Mexico advances in its consolidation as a supplier in the aeronautical sector

Over the past 15 years, the aerospace sector has experienced remarkable growth and has established itself as a supplier in an industry of excellence and high quality, said Sergio Pérez Contreras, executive president of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment, and Technology (COMCE).

In an interview with A21, the business leader highlighted that the country has demonstrated quality in all the parts it manufactures for aircraft.

“Curiously, the aeronautical sector had not been taken into consideration in Mexico, but when it began to develop, large investments were made; its importance is now being recognized,” he said.

The executive president pointed out that, just as cars are made in the country, airplanes can now be made as well, but the circumstances here are related to the manufacture of parts for the aeronautical sector.

He pointed out that Mexico has knowledge of the automotive and aeronautical sectors, so if a strategy were to be implemented, the country would have the opportunity to encourage the construction of its own vehicles, whether cars or aircraft, although there are already some examples of aircraft that have been designed in the country.

Pérez Contreras acknowledged that, although aircraft and automobile manufacturing projects in Mexico are still in their early stages, the country has established itself as a strategic supplier for both industries.

This positioning, he stressed, has favored the arrival of investments, as Mexico offers skilled labor, which strengthens the conditions for attracting and consolidating capital in these sectors.

Recently, a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited Mexico, which led to the signing of an agreement between the two nations through COMCE. Given the high level of technological development in the UAE's aeronautical sector and Mexico's role as a key supplier to the United States, there is an opportunity to establish bilateral joint ventures in this area. He mentioned that the UAE is committed to the development of autonomous drones, as they seek to promote this type of aircraft for air taxis.

According to estimates by the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA), 10% growth is expected in the aeronautical sector this year.

Currently, the value of the aerospace industry market in the country amounts to between US$10.7 billion and US$10.9 billion in exports, a figure that corresponds to estimates, as data for 2024 is not yet available, according to FEMIA.