Regulations & Safety
Mexico Enhances Aviation Safety with New Data-Driven System
Mexico’s AFAC implements the Safety Data Collection and Processing System to proactively improve aviation safety and maintain FAA Category 1 status.
Mexico Strengthens Aviation Safety with New Data-Driven System
In a significant move to bolster safety, Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has rolled out a new framework for identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate. On October 6, 2025, the agency formalized the implementation of the Safety Data Collection and Processing System (SDCPS) through an official Circular of Advice. This system establishes a modern, data-centric approach to safety management, creating standardized procedures for both voluntary and mandatory safety reports from across the entire aviation sector.
The introduction of the SDCPS marks a pivotal shift in Mexico’s safety philosophy, moving from a traditionally reactive model to one that is proactive and predictive. Instead of primarily analyzing accidents after they occur, the new system is designed to continuously gather and analyze data to identify potential hazards and unsafe conditions. This allows for corrective actions to be taken preemptively. This approach aligns with the highest international standards promoted by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is a cornerstone of modern aviation safety management.
This development is particularly crucial as it follows Mexico’s successful restoration to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Category 1 safety rating in September 2023. After more than two years in Category 2, which restricted the growth of Mexican airlines, regaining this status was a major achievement. The SDCPS is a clear and decisive action demonstrating Mexico’s commitment to not only meeting but maintaining these rigorous international safety benchmarks, ensuring the long-term health and reputation of its aviation industry.
The SDCPS Framework: A Closer Look
The SDCPS is designed to be a comprehensive and collaborative tool. Its primary function is to create a centralized channel for safety information, fostering a culture of transparency and shared responsibility. The system is built on a foundation of trust, ensuring that all submitted data is handled with a focus on improving safety rather than assigning blame.
Voluntary and Mandatory Reporting
At the heart of the SDCPS are two distinct but complementary reporting streams. The first is the voluntary reporting system, which encourages anyone in the aviation ecosystem,from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers and even the general public,to report potential hazards or unsafe conditions they observe. These reports are crucial for identifying latent risks that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as equipment issues, procedural gaps, or unsafe operational actions.
The second stream consists of mandatory reports. These are required for specific events with significant safety implications, such as accidents and serious incidents. The objective here is to ensure that AFAC receives timely and detailed information on major occurrences, enabling the agency to conduct thorough investigations and implement measures to prevent recurrence across the industry. This dual approach ensures that both minor deviations and major events contribute to a constantly evolving picture of national aviation safety.
A critical component of this system is confidentiality. AFAC has guaranteed that personal data from those who submit reports will be protected, in accordance with Mexico’s Law of Civil Aviation. This protection is vital for the success of the voluntary system, as it encourages individuals to come forward with sensitive information without fear of reprisal. By depersonalizing the data before sharing insights with the industry, the focus remains squarely on collective improvement.
“The purpose of the reports is to identify hazards related to operational safety and foster collaboration among different actors in the national aviation sector to advance continuous improvement.”, AFAC Official Statement
A Broad and Inclusive Scope
The new guidelines are not limited to a single part of the industry. AFAC has made it clear that the SDCPS applies to a wide range of stakeholders. This includes commercial airlines, airport operators, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacio Aéreo Mexicano (SENEAM), aeronautical maintenance workshops, and even aircraft design and manufacturing organizations. This broad scope ensures that data is collected from every critical phase of aviation operations.
Once a report is submitted, AFAC is responsible for receiving, processing, and analyzing the information. The agency will then engage with the parties involved in a reported safety issue to request prompt corrective action. This creates a feedback loop where identified risks are not just cataloged but actively addressed.
Furthermore, the knowledge gained from these reports will not be kept in a silo. AFAC plans to share depersonalized information and key findings with all aviation stakeholders. This dissemination of information helps promote best practices, raises awareness of common risks, and allows the entire industry to learn from individual events, enhancing the overall safety of Mexico’s airspace.
A New Era of Regulatory Oversight
The launch of the SDCPS is not an isolated event but rather the latest step in a broader trend of increased regulatory action by AFAC. This pattern of updates reflects a concerted effort to modernize Mexico’s aviation framework and solidify its standing on the global stage, particularly in the wake of the recent FAA safety rating review.
Maintaining the Crucial Category 1 Rating
In May 2021, the FAA downgraded Mexico’s aviation safety rating to Category 2, citing a failure to meet ICAO safety standards. This downgrade had significant commercial consequences, preventing Mexican carriers from adding new routes to the United States and limiting code-sharing agreements with U.S. airlines. For over two years, Mexican aviation authorities worked closely with the FAA to address the identified deficiencies.
