Mexican Airlines Grow 3.7%; AICM Calls for Long-Term Funds

This week in aerospace news: Mexican airlines reported a 3.7% year-over-year increase in passenger traffic between January and May 2025, reaching 51.3 million travelers. Regionally, Latin America’s aviation market is projected to grow by 5.8% in 2025, though IATA warns of persistent challenges, including high taxation and infrastructure shortfalls. Meanwhile, industry leaders emphasize that Mexico City’s AICM requires long-term investment beyond current renovations to address chronic structural issues.

More news below:

AICM Needs Long-Term Solutions Beyond Temporary Fixes: ALTA

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is grappling with structural challenges that cannot be resolved through its ongoing renovations, according to Peter Cerdá, Director General, Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) and IATA vice president for the Americas. Speaking to El Financiero, Cerdá emphasized that “AICM has been overwhelmed for years” and stressed the need for long-term investment and planning beyond the temporary fixes currently in progress.

Iran Attacks Push Jet Fuel Prices Above Brent, Hit Aviation: IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that recent attacks on nuclear sites in Iran have driven jet fuel prices higher than increases in Brent crude oil, significantly impacting global aviation fuel markets. The price surge has been particularly pronounced in Europe and Africa, regions heavily reliant on energy imports from the Middle East.

SpaceX Seeks Mexico’s Aid to Recover Starship Debris

SpaceX reported difficulties recovering debris from the Starship explosion near the US-Mexico border and has requested assistance from Mexican authorities. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her administration is investigating the security and environmental impact of rocket launches in Tamaulipas and is conducting a review to determine any violations of international law. 

Russia Imports €1 Billion in Aircraft Parts, Dodging Sanctions

Russia imported at least €$1 billion (US$1.18 million dollars.) worth of aircraft components from foreign suppliers between February 2022 and September 2024, according to an investigation by Finnish broadcaster Yle. The imports included €600 million in Airbus parts and €400 million in Boeing components, circumventing sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Mexican Airlines See 3.7% YoY Passenger Growth in 2025

Airlines operating in Mexico transported 51.3 million passengers on regular flights between January and May 2025, reflecting a 3.7% year-over-year increase, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). This growth outpaces the 2.2% growth increase recorded during the same period in 2024.

CONALEP Partners With FEMIA at FAMEX to Boost Aerospace Workforce

Mexico’s National College of Technical Professional Education (CONALEP) has strengthened its role in the country’s aerospace sector through strategic partnerships and student-driven innovation showcased at the 2025 Mexico Aerospace Fair (FAMEX). The institution signed a cooperation agreement with the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA) and formed five new alliances with national and international organizations to enhance technical education and student integration into the aerospace workforce.

Latin America’s Aviation to Grow 5.8% in 2025, IATA Reports

Latin America's commercial aviation sector is projected to grow by 5.8% in 2025, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), according to Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President, lInternational Air Transport Association (IATA). Speaking at the “Wings of Change Americas” event in Bogota, Colombia, Cerdá emphasized that growth is constrained by high taxation, inadequate infrastructure, and political instability across the region.