Aerospace outsourcing in Mexico

FAMEX 2025, Show Aéreo | F-35, A400M, KC-135 y más!!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIbmSveBpBs
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHKug0sTC3w



Mexico City, April 25, 2025 – Leading representatives of the Mexican aeronautical industry announced the winners of the national competition to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) at the FAMEX Aerospace Fair. For the 2025 edition, the three finalists were:

The team from the Yucatán Scientific Research Center in Mérida proposed producing SAF from nejayote (a residue from the corn nixtamalization process) and henequen waste using the Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) rout
e. This experimental process includes the conversion of bioethanol into SAF.

The team from the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City proposed producing SAF from Agave angustifolia. This project demonstrated that Mexico has sufficient land available to sustain production.

The CIATEC team in Guanajuato proposed the development of an alternative technology for the production of SAFs called furans to jet (FTJ), based on the conversion of agricultural waste (corn stubble, wheat straw, sorghum bagasse, and sugarcane) into bioturbosine.

The initiative, launched in January 2024, included the participation of Aeroméxico, Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA), the National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO), the Mexican Council for Aerospace Education (COMEA), the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA), the Mexico Aerospace Fair (FAMEX), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Coalition for Sustainable Aviation (ICSA), Viva, and Volaris.

 
Last edited:
Amazing that so much aerospace related activity is happening in Mexico.

Regards,
In my life experience I have realized aviation is a business,

In Latin America there are several models of aviation industrial development.

The most successful is Brazil, followed by Mexico and Colombia and later Argentina and Chile.

Brazil combines local talent and industry with well developed international alliances.

Embraer exemplifies a local company that has connections to aircraft giants from other nations to lead aircraft programs.

In Mexico Frisa, MIMSA or AT engine are the most advanced companies because they have become suppliers to important aerospace programs from Space X to Safran and GE jet engines.


Colombia has an important light aviation industry, with more than 700 light aircraft built.

Argentina had many important programs but it has not been able to profit economically with a really advanced aviation industry.

Chile has a small aircraft industry.

The current Mexican model is become suppliers of important aircraft giants.

"We've been in the aerospace industry for approximately 8-9 years, during which time we've developed this niche and established business relationships with several major clients and large OEMs, supplying production parts," López highlights. Thanks to these efforts, MIMSA has been approved as a Tier 1 aerospace supplier for renowned companies such as Boeing Airplanes, Safran, GE Aerospace, and Honeywell.

1745962534663.png
1745806261898.png
1745847856585.png
PE-210A Specifications:
Range: 1,600 km | Max. Speed: 210 knots | Endurance: 4–5 h | Payload: 350 kg | Cockpit: Tandem with 300° vertical and 240° horizontal vision | Materials: Aluminum and composites | Wing: Canard + swept main | Engine: 300 HP turbojet with ducted propeller | Avionics: Garmin G3X (customizable) Its modern and economical design makes it a strategic option for armed forces and civilian operators.

Pegasus P-400T: An advanced and versatile platform, still under development, it is designed for primary training and tactical missions such as reconnaissance, high-speed general aviation, and light attack.

P-400T Specifications: Range: 1,800 km | Max. Speed: 240 knots | Autonomy: 4–5 h- Resistance: up to 7G- Propulsion: Ducted propeller + auxiliary turbine- Structure: Tandem with panoramic vision- Reinforced retractable landing gear- Avionics: Garmin G1000 (customizable)

1745838783628.png

1745838634079.png


1745838602898.png
The Pegasus from Oaxaca aerospace repeats a model that could or could not work, because they designed an aircraft that costs USD $3 million dollars that competes with established aircraft like the Beechcraft Texan II that cost USD $10 million dollars but lacks the prestige and economic logistics developed to grow in the third world aircraft trainer market.
1745807690663.png
The Halcon 2 from Horizontec is much cheaper to operate and purchase only USD $179,000 dollars per aircraft, but since it is targeted for aviation schools and private owners it is hard to see its future.

1745806471896.png
The Mexican company Horizontec received the "Made in Mexico" certification for assembling a 100 percent Mexican aircraft using advanced technology and its own development. Giovanni Angelucci, the company's CEO, received this certification at the 2025 Mexican Aerospace Fair (FAMEX).

Horizontec is a Mexican company located in Celaya, Guanajuato, dedicated to designing, developing, and manufacturing aircraft using cutting-edge technology and advanced composite materials. They are the creators of the first aircraft, the Halcón 2.

Since 2014, the company has developed this technological advancement in aviation with the Halcón 1. It was in February 2024 that Horizontec received the production certificate from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) to market the Halcón 2.

"I am going to present this certificate, which you have earned with great pride. Mexico has not developed its own aircraft for many years. This aircraft will be licensed very soon. You will see it on the market," commented Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Secretary of Economy.

Halcón 1
The flight for a dream began with the manufacture of the Halcón 1 (H1), a wooden aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 600 kilograms and a speed of 222 km/h. The Falcon I made its first flight on September 30, 2017.

Falcon 2
A two-seat light sport aircraft (LSA), constructed of composite materials and powered by a 141 HP Rotax 915is engine. A versatile, safe, and easy-to-fly aircraft, it is designed for flight schools (training future Mexican pilots), aerial surveillance, and recreational flights.

Horizontec products feature cutting-edge engineering, and are therefore committed to meeting the highest international design and quality standards, as well as ensuring state-of-the-art design and manufacturing, using ASTM standards.



In general terms Mexico has not the success of Colombia in light aviation yet, and it is far far away from Brazil`s Tucano or Preator aircraft.


However Mexico is well established in the area of suppliers building aircraft parts for big companies and landing investment in the country..

