Latin American aerospace news and aircraft projects

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Embraer achieves production of 1,600 Ipanema agricultural aircraft

A21 Editorial / Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 01:00
OVER 5 DECADES IT HAS PRODUCED THIS AIRCRAFT UNINTERRUPTED, CONSOLIDATING ITS POSITION IN THE MARKET
Embraer Ipanema 203
Embraer's Agricultural Aviation Division announced the delivery of 65 Ipanema aircraft during 2023, marking an increase of 18% compared to the previous year.

This milestone led the company to reach the impressive figure of 1,600 units produced and delivered throughout the five decades of uninterrupted production of the aircraft, consolidating its position in the aeronautical market.

Since the launch of the upgraded version of the EMB-203 model in 2020, the company has experienced sustained growth in sales. As part of its projections for this year, Embraer intends to increase production of Ipanema aircraft to 70 units, reflecting the continued demand and confidence in its products.

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“We are very happy to see how Ipanema has contributed to the high productivity, efficiency and sustainability of the sector,” said Sany Onofre, Embraer's Ipanema Program Manager.

As a leader in the Brazilian market for aerial applications, Ipanema stands out for its innovations and improvements, offering robustness with low operating costs and carbon emissions. In addition, it stands out as the only agricultural aircraft certified and mass-produced to fly with ethanol, a renewable energy source that provides greater power to the aircraft's engine.

Logra Embraer producción de 1,600 aviones agrícolas Ipanema

La División de Aviación Agrícola de Embraer anunció la en

a21.com.mx

 

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Aeroandina Colombian manufacturer of light aircraft
AEROANDINA MXP-1050 TAYRONA AND MXP-150 KIMBAYA

AeroAndina MXP-650 Amigo-S

 

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This is Horizontec, a 100% Mexican company that designs and manufactures LSA aircraft. Where their product, the Halcón II is already on sale, something unprecedented in Mexico and has orders in Mexico and the United States.

Horizontec is a Mexican company owned by Giovanni Angelucci with the objective of designing, developing and manufacturing aircraft using advanced materials such as carbon fiber and resins. Since its inception it has had the support of government agencies at all levels and prominent personnel. Which has allowed said aeronautical project to detonate.

In 2014, the development of an experimental aircraft called “Halcón 1 (H1)” began. The H1 was a two-seat aircraft made of certified aircraft-grade wood and coated with fiberglass and resin, powered by a Rotax 912 engine. The H1 had a cruising speed of 200 km/h and has a range of 1,250 km. The H1 made its first flight on September 30, 2017, and after completing a series of 50 cycles; In March 2020, the H1 received its Airworthiness certification from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).

In Halcón II, it is an LSA (light sport aircraft) category aircraft. Where its design, aerodynamic analysis, manufacturing of molds and parts until assembly was done in Guanajuato, Mexico.

It stands out that during the development of the Falcon, ASTM standards were followed to obtain an easy-to-pilot aircraft for basic training. It has an ergonomic design designed to help the pilot with a spacious and comfortable cabin. Highlighting its efficiency and low operation and maintenance cost due to its Rotax 915i power plant, which uses conventional gasoline with an average consumption of 15 liters per flight hour, which gives it an autonomy of up to six hours. The Halcón II took to the skies for the first time on July 4, 2022, and on February 6, it received certification to begin marketing, making it the first 100% Mexican aircraft that has obtained this type of certification. The aircraft is designed to cover three market sectors: pilot training, recreational use and aerial surveillance. Where its cost is around 180 thousand dollars.

Falcon II Specifications
Capacity: 2 passengers
Maximum weight: 600 kg
Empty weight: 300 – 350 kg
Fuel capacity: 100 L
Powerplant: Rotax 915i
Propeller: Three blade
Cruise speed 250 km/h
Maximum speed: 280 km/h
Stall speed: 83 km/h
Service ceiling: 15,000 feet
Range: 1600 km

Aeronave diseñada y fabricada en México sale a la venta – Avion Revue Internacional

La revista de aviación líder en castellano

www.avionrevue.com

 

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Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) has secured a major order for 133 aircraft from American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) to meet domestic demand in the United States. American has placed a firm order with Embraer for 90 E175s, with purchase rights for 43 additional jets. The aircraft will be delivered with 76 seats in American’s standard dual-class configuration. The deal, with all purchase rights exercised, is worth more than US$7bn at list price, and the firm orders will be included in Embraer’s 1Q24 backlog.
The E175 is one of the most popular aircraft in the region, with 837 aircraft sold (including today’s firm order for 90) and 88% market share since 2013.

