Mexico Greenlights Halcón 2.0 for Aviation School Use

The Mexican government has officially certified the Halcón 2.0 as a light sport aircraft (LSA), marking a major milestone for the country's aerospace sector. On Sept. 11, the Ministry of Economy awarded certificate number 001 at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), confirming the aircraft's compliance with national civil aviation standards. The certification allows mass production for aviation schools, which have already committed to purchasing at least 12 units.

Developed and manufactured by Horizontec at its Celaya, Guanajuato plant, the Halcón 2.0 is Mexico’s first fully domestically built aircraft since 1957. Designed for flight training, aerial patrol, and tourism, it operates at roughly MX$1,200 (US$63) per flight hour—far below conventional training aircraft costs of over MX$4,000 per hour.

“This is certificate 001, which means Mexico returns to aviation,” said Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Mexico currently ranks as the 12th largest aerospace producer globally, with expectations to enter the top 10.

Giovanni Angelucci, CEO, Horizontec, noted that the project began in 2014 without government financial support. “Everything has been done without a single peso from the government. They developed the engineering, and today they achieved it,” Ebrard said. Angelucci added, “This certification shows the Halcón 2.0 is compliant, safe, and, above all, made in Mexico. We hope to develop other aircraft in the future.”

Originally conceptualized in 2018 at the National Center for Aeronautical Technologies (CENTA) in Queretaro, the Halcón 2.0 received its airworthiness permit and awaits full manufacturing certification.  At least three experimental aircraft must be sold before final approval is granted.

Miguel Enrique Vallín Osuna, Director General of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), said the Halcón 2.0 represents the revival of Mexico’s aerospace dream: “Since 1957, Mexico hadn’t developed its own aircraft.”

The aircraft meets all LSA requirements, including a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kg, two-seat capacity, stall speed under 45 knots, and maximum cruising speed under 120 knots. Its use of premium gasoline and simple engineering make it cost-effective and easier to maintain. With molds ready to produce up to 100 fuselages, Horizontec is preparing for scaled production.

The Halcón 2.0 has also gained international exposure, becoming the first Mexican-made aircraft to fly in US airspace at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in April. Angelucci emphasized the goal of democratizing flight: “The idea is to make aviation more accessible.”