This week in aerospace news: AFAC grants Volaris temporary authorization to operate 10 aircraft with foreign pilots, prompting ASPA to object that the move violates Mexican legal restrictions. The Mexicana MRO deal is on hold pending Banorte’s approval of a deadline extension, putting the sale on hold until the bank signs off. In the United States, regulators canceled 13 routes and hinted at the possible dissolution of the Delta-Aeromexico alliance. IATA cautioned that the proposed EU261 amendments would increase costs for airlines and most passengers. Meanwhile, Coahuila announced an investment of MX$600 million to modernize the airport infrastructure.
More news below:
Volaris receives AFAC approval for foreign pilots; aspa objects
Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has authorized Volaris to operate 10 aircraft with foreign pilots between December 1, 2025, and January 12, 2026, a decision industry groups say violates Mexico’s Constitution and civil aviation law.
Mexicana MRO deal stalls pending Banorte extension approval
According to pilot union officials consulted by A21, the planned sale of Mexicana de Aviación’s maintenance, repair and overhaul center is on hold as stakeholders await Banorte’s signature on the requested deadline extension. Aviation unions requested a second extension after the previous deadline expired on October 4, but no new deadline has been defined.
US challenges to Delta-Aeromexico raise cross-border flight risks
Political developments in the United States have led to renewed scrutiny of the regulatory framework governing air operations between the United States and Mexico. The US administration canceled 13 routes and raised the possibility of dissolving the Delta-Aeromexico alliance, underscoring the limits of the bilateral aviation agreement since the 1960s. The move highlighted the absence of a binding dispute-resolution mechanism and the vulnerability of air connectivity, which underpins both passenger travel and logistics for cross-border industries.
IATA warns EU261 changes will increase costs for airlines and passengers
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is opposing the European Parliament’s recent proposals to revise EU261 passenger-rights rules, warning that the changes will increase costs for airlines and the majority of passengers who will not benefit from them. The group argues that the proposals roll back reforms approved by European governments in June, which aligned compensation limits with operational realities and passenger priorities.
COMAC showcases C919 in Dubai amid Airbus-Boeing tensions
China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) expanded its international presence as the C919 single-aisle aircraft completed its first debut outside East Asia at the Dubai Airshow, entering a market where Airbus and Boeing are facing continued production pressure. The launch comes as airlines have increased orders amid a post-pandemic traffic surge and delivery backlogs stretching years into the future.
Mexico shrugs off Canada alert, records 11% tourism growth
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the impact of Canada’s new travel advisory, saying the number of tourists continues to rise despite Ottawa’s call for a “higher level of caution” when visiting several Mexican states. “Tourists keep coming. Canadian tourists are up 11% this year,” he said during a press conference on the morning of November 18.
IATA urges stronger EU aviation plan as SAF costs remain high
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) represents meaningful progress in tackling structural barriers to aviation decarbonisation, but warned that many provisions still fall short of the industry’s needs. IATA Director General Willie Walsh said, “We welcome the Commission’s recognition of the market challenges posed by SAF mandates that were flawed from the start – particularly the price gap between sustainable and conventional fuels – and the need for stronger investment support.”
Coahuila invests MX$600 million to boost regional air travel
The south-eastern region of Coahuila will receive an investment of MX$600 million (US$32.7 million) to modernize airport infrastructure and expand air connectivity to the metropolitan area with Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe and Monterrey. Governor Manolo Jiménez Salinas announced the initiative as part of Plan de Guadalupe, a two-year effort to strengthen the airport and develop long-term commercial routes in partnership with the private sector and airlines including Viva.
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