American Airlines Places Order for up to 133 Embraer Aircraft - Embraer

Embraer has secured a major order for 133 aircraft from American Airlines Group Inc. to meet domestic demand in the United States.

www.embraercommercialaviation.com

 

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SkyWest Airlines will add another 20 aircraft to fly under contract for United Airlines by the end of this year.

The St.George, Utah-based regional carrier said on 3 March that it will add 20 Embraer 175s to the United fleet. This is in addition to the 19 new E175s SkyWest had announced last October would be flying for United by the end of 2026.

“We’re delighted to continue enhancing our United partnership and pleased that we’re able to deliver on the strong market demand,” Chip Childs, SkyWest chief executive, says.

SkyWest adds another 20 Embraer E175s to United fleet

SkyWest Airlines will add another 20 aircraft to fly under contract for United Airlines by the end of this year.

www.flightglobal.com

 

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WITH 730 DELIVERIES WORLDWIDE AND OPERATING IN 40 COUNTRIES, IT ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 2 MILLION FLIGHT HOURS

Embraer announced that its Phenom 300 series maintains its position as the world's best-selling light aircraft for 12 consecutive years. In addition, it established itself as the best-selling twinjet for the fourth consecutive year, according to data published by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). During 2023, the company delivered 63 aircraft of this series to reach this milestone.

Embraer's Phenom 300 series, which has exceeded expectations in terms of innovation and excellence, is considered the most successful business aircraft of the last decade.

With more than 730 deliveries worldwide and operating in 40 countries, it accumulated more than 2 million flight hours. Recently, it became the most used aircraft of this type in the United States, logging more than 360,000 flights in a 12-month period.

Se consolida el Phenom 300 de Embraer como el más vendido del mundo

Embraer anunció que su serie Phenom 300 mantiene su posic

a21.com.mx

 

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Since 2018, we have followed the story of El Halcón, the first aircraft designed and manufactured in Mexico. From its conception at the National Center for Aeronautical Technologies in Querétaro to its future at the Horizontec plant in Celaya, Guanajuato

 

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Since 2020, the complete aircraft has been manufactured in Tijuana, with Mexican hands. Today, it is the only plant in Mexico where, under one roof, a complete aircraft is manufactured, which was recognized by FAMEX.

ICON operates in a 20,000 square foot plant, located at 2000 Boulevard, where it employs just over 180 technical and engineering people, who produce nearly 50 aircraft per year, all to order.
The ICON A5 is a super light sports hydroplane with capacity for two people, made of carbon fibers designed especially for amateur pilots who want to live adventures to the fullest.
The plane can take off from land or water since it has a retractable landing gear, and, thanks to its retractable wings and the fact that it only weighs 686.4 kilos, you can tow it on the road to wherever you prefer. Also, it is equipped with a complete parachute that guarantees the safety of passengers.

 

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In the middle of a field in Cape Canavial, in São Paulo, Brazil, a rocket is seen taking off that very quickly reaches 987 kilometers per hour; When it is lost in the sky, shouts of joy and expressions in Spanish are heard by its Mexican creators. The name of the device is Insurgente and it was designed and assembled by Propulsion UNAM, a team made up of young people from different disciplines, all of them interested in aerospace sciences.

ESTUDIANTES CREAN COHETES CON TECNOLOGÍA 100% MEXICANA - UNAM Global

Universitarios representaron con éxito a la UNAM con su cohete Xitle, ganaron el quinto lugar al mejor diseño en la competencia de cohetes más grande del mundo.

unamglobal.unam.mx

 

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ICON Aircraft completes production of 200th A5 aircraft Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 02/10/2023 - 09:00in General Aviation, Sports 0 Shares 149 Views Share on Facebook Share on Twitter ICON Aircraft this week completed assembly of its 200th light sport amphibious aircraft (LSA). The first A5s were delivered to customers in 2017. The 199 previously delivered aircraft ended up in thirty US states and thirty countries across five continents. Since the introduction of the A5 at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, more than 2,400 A5s have been ordered. The device was supposed to be released to the market in 2010, but certification and production start issues delayed the market introduction by almost seven years, meaning the first device could only be delivered in May 2017 and production has only just begun at the beginning of 2018. Jerry Meyer, CEO of ICON Aircraft, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “Building 200 A5s is a significant milestone for us as a company and for the hundreds of ICON employees who have worked tirelessly to get this incredible airplane into the hands of owners. It's been quite a journey, and the best reward is seeing owners pilot their A5s, have their own adventures, and connect with our growing community. We remain focused on bringing sport flying to experienced pilots, as well as those who have always dreamed of learning to fly.”

