Mexico City Faces 20% Air Traffic Increase: The Week in Aerospace

AFAC predicts a 20% air traffic surge over Mexico City, prompting the need for urgent solutions, while Volaris partners with Airbus to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels for a greener future. Meanwhile, Intuitive Machines sets its sights on lunar history with its Odysseus lander. Additionally, former Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler ventures into the space industry with her startup, Northwood Space.

Prepare for takeoff, this is the week in aerospace: 

AFAC Forecasts 20% Air Traffic Rise in Mexico City

Mexico City's skies are set for a 20% surge in air traffic by 2030, forecasts the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). Projections indicate an annual demand of 85-100 million passengers, surpassing the capacity of current airport proposals. AFAC's warning highlights the need for immediate, comprehensive solutions to address the strain on existing infrastructure, ensuring the region's aviation sector keeps pace with escalating demand and maintains efficient operations in the years ahead.

Disney Star Bridgit Mendler Launches Startup Northwood Space

Former Disney Channel star Bridgit Mendler is stepping into the space industry with her startup, Northwood Space, backed by major investors like Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz. The company plans to mass-produce ground stations (teleports) to enhance data transfer between Earth and space. Facing a surge in satellite numbers (projected 58,000 by 2030), Northwood Space aims to address the lagging ground infrastructure, providing rapid, efficient solutions for reliable satellite connections. The startup, co-founded by Mendler, her husband, and Shaurya Luthra, has secured $6.3 million in funding and plans its first satellite connection test by the end of 2024.

Super Bowl LVIII Brings 882 Private Jets to Las Vegas

Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas saw an arrival of 882 private jets, the second-largest gathering in the city's history. Notable flights included Taylor Swift's 13-hour journey from Tokyo, sparking environmental concerns due to increased pollution from private planes. Limited parking led to diversions to nearby airports, highlighting the common "drop and go" practice. The surge in private jet travel has faced criticism for its significant carbon footprint, raising questions about environmental responsibility, especially among celebrities and high-profile individuals. Despite the convenience, transparency, and sustainability concerns persist in this exclusive mode of transportation.

Latin America Hit Record 451.6 Million Passengers in 2023

Latin America and the Caribbean reached a record-breaking 451.6 million air passengers in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.9%, with South America leading air traffic. Key countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico recorded substantial increases, reflecting a resilient recovery. The positive trend is attributed to improved travel conditions, but authorities are urged to implement efficiency-oriented policies for sustained growth. Meanwhile, Mexico stands out in the post-pandemic aviation recovery, attracting over 119.4 million passengers in 2023, driven by successful low-cost airlines and strong international visitor spending, setting a new historical record.

Volaris Joins Airbus Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Mexican low-cost airline Volaris joins Airbus' initiative to advance Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). As part of the SAF Mexico 2025 Call, the project encourages scalable and affordable SAF development in Mexico, aligning with global climate goals. Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena emphasizes the initiative's role in environmental protection and sustainable development. The call, open until March 15, 2024, invites proposals to contribute to aviation decarbonization, recognizing Mexico's potential as a strategic hub for SAF production. Previous winners include institutions like IPN and CIATEC, demonstrating a commitment to SAF development in the region.

Intuitive Machines Launches Odysseus Lander with SpaceX

Intuitive Machines, in collaboration with SpaceX, has launched the Odysseus lunar lander aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aiming to achieve the first successful commercial lunar surface landing. The mission, named IM-1, is a part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. The Odysseus is set to reach lunar orbit by Feb. 21, with a landing attempt near the Malapert A crater on Feb. 22. The spacecraft carries NASA payloads for technology development and six non-NASA payloads, including artwork, a data archive, and an astronomical camera, contributing to lunar exploration and commercial ventures.

NAI Orders SEDENA to Release Mexicana de Aviación Records

The National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI) has directed Mexico's Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) to release contracts and permits signed by Mexicana de Aviación. Despite SEDENA's initial claim of incapacity to fulfill the request, INAI emphasizes the importance of transparency in handling public funds for Mexicana, urging the disclosure of contracts, descriptions, costs, validity, and related documents. Mexicana faces financial challenges, projecting profitability by 2033, with estimates suggesting it may not break even until 2029, requiring continued federal budgetary support.