Boeing sees Mexico as key player in Latin America’s aviation future

Aerospace giant Boeing forecasts that Mexico will require around 800 new commercial aircraft over the next two decades, making the country a cornerstone of projected aviation growth in Latin America. The figure represents nearly one-third of all new aircraft deliveries expected across the region, underscoring Mexico’s growing importance in global aviation dynamics.

This demand is being driven by rising domestic and international air traffic, as well as by fleet renewal plans from both Mexican and international carriers operating in the country. Aircraft like the 737 and the 787 are expected to make up the bulk of orders, favored for their flexibility on short-, medium-, and long-haul routes.

However, Boeing acknowledges significant challenges in meeting delivery timelines. While orders once took three to four years to fulfill, that timeline has now stretched to as many as seven years, a delay attributed to a backlog of orders and supply chain and production constraints that the company is still working to stabilize.

Following recent safety concerns — most notably an incident involving a detached door plug on a 737 MAX 9 during flight — Boeing has undergone a major internal overhaul. In 2024, a new CEO was appointed to lead the company through a phase of restructuring and reputation recovery. Boeing has since introduced stricter quality controls and new internal metrics to monitor assembly standards, supply chain health, and workforce training, all aimed at regaining industry trust.

On the production front, the company is currently building 38 units of its 737 model each month, with plans to ramp up to 42 by year’s end. Meanwhile, 787 production has increased from five to seven aircraft monthly, with expectations to reach 10 per month within two years. Instead of opening new factories, Boeing is expanding output at its existing facilities, primarily in the United States.

Mexico already plays a vital role in Boeing’s manufacturing ecosystem. Local suppliers contribute over US$1 billion annually to Boeing’s production pipeline, making Mexico one of the company’s most strategic manufacturing partners outside the U.S. Still, Boeing says these suppliers will need to upgrade their quality standards to meet evolving requirements and increased scrutiny.

To cope with delivery delays, Boeing is offering temporary solutions such as used aircraft, unallocated previous-generation models, and short-term leasing agreements through third-party companies. The company is also exploring the conversion of passenger jets — especially from the 737 family — into freighters, which could further position Mexico as a logistics and cargo hub.

Boeing’s forecast highlights not only the rapid growth of Mexico’s aviation sector but also the pressures faced by manufacturers to keep pace with demand while maintaining safety and efficiency. For Mexico, the years ahead offer more than just a surge in new aircraft purchases — they present a real chance to strengthen its position as a critical player in the global aerospace supply chain.