The A5 is produced at the company's factory in Tijuana, Mexico. According to ICON, the company currently produces between four and five aircraft per month. Powered by the Rotax 912 engine, the two-seater A5 offers a top speed of 95 knots (175 km/h), a range of 427 nm (790 kn) and a payload of 195 kg. The device is equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch flight display and features a folding wing design and a ballistic parachute system.

https://www.cavok.com.br/icon-aircraft-finaliza-producao-da-200a-aeronave-a5

 

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Why Aerospace Excels in Mexico
Mexico is a vibrant hub for the aerospace industry. With numerous world leaders in this industry investing heavily in Mexico, there are a growing number of aerospace factories supplying these OEMs with parts and materials. Some of these leaders investing in Mexico’s aerospace industry include:

• Bombardier
• Boeing
• Honeywell
• Airbus
• Beechcraft
• GE
• Collins Aerospace

Why are so many aerospace companies manufacturing in Mexico? There are many factors contributing to Mexico’s emerging status as one of the world’s leading manufacturers for aerospace. Some of the main advantages that make this Latin American country such an attractive destination for aerospace manufacturers include the following:

• 30,000 Mexicans currently employed in the aerospace industry
• 16 of the nation’s 31 states boast sizeable industrial parks and factories supporting this segment
• Investment from the Mexican government
• Ongoing establishment of training schools and new university programs designed to deliver skilled aerospace workers, plant managers, and even designers; more engineering graduates per capita in 2012 than Germany
• Over 40 free trade agreements giving preferential trade access to most of the world
• Low and stable cost of labor
• Proximity to the established aerospace markets of the US, Canada, and Latin America
• A tax exposure comparable to US suppliers through the USMCA coupled with lower production costs

The state of Mexico’s aerospace industry is both emerging and well established. Its roots run deep, yet there is ample room for future potential. While it continues to face certain headwinds, there are concurrently significant advantages propelling its growth. Numerous leaders have already established supply chains in about half of Mexico’s states, yet there is still untapped potential. There is reason to believe Mexico’s growing status as an aviation and aerospace manufacturing powerhouse is just getting started.

Breaking Down Mexico’s Aerospace Industry - TACNA

Serving not only the defense industry, private aircraft demand, and the commercial airliner market, Mexico’s aerospace industry is diverse, robust, and growing.

tacna.net

 

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The aerospace industry has found an ally within Mexico. Mexico is the top sixth supplier of aerospace parts to the U.S. This is above Brazil, Italy, Israel, and China. Furthermore, the country is an attractive destination for manufacturing investments in the aerospace sector, coming in just behind China, India, and the U.S., according to official data.

Mexico is classified as a global high-growth market, and it is in the Top 3 most competitive countries in the aerospace manufacturing cost index for components, just behind China and India.
Mexico’s Aerospace Sector Stands as One of the Country’s Leading Manufacturing Industries.
The aerospace industry in Mexico groups more than 320 companies, most of them OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. U.S. companies or their contractors with an industrial presence in Mexico include Fortune 500 names: General Electric, Honeywell, Eaton, Textron, L-3 Communications and Rockwell Collins. Major players such as Boeing, Bombardier, and Airbus also have operations in the country.
The aerospace industry in Mexico has been concentrated in specific regions. One of these regions includes Tijuana and Mexicali. The aerospace industry in this area has clustered and accounts for one-third of the companies from this sector in Mexico.
Around 90 aerospace companies are in Baja California. This region has the oldest aerospace cluster in Mexico and has been active for more than 50 years. Most of these companies are manufacturers, but around six of them do MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and another nine are in the design and engineering fields.
The majority of aerospace companies based in Baja California are rapidly expanding their operations and receiving projects with greater value and complexity from their corporate offices. Baja California focuses its innovation capabilities on the complete integration of aircraft systems testing and interior design. In terms ofmanufacturing, it specializes in precision machining, electrical and power systems, hydraulic systems and interiors and metal plate conformation processes. Companies also perform MRO activities on engine parts.

Monterrey Is Quickly Becoming a Significant Hub for Aerospace Manufacturing and MRO
Another active region is Monterrey. Most of the aerospace activity in Nuevo Leon is concentrated in this city. Even though this region does not have an OEM, it has a specialized metal mechanics sector for the aerospace industry as well as parts and components manufacturing and MRO operations. Honeywell will soon open its Global Supply Chain Center of Excellence in Monterrey.
Nuevo Leon has 21 aerospace-related manufacturers, nine MRO companies and seven design and engineering operations.

