Industry profile

The Aerospace Industry in Mexico

Mexico's aerospace industry is constituted by companies that manufacture, maintain, repair, fit, engineer, design and provide auxiliary services (airlines, test labs, training centers, etc.) to commercial and military aircraft.

In Mexico, the aerospace sector is rapidly growing. The level of exports has tripled in only six years and, in 2011, the industry's exports reached 4.337 billion dollars. Imports, meanwhile reached 3.782 billion dollars in 2011, maintaining a positive trade balance.

Companies Established in Mexico

By the end of 2011, there were 249 aerospace companies in Mexico, which supply mainly the United States, Canada, Germany and France. Combined, these companies have more than 31 thousand employees.

Foreign Direct Investment

The potential of investment projects in restricted technologies and dual use goods and services in Mexico is valued in at least 7 billion dollars, for the next five years. In addition to this, there is a potential to create between 30 and 40 thousand highly paid jobs.

Strengths of Mexican Aerospace Industry

•Logistics Axis. The two most important aerospace manufacturing corridors in the world are in North America and converge in Mexico. Its access to the Asian and European markets makes Mexico the logistics and aerospace manufacturing center of the Americas.

•Experience. Mexico's experience and success in the development of industries such as the automotive and the electric-electronic contribute to an advanced manufacturing platform and infrastructure, favoring the development of the aerospace industry in the country and enabling the optimization of supply chains, common support programs and synergic advantages.

•Reliability. Mexico's export control system was evaluated by member countries of the Wassenaar Agreement: Mexico was a remarkable case because it was admitted in record time, even when no new members had been approved in the last five years. Mexico's admission into the agreement shows the international community's interest in Mexico as a reliable destination for the integration of sensitive technologies. Moreover, Mexico's acceptance into this prestigious group shows the commitment to remain a safe destination for the production of both restricted technologies and dual use goods and services.

•Competitive Costs. According to a study performed by KPMG, Mexico is up to 15% more competitive in costs, compared to the United States.

•Innovation. The large number of universities and research centers for advanced manufacturing and materials favor the development of innovation projects in the industry.

•Talent. According to the Ministry of Public Education, every year, aroun 115 thousand engineering and technology students graduate from Mexican institutions. According to UNESCO's data for 2010, there are 18% more graduates in manufacturing engineering and construction per capita in Mexico than in the United States.

•Certified Quality. Mexico is one of the few countries with a bilateral agreement for the mutual acknowledgement of aviation certification systems-BASA (Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition, companies have certified their processes based on ISO - 9001, AS 9100 and NADCAP industry standards.