Aerospace Industry Expands in Querétaro

Following the global downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the aerospace industry, one of the main components of Querétaro's industrial sector, has continued to experience sustained growth.

Jatziri Barrios Porras, president of the Querétaro Aerocluster, reported that the local industry has maintained a steady double-digit growth rate over the past two to three years, averaging between 12% and 15% annually. This trend is expected to continue throughout this year.

Several factors are contributing to a favorable environment for the industry, including the recent certification of Boeing's 737 model by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as growth announcements from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier.

“The aerospace industry market has been showing steady growth since the post-pandemic recovery over the past two to three years, driven by the recertification of the Boeing 737 program. (…) Globally, it is also an industry that has been growing, which, in turn, impacts the supply chains located in the state of Querétaro,” she explained.

Throughout this year, the local industry has maintained stable performance, supported by investment attraction and increased operations at several companies. The sector has also recorded a high level of activity in terms of recruitment, contributing to growing employment levels.

According to the cluster's president, last year's momentum was supported by the triple-helix ecosystem linking industry, academia, and government institutions.

“We can say that it has been a good year for the aerospace sector, with stable production lines and growth in exports. (…) This triple helix has been instrumental in ensuring that projects are carried out successfully, on time, and in the proper manner,” she said.

As part of this ecosystem, the Aeronautical University of Querétaro (UNAQ) has played a significant role in talent development and collaboration with the industry.

The aerospace industry in Querétaro has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades, establishing a well-developed ecosystem that integrates advanced manufacturing, engineering, research, and talent development capabilities, said Nancy Casares González, director of the Querétaro Aerocluster.

She explained, that large companies in the sector are entrusting Querétaro with increasingly complex and critical operations, including engine assembly, manufacturing, and testing.

The aerospace industry currently provides nearly 15,000 jobs in the state. The Querétaro Aerocluster comprises 72 members, including companies, academic institutions, research centers, and government-affiliated organizations.