This week in aerospace news: NWAC granted Volaris temporary permission to operate 10 planes with foreign pilots, prompting objections from ASPA that the move violates Mexican legal restrictions. Mexicana’s MRO deal remains stuck pending Banorte’s approval of a deadline extension, freezing the sale until the bank’s approval. In the United States, regulators revoked 13 routes and signaled the potential dissolution of the Delta-Aeromexico alliance. IATA has warned that proposed revisions to EU261 would increase costs for airlines and most travelers. At the same time, Coahuila announced an investment of MX$600 million to modernize airport infrastructure.
More news below:
Volaris gets green light from AFAC for foreign pilots; ZSPA objects
Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has authorized Volaris to operate 10 planes with foreign pilots between December 1, 2025 and January 12, 2026, a move that industry groups say violates the Mexican Constitution and civil aviation law.
MRO deal with Mexicana stalled pending approval of Banorte expansion
The planned sale of the Mexicana de Aviación maintenance, repair and overhaul center remains on hold as stakeholders await Banorte’s signature on the requested deadline extension, according to pilot union officials consulted by A21. Aviation unions requested a second extension after the previous deadline expired on October 4, but no new timetable has been set.
US challenges to Delta-Aeromexico increase risks of cross-border flights
Political developments in the United States have renewed scrutiny of the regulatory framework governing flight operations between the United States and Mexico. The US administration revoked 13 routes and raised the possibility of dissolving the Delta-Aeromexico alliance, highlighting the limits of the bilateral air agreement in force since 1960. The move highlighted the absence of binding dispute resolution mechanisms and the vulnerability of air connectivity, which underpins both passenger transport and the logistics of cross-border industries.
IATA warns EU261 changes will increase costs for airlines and travelers
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) opposes recent proposals from the European Parliament to change EU261 passenger rights rules, warning that the changes would increase costs for airlines and the vast majority of travelers who would not benefit from them. The group says the proposals reverse reforms approved in June by European governments, which aligned compensation thresholds with operational realities and passenger preferences.
COMAC presents the C919 in Dubai amid tensions between Airbus and Boeing
Chinese state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has expanded its international presence as the C919 single-aisle aircraft made its first demonstration outside East Asia at the Dubai Airshow, entering a market where Airbus and Boeing continue to face sustained production pressures. The debut comes as airlines ramp up orders amid post-pandemic traffic growth and delivery delays stretch for years.
Mexico ignores Canada’s warning and notes 11% tourism growth
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the impact of Canada’s new travel advisory, saying tourist arrivals continue to rise despite Ottawa’s call for “a high degree of caution” when visiting several Mexican states. “Tourists continue to come. Canadian tourists are up 11% this year,” she said during her morning press conference on November 18.
IATA calls for stronger European aviation plan as SAF costs persist
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) represents significant progress in tackling structural barriers to aviation decarbonization, but warned that several provisions still do not meet the needs of the industry. IATA Director General Willie Walsh said: “We welcome the Commission’s recognition of the market challenges arising from SAF mandates that were flawed from the start – particularly the price gap between sustainable and conventional fuels – and the need for strong investment support.
Coahuila invests MX$600 million to boost regional air transport
The southeast region of Coahuila will receive an investment of MX$600 million (US$32.7 million) to modernize airport infrastructure and expand air connectivity to Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe and the metropolitan area with Monterrey. Governor Manolo Jiménez Salinas announced the initiative as part of a two-year effort to strengthen the Plan de Guadalupe Airport and develop long-term trade routes in partnership with the private sector and airlines, including Viva.