The hard work paid off in September 2023 when the FAA restored Mexico’s Category 1 status. This decision was a testament to the progress made in improving safety oversight, and systems like the SDCPS are fundamental to ensuring this rating is maintained. A proactive safety system is a key indicator that a country’s civil aviation authority is effectively managing its responsibilities, which is a core requirement for the Category 1 designation.
By implementing a world-class data collection system, Mexico sends a strong signal to international partners that it is serious about its safety commitments. This not only secures existing operational freedoms for its airlines but also builds confidence for future growth and collaboration in the highly competitive North American aviation market.
Other Recent Regulatory Changes
The SDCPS is part of a series of regulatory enhancements AFAC has introduced recently. In January 2024, the agency discontinued annual and multiple-entry permits for private operators in an effort to combat illegal charter operations, requiring them instead to obtain a Single Entry Authorization valid for 180 days. This move was aimed at increasing transparency and control over private flights.
That same month, a mandate went into effect requiring 100% fleet compliance for certain aircraft to carry specific, modern flight data recorders. This ensures that in the event of an incident, investigators have access to more comprehensive and reliable data. These technical requirements are essential for thorough accident analysis and prevention.
More recently, in March and July of 2025, AFAC took steps to limit general aviation access to certain private airports and tightened permit and insurance requirements for charter operators. Viewed together, these actions demonstrate a clear and consistent strategy by AFAC to strengthen its oversight across all segments of the aviation industry, from commercial carriers to private and charter operations.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Safety Data Collection and Processing System is a landmark development for Mexican aviation. It represents a fundamental shift towards a proactive, data-driven, and collaborative safety culture. By encouraging voluntary, confidential reporting and mandating the disclosure of serious incidents, AFAC is building a comprehensive picture of the risks within its airspace, allowing for targeted interventions that can prevent accidents before they happen.
Looking ahead, the ultimate success of the SDCPS will depend on the active participation of all industry stakeholders and on AFAC’s capacity to effectively analyze the incoming data and translate it into meaningful safety improvements. This initiative is more than just a regulatory update; it is a critical component of Mexico’s strategy to maintain its FAA Category 1 rating and cement its reputation as a leader in regional aviation safety, committed to aligning with the highest global standards.
FAQ
Question: What is the SDCPS?
Answer: The SDCPS, or Safety Data Collection and Processing System, is a new system implemented by Mexico’s AFAC to collect and analyze safety reports from the aviation industry. It includes both voluntary reports for potential hazards and mandatory reports for serious incidents, with the goal of proactively preventing accidents.
Question: Why is the SDCPS important for Mexico?
Answer: The system is crucial for helping Mexico maintain its FAA Category 1 aviation safety rating, which is vital for its airlines’ operations in the United States. It also aligns the country’s safety management with international best practices set by ICAO, shifting from a reactive to a proactive safety model.
Question: Who is required to participate in the SDCPS?
Answer: The guidelines apply to a broad spectrum of the aviation sector, including airlines, airports, air navigation service providers (SENEAM), maintenance workshops, and aircraft design and manufacturing organizations. Personnel from these entities, as well as the general public, are encouraged to submit voluntary reports.
Sources: Mexico Business News, Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation International News, Flight Global
Photo Credit: Montage
Regulations & Safety
FAA Opens $40M ATC Manufacturing Facility in Maryland
The FAA opened a $40M Rohde & Schwarz USA plant in Frederick, MD to produce VoIP switches for national ATC modernization by 2028.
On August 25, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) inaugurated a new $40 million manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland, dedicated to producing digital Voice over IP (VoIP) switches for the nation’s air traffic control network.
The 87,000-square-foot plant, operated by Rohde & Schwarz USA, represents a critical node in the FAA’s aggressive timeline to complete a nationwide air traffic control modernization overhaul by the end of 2028. According to an agency press release, the facility will build the CERTIUM Voice Communication System (VCS) to facilitate communication between air traffic controllers, pilots, and other control facilities.
Accelerating Air Traffic Control Modernization
The modernization effort is backed by a $12.5 billion down payment from the Working Families Tax Cut. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford attended the opening to highlight the administration’s focus on domestic Manufacturing for critical aviation Infrastructure.
“Under President Trump, we aren’t just modernizing our skies at record speed—we’re putting American workers, American manufacturing, and American innovation first,” Duffy stated. “We’re making sure our air traffic control system is American made.”
