Mexico Restores AICM Slots; ATC Shortage Deepens

This week in aerospace news: Mexico restores 2022 AICM slots to US carriers; Mexico’s air cargo dropped 5.2% in 1H25, while a shortage of air traffic controllers worsens due to low federal funding.

Boeing is in talks for a potential 500-jet sale to China. Viva expands US routes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, noting that regulatory delays stalling the Viva-Allegiant alliance have cost US travelers millions. Meanwhile, Mexico City Airport’s renovation is 10% complete, and Mexicana adds a third Embraer jet to its growing fleet.

More updates below:

IATA Seeks to Raise Pilot Age Limit to 67 Amid Shortage

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has formally submitted a proposal to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to raise the upper age limit for commercial air transport (CAT) pilots from 65 to 67 years. The initiative, detailed in document A42-WP/349 TE/145, seeks to address increasing global demand for pilots and a projected shortage of approximately 660,000 aviators over the next 20 years, according to a recent Boeing forecast.

Mexico City Airport Renovation Hits 10%, On Track for 2026

The renovation of Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has reached 10% completion, with officials confirming that the project remains on track for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will kick off at Estadio Azteca in June 2026.

Boeing Halts F-15, F/A-18 Output as 3,200 Workers Strike

Production of Boeing’s F-15 and F/A-18 fighter jets remains halted after 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 walked off the job on Aug. 4, rejecting the company’s proposed contract.

SpaceX Scrubs 10th Starship Test Over Ground Systems Issue

SpaceX has delayed the launch of its tenth Starship test flight due to an issue with ground support systems at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas. The company scrubbed the mission roughly 30 minutes before its scheduled liftoff on Aug. 24 at 7:35 p.m, citing the need to troubleshoot the problem. The highly anticipated test was part of ongoing efforts to validate new vehicle configurations and achieve key milestones following a series of earlier failures in 2025.

Tulum Airport Sees Route Cuts; Delta Cancels Two Flights

Delta Air Lines has canceled two seasonal routes to Tulum International Airport,  joining a growing list of international carriers scaling back operations at the airport less than two years after its opening.

Mexico Faces Air Traffic Controller Shortage Amid Low Funding

A nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers in Mexico is being driven by insufficient federal budget allocations to the air navigation sector, according to José Alfredo Covarrubias Aguilar, Secretary General, National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (Sinacta).

Boeing’s X-37B Begins Eighth Mission, Now in Orbit

The Boeing-built X-37B orbital test vehicle began its eighth mission last week, launching from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft, designed for long-duration autonomous operations, is now in stable orbit undergoing standard monitoring and testing, Boeing reported.

Mexicana Expands Fleet as AIFA–Tulum Fare Debate Heats Up

Mexicana, the state-operated airline relaunched in 2023, has received its third Embraer E195-E2 as part of a 20-aircraft order from the Brazilian manufacturer. The new jet arrived at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and will join a fleet scheduled for full delivery by 2027.

Mexico Air Cargo Falls 5.2% in 1H25, AFAC Reports

Mexico’s air cargo sector recorded a 5.2% decline in 1H25 compared with the same period in 2024, according to operational statistics released by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). Total cargo handled at Mexican airports reached 588,461.2 metric tons from January to June 2025, down from 620,483.3 metric tons in 1H24.

Mexico’s Aerospace Sector to Demand 100,000 Specialists by 2030

Mexico will need over 100,000 aerospace specialists by 2030, according to the Mexican Council of Aerospace Education (COMEA). The projection is based on a study involving more than 70 experts from 30 higher education institutions focused on the aeronautical and space industries.

Mexico Restores 2022 AICM Slots to US Carriers

United Airlines confirmed that Mexican authorities have notified several US carriers that the takeoff and landing slots withdrawn at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) in 2022 will be reinstated. The notification was issued on Aug. 18, according to a document the airline submitted to the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

Boeing Eyes 500-Jet China Deal Amid US-China Talks

Boeing is in talks to sell up to 500 aircraft to China, Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The potential deal would be China’s first major Boeing purchase since President Donald Trump’s administration and could play a key role in ongoing US-China trade negotiations.

Viva Expands US Connectivity Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Viva announced two new international routes from Mexico City’s Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA) to Austin, Texas, and New York City, as part of its strategy to expand US connectivity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Air Mobility Plans Mexico Electric Air Taxi by 2026

Air Mobility, a Mexico-based company, plans to launch commercial electric air taxi operations in 2026, pending regulatory approval. CEO Cristina Lara Jiménez confirmed that the firm is working with both the Federal Civil Aviation Agency of Mexico (AFAC) and China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) to validate the type certificate of the EHang 216, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft built by Chinese manufacturer EHang.

Viva-Allegiant Deal Delay Costs US Travelers US$873 Million

Viva and Allegiant Air’s proposed interline alliance has been stalled since July 2023 due to regulatory delays, costing US travelers an estimated US$873 million and approximately 7.1 million passengers—according to filings with the US Department of Transportation (DOT).

Airbus UK Staff Plan 10-Day Strike Over Pay Demands

Thousands of Airbus workers in the United Kingdom are set to strike for 10 days starting in September, following a vote by trade union Unite demanding higher pay. The union, representing more than 3,000 aircraft fitters and engineers, reported that 90% of members who voted supported industrial action unless Airbus improves its pay offer.