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.