Talma Commits US$50 Million to LatAm; Mexicana Falters: Aero Week

This week in aerospace news: Talma announced a US$50 million regional investment for 2025, including a US$9 million cargo facility at Mexico’s AIFA. Meanwhile, Mexicana de Aviación continues to struggle, operating at just over 30% seat occupancy.

In the United States, the acceptance of a US$400 million Qatari 747 has sparked legal and political debate over its potential use as a replacement for Air Force One.

Raytheon secured a US$379.8 million GPS software contract, Mexico’s AFAC raised AICM’s takeoff cap to 44 per hour, and Pratt & Whitney ended a three-week strike with IAM as negotiations resumed.

More updates below:

Talma to Invest US$50 Million in Latam, Adds AIFA Cargo Warehouse

Talma, a leading Latin American airport services company, has announced a regional investment of over US$50 million for 2025. The funds will be distributed across Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador to enhance operational capacity through infrastructure and equipment upgrades. Of this amount, US$9 million is earmarked for Mexico to construct a second cargo warehouse at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).

India and Pakistan Ramp Up Drone, Fighter Jet Purchases

In the aftermath of a brief but intense conflict in May, India and Pakistan are ramping up acquisitions of drones and fighter jets, further escalating their decades-long arms race. The two nations, which have clashed repeatedly over the disputed Kashmir region, are now shifting focus toward advanced military technologies.

Airbus Taps Remi Maillard for Tech and Engineering Leadership

Airbus has appointed Remi Maillard, currently President of Airbus India and South Asia, as Head of Technology and EVP Engineering for Commercial Aircraft, according to an internal memo confirmed by the company. The move is part of a broader reorganization as Airbus prepares for its next-generation single-aisle jet.

FAA Approves Starship Launch After March Test Failure

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved SpaceX's Starship for its next flight following a test failure in March. The authorization enables SpaceX to launch from its Texas facility as early as next week, contingent on technical readiness and weather conditions.

Raytheon Secures Deal to Enhance GPS Software Backbone

Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, has received a US$379.8 million contract extension from the US Space Force to advance the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), the software backbone of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Announced on May 21, the extension funds Raytheon’s efforts through Mar. 31, 2026, with an option to continue support until March 31, 2027.

AFAC Raises AICM Takeoff Limit to 44 Amid Ongoing Renovations

The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has authorized an increase in commercial operations—takeoffs and landings—at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), raising the limit from 43 to 44 per hour. Announced in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), this adjustment will apply during the summer and winter 2025 seasons and aligns with ongoing airport renovations and oversight by the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR).

Mexicana de Aviación Sees 30% Occupancy, Weak Market Share

Mexicana de Aviación, the Mexican government’s flagship airline, has had minimal market impact despite minor service enhancements and low-cost fares. Nearly 18 months after its relaunch in December 2023, the airline is operating with just over 30% seat occupancy, according to data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). In 1Q25, it transported 81,308 passengers, a 50% increase from the same period in 2024, yet it still accounts for less than 1% of Mexico’s total air travel market.

Pratt & Whitney Ends 3-Week Strike, Talks Resume With IAM

Negotiations between aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) resumed on May 22, following a three-week strike involving over 3,000 workers at the company’s East Hartford and Middletown plants in Connecticut. This marks the first major work stoppage at these facilities in more than two decades.

US Accepts US$400 Million Qatari 747 Amid Concerns

The Trump administration has accepted a Boeing 747 jet worth US$400 million from the government of Qatar, sparking political and legal concerns over its intended use as a replacement for Air Force One. The aircraft, formerly owned by Qatar’s royal family, was officially received by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth “in compliance with all federal rules and regulations,” according to Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.