Volaris Viva Merger Approved; ASPA Warn Over Wet Leasing Risks

This week in aerospace news: Volaris shareholders approved the merger with Viva to create Grupo Más Vuelos, a joint holding company expected to control 69% of Mexico’s domestic passenger market, although Volaris shares fell 3.75% following the announcement. At the regulatory level, Mexico’s pilots union ASPA warned about potential expansion of wet leasing and outsourcing due to unresolved oversight concerns.

Meanwhile federal authorities continue negotiations with the US Department of Transportation to restore 13 suspended air routes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Operational indicators showed improvement as Mexico’s air cargo sector grew 7.3% year over year to 191,249.2 metric tons during the first two months of 2026, signaling stabilization after trade disruptions, while globally, SpaceX advanced plans for a potential US$75 billion IPO that could value the company at about US$1.7 trillion, positioning it among the largest publicly traded aerospace companies.

More news below:

Mexico Air Cargo Rises 7.3% as Sector Stabilizes

Air cargo movement in Mexico increased 7.3% year over year in the first two months of 2026, reaching 191,249.2 metric tons, according to data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). The growth is partly attributed to easing tariff pressures, which have supported the release of previously delayed shipments following disruptions tied to international trade policies. The figures suggest early signs of stabilization in a sector affected by external demand volatility and regulatory uncertainty.

Horizontec Wins AFAC Clearance for Halcón Training Use

Horizontec has secured regulatory clarity from Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), allowing its Halcón aircraft to operate within aviation training programs. CEO Giovanni Angelucci Carrasco said the confirmation followed meetings with new agency officials and removes a key barrier to entry in the pilot training segment. The announcement was made during the BJX Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Summit 4.0 2026 in Silao.

Volaris Shareholders Approve Viva Deal, Target 69% Share

Shareholders of Volaris have formally approved a merger with competitor Viva, clearing a key internal hurdle to create a joint holding company titled "Grupo Más Vuelos." The transaction, which received a 91.7% favorable vote during an extraordinary assembly on Wednesday, March 25, aims to consolidate the two largest ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) in Mexico into a single entity that would control approximately 69% of the domestic passenger market.

Mexico Pilots Raise Alarm Over Wet Leasing, Outsourcing

The Asociación Sindical de Pilotos Aviadores de México (ASPA) raised concerns over the lack of response from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) regarding the potential use of foreign flight crews by Mexican airlines. Union leaders said regulatory gaps could enable the expanded use of outsourcing and wet leasing practices, as carriers prepare for higher demand linked to peak travel seasons and international events.

Virgin Galactic Resumes Ticket Sales at US$750,000

Virgin Galactic announced Monday the reopening of commercial spaceflight ticket sales on a limited basis, with seats priced at US$750,000. The move marks the end of a nearly two-year hiatus in sales as the company transitions toward the ground-testing phase of its next-generation Delta-class spacecraft and seeks to stabilize its financial position following a weaker-than-expected 4Q25.

Renault Targets Defense Sector with Drone Program

Renault Group has announced a strategic pivot toward the defense industry, confirming the development of both terrestrial and aerial unmanned systems in collaboration with specialized contractors. The move comes as European nations accelerate domestic arms production in response to evolving regional security dynamics and the changing nature of modern warfare.

Air Canada CEO to Resign by 3Q26 After Language Row

Air Canada’s CEO will step down by the end of 3Q26, following criticism over a condolence message delivered only in English after a fatal incident at LaGuardia Airport. The decision comes amid public and political scrutiny related to language compliance and corporate communication standards in Canada. 

Volaris Shares Fall 3.75% After Viva Merger Approval

Shares of Volaris declined 3.75% after investors approved the airline’s proposed merger with rival Viva, reflecting an immediate market reaction to the transaction structure and expected capital adjustments. The approval marks a key financial step toward creating a consolidated Mexican low-cost airline holding group.

Brazil Debuts First Domestically Assembled Gripen Fighter

Brazil has officially joined a select group of global powers capable of manufacturing advanced supersonic combat aircraft following the unveiling of the first F-39 Gripen fighter jet assembled on domestic soil. The rollout, conducted at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, marks the culmination of a decade-long strategic partnership between Swedish defense group Saab and Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer.

SpaceX Seeks Record IPO with US$75 Billion Raise

SpaceX is preparing a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could raise as much as US$75 billion and value the company at approximately US$1.7 trillion, according to Bloomberg and the Financial Times. The deal would surpass the US$29.4 billion raised by Saudi Aramco in 2019, setting a new global benchmark for equity offerings. At the proposed valuation, SpaceX would rank among the largest publicly listed companies in the United States.

Thales Expands ATC Center in Mexico City

Thales announced the expansion of its Air Traffic Control (ATC) Projects and Services Center in Mexico City, aiming to strengthen local capabilities and position the country as a regional hub for aviation technology services. The facility will support integration, development, and operational services for air navigation projects across Latin America. 

Mexico Seeks to Restore US Routes Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Mexico’s federal government is negotiating with the US Department of Transportation to restore 13 air routes suspended since November 2025, affecting operations at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The dispute stems from the revocation of route authorizations linked to alleged violations of the 2015 bilateral Air Transport Agreement. Authorities consider the outcome critical ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host with the United States and Canada.