Mexico Eyes 62 Airport Upgrades, Key Hubs Still Lagging

This week in aerospace news: Mexico announced a MX$134 billion public-private investment to modernize 62 airports by 2030, aiming to accommodate 32 million additional travelers by the end of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s term. However, concerns remain as key Mexican airports rank low among 2026 World Cup host cities.

Embraer reported a 30% increase in deliveries for 2Q25, while Boeing saw a 27% rise in June deliveries, including resumed shipments to China. The US government authorized GE Aerospace to restart jet engine exports to COMAC.

In the United States, TSA began phasing out mandatory shoe removal at airport screenings. In Mexico, Tulum Airport launched fee discounts to attract airlines, and Mexicana projects 25% passenger growth for 2025. Meanwhile, Mexico has set a target to scale sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.

More news below:

Tulum Airport Offers 3-Year Fee Discounts to Attract Airlines

The administration of Tulum International Airport, operated by Mexico’s armed forces through the Olmeca-Maya-Mexica Group (GAFSACOMM), has launched a three-year incentive program to attract and retain airline operations. The program offers a discount of up to 40% on the airport use fee (TUA) in the first year, followed by 20% in the second year and 10% in the third.

TSA Phases Out Longstanding Shoe Removal Requirement

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun phasing out its long-standing policy requiring travelers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings. The rule change, introduced in response to a 2001 failed terrorist attempt involving explosives hidden in footwear, is now being quietly implemented at several major US airports.

PRI Deputy Proposes Emergency Vehicle Access to Federal Airports

Deputy Óscar Torres of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) has proposed an amendment to Article 46 of Mexico’s Airport Law, that would allow state-licensed emergency and roadside assistance vehicles to enter federally controlled airport zones under specific, exceptional circumstances.

Mexico Airport Rankings Raise Concerns Before World Cup

With 11 months remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, Mexico’s major airports rank near the bottom in operations and passenger volume among the 16 host city terminals. Official 2024 data shows that Mexico City International Airport (AICM) ranked 11th in total flight operations with 322,427, followed by Guadalajara in 13th place with 154,862 operations, and Monterrey in last place with 112,584.

US Lets GE Resume Jet Engine Exports to China’s COMAC

The US government has informed GE Aerospace that it may resume shipments of jet engines to China's state-owned aerospace manufacturer COMAC, according to a source cited by Reuters. The decision reverses recent license suspensions and comes amid broader shifts in US-China trade relations, including new US export approvals and rare earth concessions from Beijing.

Mexico Aims for Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030, Says CANAERO

Mexico could begin producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 if industry stakeholders collaborate effectively, said Julio Díaz Cruz, Vice President of the Sustainability Committee, National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO).

Airbus–Malaysia Deal Boosts France–Asia Trade: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed a new agreement between Airbus and Malaysia Airlines during a joint statement with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Paris. Macron called the deal “historic,” emphasizing its strategic significance for both nations and its broader implications for France–Asia trade relations.

Boeing’s June Jet Deliveries Rise 27% Despite Safety Concerns

Boeing delivered 60 commercial aircraft in June 2025, a 27% year-over-year increase and its highest monthly total since early 2024. The company confirmed that eight of those jets were delivered to Chinese customers—its first such deliveries since Beijing lifted an import ban on Boeing aircraft in April.

Mexico Announces MX$134 Billion Investment in Airport Overhaul

The federal government and the private sector will invest MX$134 billion (US$7.1 billion) to modernize and expand 62 airports across the country between 2025 and 2030, reports the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT). The government expects this investment to result in over 32 million more travelers by the end of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s term.

Mexicana Eyes 25% Passenger Growth in 2025

Mexicana, the state-owned airline, has announced a projected passenger traffic increase of over 25% by the end of 2025, targeting the transport of 450,292 passengers. The estimate was presented by CEO Leobardo Ávila Bojórquez during the introduction of the airline’s first Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, part of its current fleet expansion and business strategy.

Embraer Delivered 61 Jets in 2Q25, Up 30% Year-on-Year

Embraer reported 61 aircraft deliveries in 2Q25, a 30% increase compared to the same quarter last year, according to a securities filing released Wednesday.