A Nearshoring Wave in the Aerospace Industry
The aerospace sector has not been left out of the new nearshoring wave. Companies across the U.S. and Europe are looking to bring manufacturing closer to its main markets amid the ongoing supply chain disruption.
The low cost of operations has made Mexico attractive for many OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Some aerospace companies report up to 30% increase in quality and 50% more efficiency when moving operations to Mexico.
Moreover, aerospace companies have moved a significant amount of manufacturing to Mexico in the last 20 years. In 2022, some aerospace companies in Mexico announced expansions while some suppliers opened operations in the country and this trend seems to continue this year and in 2024.
Even though this nearshoring wave has increased the industrial space needed in Mexico and the vacancy is at a record low of 1%, TECMA has been able to sign short-term contracts for companies seeking to establish an operation in Mexico.
Most of the operations will be in the regions where the aerospace ecosystem prevails such as Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and Queretaro.
The Mexican Council of Aerospace Industries (FEMIA) forecasts the aerospace industry in Mexico might be fully recovered by the end of this year or at the beginning of 2024.
The figures the industry is trying to reach, or even surpass, are the ones from 2019. In that year, the aerospace industry in Mexico exported US$9.6 billion, a 12% growth compared to the previous year. Last year, the aerospace industry in Mexico exported US$8 billion, an 18% growth from the previous year, according to FEMIA.
If you are seeking to establish a manufacturing operation in Mexico within the Aerospace Industry, we recommend you set up a consultation with one of our manufacturing industry experts.

The Aerospace Industry in Mexico Is Growing Exponentially. Experts Predict This Upward Trend Will Continue

Mexico is classified as a global high-growth market, and it is in the Top 3 most competitive countries in the aerospace manufacturing cost index for components, just behind China and India.

www.tecma.com

 

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Mexico has improved its aerospace manufacturing capabilities, from producing components, small parts, and harnesses, to manufacturing airframes, flight surfaces, small drones, and flight control and avionic assemblies. Multinational companies also have a significant role in Mexico’s aerospace industry. GE and Rolls Royce produce new turbine systems in Mexico. Fokker Aerostructures manufactures wings for jets, and Safran Group —with 17 facilities in the country and five in the State of Querétaro, being the number one employer in the aviation industry—manufactures landing systems, engine parts, jet engine components, and jet housings.

Some local firms have obtained global certifications that allow them to diversify their manufacturing processes to production of small UAVs and light aircraft projects. For instance, Aernnova produces airframes and flight structures. Light aircraft prototypes have also been developed, such as the sport model manufactured by the Mexican firm Horizontec/CENTA, and light attack planes for military training and aerobatics, made by the local company Oaxaca Aerospace. In the long term, the GOM and domestic industry hope to produce medium and large commercial aircraft.

Mexico - Aerospace

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

www.trade.gov

 

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Aerolab was contracted to design and build the Honeywell Aerospace testing facilities in Mexicali, Baja California.
The facility includes an open jet wind tunnel to support the 777X platform by Boeing, enabling the development of the engineering capacities in Honeywell Mexicali over the next two years.

The tunnel uses a 3000HP centrifugal blower capable of producing speeds up to 230 miles per hour. This Honeywell wind tunnel is the largest wind tunnel in Latin America and the only one in Mexico dedicated to the aerospace industry. The company invested US$ 15 million toward the new site.

Honeywell Aerospace - Aerolab

Aerolab was contracted to design and build the Honeywell Aerospace testing facilities in Mexicali, Baja California. The facility includes an open jet wind tunnel to support the 777X platform by Boeing, enabling the development of the engineering capacities in Honeywell Mexicali over the next two...

www.aerolab.com

 

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Thanks to the excellent work of Queretaro engineers, companies continue to trust our state to invest.

Today we met again with Mohamed Ali, vice president and General Director of GE's Engineering Division, to bring the people of Queretaro very good news.

GE Aerospace will expand its operations in #Querétaro, bringing more highly specialized jobs to continue manufacturing part of the engine that I present to you here. #WITH YOU for more and better opportunities.

 

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Embraer’s first passenger to freighter E190F aircraft has successfully completed its first test flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

The Embraer team flew the E-Freighter jet for around two hours on April 5, carrying out a complete evaluation of the aircraft. The aircraft, which belongs to US lessor Regional One, will continue to undergo testing before entering operation.

At the end of last year Embraer completed work on this first E190 freighter conversion.


