally network.