Mexico could become a strategic hub for air cargo aircraft maintenance by 2030, according to the head of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), Miguel Enrique Vallín. He stated that the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), now the country’s largest air cargo hub, is expected to host new MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, with support from both private investors and the Ministry of National Defense.

Vallín also noted that cargo transport in Mexico surpassed 2019 levels by 2021, and 2024 is shaping up to be the best year for the sector. Regarding the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), he emphasized that infrastructure limitations constrain its operations, even as the government recently raised the hourly operation cap from 43 to 44 movements, a temporary measure based on current airspace restrictions.

SOURCE:
https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/sectores/Mexico-podria-ser-un-hub-para-mantenimiento-de-cargueros-AFAC-20250612-0079.html

Mexico’s federal government plans to reduce the legal workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030 through tripartite discussions with unions and business leaders. While the private sector supports the goal, organizations like Canacintra and Concanaco-Servytur emphasize the need for gradual implementation based on company size, industry, and geographic location to avoid harming micro and small businesses. They also call for fiscal incentives, payroll deductibility, financing, and technological support to make the transition viable.

The creation of a Labor Transition Observatory is being proposed to monitor implementation. The first formal discussions are set to begin on June 19, 2025.

SOURCE: https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/capital-humano/reforma-jornada-laboral-ip-pide-gradualidad-sectorial-20250610-762901.html

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly condemned Donald Trump’s new 50% tariff on Mexican steel and aluminum exports, calling it unjust and economically harmful. The measure endangers over $20 billion in annual exports, 380,000 jobs, and $7.5 billion in investments, as Mexico is the second-largest supplier of steel to the U.S. Sheinbaum stated that Mexico will respond with defensive not retaliatory measures.

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard will travel to Washington to negotiate Mexico’s exclusion. The situation is further complicated by electoral contexts in both countries and looming uncertainty over the future of the USMCA trade agreement.

SOURCE: https://elpais.com/mexico/2025-06-05/sheinbaum-eleva-el-tono-ante-el-ultimo-golpe-arancelario-de-trump-contra-el-acero-y-el-aluminio.html

Mexico held an unprecedented judicial election to appoint over 2,600 judges and magistrates nationwide, as part of a justice reform promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum and her party, Morena. Despite the government’s positive spin, only 13% of eligible voters participated, raising serious concerns about legitimacy. Factors behind the low turnout include the process’s complexity, lack of public information, prohibition of campaign funding, and logistical difficulties at the polls.

While Sheinbaum described the election as a step forward for democracy—citing low turnout norms in similar systems like the U.S.—critics argue the rushed and flawed execution undermined its credibility. Some see it as a necessary reform to fight impunity and corruption, while others warn it consolidates Morena’s power and threatens judicial independence.

SOURCE: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/c0k316xk1r5o.amp

Mexico is set to make history on June 1, 2025, by becoming the first country to elect all its judges and magistrates through popular vote. This sweeping reform, championed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to combat corruption and enhance judicial legitimacy by involving citizens directly in the selection process. Voters will choose over 880 federal judicial officials, including Supreme Court justices and Electoral Tribunal magistrates, with approximately 1,800 additional positions elected at the state level.

While the government touts this move as a democratic advancement, critics express concerns about potential threats to judicial independence, voter confusion, and economic uncertainty due to the possibility of electing inexperienced or politically aligned candidates. The unprecedented nature of this election has sparked debates about its implications for Mexico’s democracy and the rule of law.

SOURCE: https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/abc-eleccion-judicial-mexico-primera-mundo-20250530-761465.html

State-owned companies managed by Mexico’s Armed Forces reported operating losses of over 5.6 billion pesos in their first year. These losses came from six business units under the Army and Navy, with the Tren Maya posting the largest deficit (2.56 billion pesos), followed by GAFSACOMM (1.4 billion), Mexicana de Aviación (1.25 billion), and the Isthmus Railway (633 million).

In contrast, the Felipe Ángeles Airport and the tourism company operating in the Islas Marías were the only two to report profits (290 million and 3 million pesos respectively). To offset the losses, the federal government allocated nearly 21 billion pesos in subsidies, with the Tren Maya receiving the most support.

SOURCE:
https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/empresas/2025/05/27/las-paraestatales-de-las-fuerzas-armadas-pierden-5-mil-612-millones-de-pesos/

Mexico is at risk of losing its voting rights and seat on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council due to nearly one million Canadian dollars in unpaid dues from 2024. If the debt is not cleared by June 30, 2025, Mexico will lose its influence within the Council, a body it has been part of almost uninterruptedly.

In addition to this, Mexico owes over $46 million to other global organizations, including the UN, OAS, and OECD. This financial crisis could damage the country’s international credibility and weaken its role in global aviation and diplomatic cooperation.

SOURCE:https://a21.com.mx/despegues-y-aterrizajes/2025/05/20/mexico-fuera-de-la-oaci

The global aviation industry is weakening due to trade tensions and economic shifts. In March, the passenger load factor fell to 80.7%, down from 82.1% in January. While international flights from Mexico grew 9.2%, domestic capacity dropped 6.6% amid aircraft inspections.

Analysts link the shifts to Trump-era policies that led travelers to advance their plans. Future performance will hinge on U.S.-Mexico relations, economic conditions, and consumer confidence.

SOURCE: https://revistafortuna.com.mx/2025/05/15/se-debilita-aviacion-global-como-reflejo-de-la-tension-comercial/

#aviationnews #tariffs #trump #aircraft

President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico ranks among the top five countries for foreign aerospace investment, with the industry valued at $11.2 billion and expected to reach $22.7 billion by 2029.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Mexico Aerospace Fair (FAMEX) at AIFA, she noted that 386 companies operate across 19 states, generating over 240,000 jobs. She praised FAMEX’s role within “Plan Mexico” and AIFA’s importance for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Mexicana Airlines’ growth.

Source: https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025/04/22/politica/mexico-en-top-de-mayor-inversion-extranjera-aeroespacial-destaca-sheinbaum