Bedford emphasized the strict timeline driving the agency’s current procurement Strategy. He noted that the new facility supports the aggressive schedule to complete the new system by the end of 2028 while strengthening domestic production capabilities and creating high-quality jobs. Bedford described the equipment as a critical part of the landmark modernization effort.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Deployment Milestones
The opening of the Frederick plant follows a year of rapid infrastructure deployment by the FAA. The agency recently completed Wave 1 of its nationwide CERTIUM VCS deployment ahead of schedule. This milestone was marked by the installation of the 140th system at the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) control tower in South Dakota.
Beyond voice communication systems, the FAA has executed a massive infrastructure overhaul over the past year. The agency reports that 63 percent of legacy copper wires in air traffic control facilities nationwide have been replaced with high-speed fiber, 5G wireless, or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capabilities.
Additional upgrades completed over the past year include the conversion of 388 radio sites and the installation of 176 IP voice switches. The FAA also deployed Surface Awareness Initiative technology at 96 towers, transitioned 21 towers to electronic flight strips, installed SMR4 Surface Movement Radars at five Airports, and added nine new Tower Simulation systems for controller Training.
AirPro News analysis
The opening of the Rohde & Schwarz USA facility in Maryland underscores a strategic shift toward localizing the supply chain for critical aviation infrastructure. By anchoring the production of digital VoIP switches domestically, the FAA mitigates supply chain risks that have historically delayed large-scale aerospace and infrastructure projects. We view the $12.5 billion funding injection as a substantial catalyst, though the 2028 completion target remains highly ambitious given the historical complexities of integrating new technologies into the national airspace system without disrupting active operations.
Sources: Federal Aviation Administration
Photo Credit: Federal Aviation Administration
Regulations & Safety
Global Aerospace Issues Hangar Foam Suppression Safety Guidelines
Global Aerospace updates hangar fire suppression guidelines, citing 200+ accidental foam discharges and the shift to PFAS-free alternatives.
Global Aerospace has issued updated safety and risk mitigation guidelines for aviation hangar fire suppression systems, highlighting the severe financial and environmental toll of accidental foam discharges. The aviation insurer published the comprehensive best practices on August 24, 2026, detailing the industry transition toward alternative fire protection technologies.
The guidance arrives alongside the introduction of the 2026 edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 409. This updated standard governs hangar fire protection and introduces critical changes to align requirements with modern aircraft design and growing environmental concerns regarding chemical suppressants.
The financial and human cost of accidental discharges
Fire suppression standards established in the mid-1970s heavily prioritized foam systems to combat large fuel-spill fires. However, Global Aerospace reports that these systems frequently cause more damage than the fires they are designed to prevent. Over the last two decades, more than 200 unnecessary foam discharges have occurred in aviation facilities.
These accidental activations have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in total damages, with the average per-incident cost reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond property damage to aircraft and hangar infrastructure, accidental discharges pose severe life-safety risks to personnel.
The insurer cited a fatal 2014 incident at Eglin Air Force Base as a primary example of these hazards. Following a broken sprinkler pipe, the hangar filled with approximately 17 feet of foam in minutes, resulting in the death of one contractor.
Shifting standards and environmental-impact liabilities
Aviation insurers are increasingly processing claims that extend beyond immediate property damage to include long-term health risks and environmental restoration. This liability shift is largely driven by the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in older aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF).
To mitigate these chemical risks, the aviation industry is actively transitioning toward fluorine-free foams and alternative fire suppression technologies. Global Aerospace highlighted the growing adoption of ignitable liquid drainage floor assemblies and optical flame detection systems, such as multi-spectrum infrared detectors. These alternatives eliminate hazardous chemicals and significantly reduce the likelihood of false alarms.
While the 2026 edition of NFPA 409 provides the framework for these modern systems, the updated standards must be adopted by local fire marshals before facilities can implement the changes.
Operational risk mitigation strategies
For facilities still operating legacy high-expansion foam (HEF) or AFFF systems, Global Aerospace recommends strict operational protocols to minimize the risk and impact of an accidental discharge. The insurer advises operators to protect all aircraft openings and secure sensitive electronics during maintenance operations.
In the event of a discharge, the guidelines stress the importance of keeping hangar doors closed to contain the foam and prevent environmental contamination outside the facility. Additionally, Global Aerospace recommends conducting all system testing and maintenance during off-hours to limit personnel exposure and operational disruption.
