Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has signed a long-term agreement with Mexicana de Aviación to introduce its AHEAD predictive maintenance platform across the Mexican state-owned airline's fleet of E2 jets. The deal comes as Mexicana has reached ten Embraer aircraft in service, completing half of its original order.
Announced on November 12, the agreement covers five E190-E2s and five E195-E2s. The AHEAD system, which stands for Aircraft Health Analysis and Diagnosis, uses data collected from aircraft systems to identify potential technical problems before they lead to unscheduled maintenance.
According to fleet database Planespotters.net, Mexicana received its five E195-E2s between June and December 2025. Deliveries of the smaller E190-E2 began in May 2026, followed by another aircraft in June, one in August and two in September.
The airline now operates ten E2 jets, all listed as active. Its original agreement, announced in 2024, covers 20 aircraft, divided equally between the two variants, leaving five of each model still to be delivered.
Predicting maintenance problems
The AHEAD platform monitors aircraft systems including engines, auxiliary power units, fuel, hydraulics, avionics, navigation, air conditioning and flight controls.
It analyzes information collected both during flights and on the ground, using predictive algorithms to identify abnormal behavior and help maintenance teams schedule inspections or repairs before a component causes an operational disruption.
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Embraer says the system can reduce unscheduled maintenance, improve aircraft availability and lower operating costs. The manufacturer also claims potential environmental benefits from avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption associated with maintenance-related disruptions.
Carlos Naufel, president and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, said the agreement would support Mexicana's operations as the airline expands its fleet and route network.
Mexicana CEO Leobardo Ávila Bojórquez said the platform would allow the airline to use aircraft data to plan maintenance requirements in advance, supporting operational reliability during its expansion.
Neither company disclosed the agreement's financial terms or the duration of the contract.
Mexicana's E2 fleet expansion
Mexicana began receiving its E195-E2 aircraft in June 2025, introducing a new generation of regional jets to replace the older aircraft used during the airline's initial operations.
The larger E195-E2 accommodates 132 passengers in Mexicana's single-class configuration. The airline subsequently introduced the 108-seat E190-E2, which provides a smaller-capacity option for routes with lower demand.
The first E190-E2, registered XA-MXF, arrived in Mexico in early May 2026. Four additional aircraft followed over the next four months, bringing the fleet to ten jets by the end of September.
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November 12, 2026
Mexicana was relaunched as a state-owned carrier in December 2023, operating from Felipe Ángeles International Airport, north of Mexico City. Its E2 acquisition is intended to support domestic connectivity and expand services to destinations that may not sustain larger narrowbody aircraft.