“The E-Freighter program opens a new business opportunity for Embraer, meeting e-commerce’s growing global demand for cargo transport and matching the high-tech E-Jets family to an unbeatable operational performance,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, president and chief executive of Embraer.

He added: “These jets will be important tools for our customers and allow them to work with more agile and decentralized deliveries.”

The first flight is part of a series of evaluations that Embraer is conducting before the E-Freighter jets enter into operation. The aircraft has already been successful in both ground pressurisation and cargo loading tests, said Embraer.

The company launched its programme to convert E190 and E195 passenger aircraft to freighters in March 2022.

The E-Jet freighter programme has been created in response to e-commerce growth and increased demand for cargo capacity, especially to smaller markets.

If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F and 14,300 kg for the E195F.

Embraer said in January that it plans to start physical work on its first E195 freighter conversion next year.

Embraer's first E190F completes test flight - Air Cargo News

Embraer's first passenger to freighter E190F aircraft has successfully completed its first test flight in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The Embraer

www.aircargonews.net

 

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A CHILEAN CONSTRUCTION AND MRO COMPANY WILL START MANUFACTURING COMPONENTS FOR THE A-29 SUPER TUCANO U C-390 MILLENNIUM AIRCRAFT
EmbraerChile
The understanding between the companies covers the opening of a new service center and the manufacturing of parts for Embraer aircraft.

Embraer and the National Aeronautical Company of Chile (ENAER) announced two industrial and service cooperation agreements involving the A-29 Super Tucano and C-390 Millennium defense aircraft, as well as commercial aircraft.

This cooperation will expand Embraer's network of suppliers and services in Chile and will contribute to the integration of the aerospace industries between Brazil and Chile.

The cooperation is the result of an understanding between Embraer, ENAER and the Chilean Air Force. The Chilean company will begin manufacturing components and will be a designated maintenance center for the Chilean Air Force's fleet of 22 A-29 Super Tucano units.

The agreement is linked to the expansion of the A-29 Super Tucano fleet in operation in the country. In addition, the cooperation seeks to expand ENAER's role as a supplier and Embraer's presence in Chile.

“These agreements represent the resumption of commercial ties between both companies, which lasted many years with successful results. The new stage that is beginning will allow us to look very optimistically towards the future to face, between both countries, the challenges of the aerospace industry in an increasingly dynamic world,” said Henry Cleveland, executive director of ENAER.

“This contract will promote reciprocal investments in the aerospace industry in Brazil and Chile. Our goal is to further deepen our relationship and expand both cooperation and mutual investments. This includes not only the A-29 Super Tucano but also other programs, such as the C-390 Millennium, for example,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security.

With this agreement, Embraer and ENAER aim to resume a successful history of cooperation, which began in the 1990s. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Chilean company was an important and recognized supplier of structures for the ERJ family of jets. -135/140/145 and winner of several awards as best supplier in Embraer's global supply chain.

Impulsan Embraer y ENAER acuerdo de cooperación en Chile

El entendimiento entre las compañías abarca la apertura d

a21.com.mx

 

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MEXICO - Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced at FIDAE 2024 that Bell Mexico successfully delivered the 800th commercial aircraft cabin to Bell Canada Assembly Center for aircraft assembly. This news comes nearly a year after Bell Mexico celebrated its 15-year operational anniversary.

“The 800th cabin milestone is a testament to not only Bell’s commitment to our customers, but also to our facilities that work together to ensure a cohesive pipeline of creating top-of-the-line products to vigilantly assembling it, all at Bell-owned and operated facilities,” said Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, Bell.

In 2010, Bell opened its manufacturing facility in Chihuahua, Mexico, formally known as Bell Mexico. Since its inception, Bell Mexico has manufactured cabins and fuselages, as well as electrical harnesses and components, instrument panels, firewalls, bulkheads, floors, and many other structural components for the Bell 206L4, Bell 407, Bell 429, and Bell 412 platform.

“Bell Mexico is proud to celebrate producing our 800th commercial aircraft cabin,” said Luis Azua, general manager, Bell Mexico. “Our team remains ready to support our customers around the world through high-quality aircraft cabins and components.”

As an aviation leader in Latin America, Bell has noted a boost in sales success with over 850 operators and nearly 1,400 commercial aircraft in service across the region. As a result, Bell has established a prominent aftermarket footprint with Customer Service Facilities and Authorized Maintenance Facilities in many countries throughout Latin America.

Bell Mexico Delivers 800th Commercial Aircraft Cabin - MEXICONOW

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced at FIDAE 2024 that Bell Mexico successfully delivered

mexico-now.com