AirPro News analysis
The publication of these guidelines by a major aviation insurer underscores a broader industry reality: insurance providers are often the primary catalyst for operational safety upgrades. While regulatory bodies like the NFPA set the baseline standards, the financial pressure of uninsurable environmental liabilities tied to PFAS contamination is forcing hangar operators to modernize. We expect the transition to optical flame detection and drainage floor assemblies to accelerate rapidly as insurers begin pricing the risk of legacy foam systems out of the market.
Sources: Global Aerospace
Photo Credit: Global Aerospace
Regulations & Safety
NTSB Preliminary Report: Ryanair 737-800 Engine Failure
NTSB confirms fan-blade-out on Ryanair 737-800 shattered cabin window, partially ejecting a passenger during climb from Thessaloniki.
This is a developing story. Information may change as official details are released.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
On August 13, 2026, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its preliminary report on a July 10 uncontained engine failure aboard a Ryanair Boeing 737-800, confirming that a fan-blade-out event shattered a cabin window and caused a rapid decompression. The incident resulted in a 61-year-old male passenger being partially pulled through the shattered window before being secured by fellow passengers.
The event occurred during climb out from Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) in Greece. The flight, operated by Ryanair subsidiary Malta Air, was bound for Memmingen, Germany (FMM). The NTSB is currently investigating potential similarities between this event and a fatal 2018 engine failure, while the agency has also publicly addressed premature speculation regarding the cause by Ryanair leadership.
Flight 1879 rapid decompression
According to the NTSB preliminary report, the Boeing 737-800 was climbing when the right-hand CFM56-7B engine experienced a fan-blade-out event. Debris from the engine struck the fuselage and shattered a window at row 11. The resulting rapid decompression pulled a passenger partially outside the aircraft. The passenger sustained neck and shoulder injuries as well as friction burns, but no fatalities occurred.
Reporting by The Air Current indicates the failure happened at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet. Passengers described a sudden and violent disruption to the flight. A passenger told AP News that the cabin was quiet before a loud noise resembling a bursting tire occurred, adding that they knew immediately the aircraft had lost pressure due to the sudden loss of altitude.
Initial reports following the July 10 incident suggested the failure occurred in the airspace of the Republic of North Macedonia. However, flight path analysis confirmed the event took place in Greek airspace. The Hellenic Air and Rail Safety Investigation Authority officially delegated the investigation to the NTSB on July 16, 2026.
Maintenance history and preliminary findings
The NTSB preliminary report notes that bird remains were found inside the damaged engine. Flight crews had reported four suspected bird strikes to the aircraft’s number two engine in the 12 months preceding the accident. The report states that bird remains were found in two of those previous cases.
Maintenance records indicate that the fan blades on the failed right engine underwent ultrasonic inspections in November 2025 and May 2026. No damage was found during either inspection. The official cause of the July 10 failure remains under investigation by the NTSB, with participation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran.
Regulatory protocols and historical precedent
The investigation has generated friction between the NTSB and Ryanair regarding public communications. On August 7, 2026, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy issued a letter to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary after he told investors the investigation was focused on foreign object damage rather than aircraft age or maintenance. Homendy stated that the NTSB had made no such determination and noted that O’Leary’s comments violated International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 protocols governing accident investigations.
The aviation industry is closely monitoring the investigation due to the aircraft and engine types involved. The Air Current reported that the event closely mirrors the April 2018 Southwest Airlines flight 1380 uncontained engine failure, which also involved a Boeing 737-700 and a CFM56-7B engine. That incident resulted in one passenger fatality after a shattered window caused partial ejection, leading the FAA to mandate engine inlet redesigns by July 2028.
The NTSB addressed the historical context directly in its preliminary report:
The investigative team is aware of previous … events with similar engine models that resulted in damage to engine inlets or cowlings and fuselage structures. Determination of any relevant similarities or details between this accident and previous events remains under investigation.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the public rebuke of a major airline CEO by the NTSB is a rare and significant enforcement of ICAO Annex 13 communication protocols. Operators typically defer entirely to the investigating authority to avoid compromising the integrity of an active probe. The NTSB’s swift correction underscores the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for operator speculation, particularly when an event involves high-profile safety concerns like uncontained engine failures.
The CFM56-7B is one of the most widely used commercial aviation engines in the world. Any investigation involving a fan-blade-out event on this powerplant will naturally draw intense regulatory scrutiny, especially given the precedent set by the 2018 Southwest Airlines accident. While the discovery of bird remains introduces foreign object damage as a variable, we expect investigators will rigorously examine the efficacy of the ultrasonic inspections conducted in November 2025 and May 2026 to understand how the blade failure propagated.
Sources: National Transportation Safety Board
Photo Credit: NTSB
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