There is now a assembly and manufacture of parts of complete Leap engines by Safran in Queretaro

Safran’s recently announced $75 million investment in a new factory in Mexico is part of the French engine maker’s concerted response to meeting the exceptionally high levels of demand for the Leap engines it produces through its CFM International joint venture with GE Aviation. By the end of 2017, the new plant at Queretaro, 125 miles north of Mexico City, will start producing 3-D woven composite fan blades for the Leap turbofans. By 2021, the facility, which is being built in partnership with U.S. company Albany International, is expected to reach an annual output rate of more than 20,000 blades.



“With this plant, Mexico will position itself among the few countries capable of covering the entire engine lifecycle — from manufacturing parts and modules to final assembly, repair, maintenance and engine testing,” says Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines. “Since opening our plant in Querétaro, we have developed operational excellence in production and maintenance here, contributing to providing our customers with the highest standards of quality.
 
Last edited:
Mexico ranks fifth in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the aerospace sector and the 12th largest exporter of components worldwide, according to the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA).
1745847792649.png
With a market currently valued at $11.2 billion, it is expected to reach $22.7 billion by 2029, driven by annual growth of more than 15%. At the end of the first half of 2024, 386 aerospace companies operated in 19 states, with 370 specialized plants that generate more than 50,000 direct jobs and 190,000 indirect jobs, consolidating this industry as a pillar of Mexico's economic and technological development.

In this context, the Mexico Aerospace Fair (FAMEX) 2025 opened its doors from April 23 to 26 at Military Air Base No. 1 in Santa Lucía, State of Mexico. This event, considered the most important of its kind in Latin America, brought together 337 companies, representatives from 48 countries, and 73 aircraft on display, including iconic models such as the United States Air Force F-35 and the Spanish Air Force Airbus A400M. In addition, 20 partner air forces, 12 national and international universities, and diplomats from 40 nations participated.

A strategic platform for the aerospace sector

As part of Plan Mexico, FAMEX seeks to position the country as a global leader in manufacturing, technological innovation, and sustainability in the aerospace sector. The director of the Fair Committee, Disraeli Gómez Herrera, emphasized that this comprehensive effort not only promotes trade and foreign investment but also fosters the creation of highly skilled jobs. During the three-day event, conferences and business meetings will be held to strengthen international cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability in aviation, and autonomous systems, including drones.

Brazil, as the guest of honor, and Querétaro, a leading state in the Mexican aerospace industry, have a prominent presence at this edition. Additionally, the first official presentation of the Mexican Army's "Guerreros Águila" jump team will take place, complementing a program that blends technological innovation with cultural and commemorative events.

Mexico: Past, Present, and Future of Aviation

This year, the fair also celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Mexican Air Force and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, reinforcing Mexico's role as a relevant player in the history of global aviation. Beyond the commemorative events, the event reflects the exponential growth of a sector that has taken advantage of its proximity to the United States, the development of specialized clusters, and the promotion of public policies to attract foreign investment.

The impact of FAMEX transcends its mere trade fair nature, establishing itself as a platform for economic and technological opportunities. This year, it is expected to strengthen Mexico's competitiveness in the global market and reinforce its position as a key destination for aerospace manufacturing, thanks to its high standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability.

With record participation and a comprehensive program, FAMEX 2025 demonstrates that the future of the aerospace industry is closely linked to Mexico's strategic development, positioning it as an undisputed leader in aerospace manufacturing and technology worldwide.
 
Last edited:
The overall objective of the Thermal Air Surveillance System (SITVA) is to increase the physical security of crews and flight equipment. It was developed at the Air Force Research and Technological Development Center, in collaboration with the José Mario Molina Pasquel y Henríquez Technological Institute (Zapopan Campus)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1ejZ7ycnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1ejZ7ycnU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1ejZ7ycnU


In order to consolidate its leadership in the aerospace industry, the state of Baja California forged strategic alliances during the Mexican Aerospace Fair (FAMEX) 2025, through the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the ProBaja platform, in collaboration with the recently created Baja California Space and Aeronautics Cluster (CEA-BC).

It is noteworthy that the state has 94 companies in the sector, accounting for 21% of the aerospace sector in the country. It generates more than 40,000 jobs, including engineers, technicians, and operators, and has a strong supplier base made up of more than 339 companies.

One of the key moments at the fair was the meeting with the French Ambassador to Mexico, Delphine Borione, strengthening the relationship between Baja California and the European country, a strategic player in the aeronautical sector. Meetings were also held with leaders of SAFRAN, the largest aerospace employer in Mexico, and with the Canadian company Meloche Group, which confirmed its upcoming visit to the state to evaluate investment opportunities.

Baja California also strengthened ties with Arizona through the Arizona Commerce Authority, with the goal of strengthening binational cooperation in aerospace. Additionally, the state held meetings with GE Aerospace, promoting the development of local suppliers through the ProBaja Capabilities Portfolio.

Its participation represents a strategic alliance between leading companies, suppliers, universities, and public entities, fostering an environment of collective growth, professionalization, and international visibility.


 
Last edited:
1745963108350.png

As part of Guanajuato Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo's working tour in Houston, the Secretary of Economy, Claudia Cristina Villaseñor Aguilar, accompanied her to a meeting with María Elena Orantes, representative of the Mexican Consulate in Houston, and businessmen from different industries, to strengthen international ties and promote Guanajuato's competitive advantages.

This collaboration seeks to strengthen commercial ties and consolidate bilateral business in key sectors such as aerospace, energy, tourism and automotive.

Likewise, in a meeting with the Official Mexican Business Chamber (COME), the Governor invited businessmen and women to invest in Guanajuato, highlighting its economic strength, its training and education ecosystem, and the rule of law that provides certainty to companies that choose to establish themselves in the state.

As part of the agenda, the Secretary of Economy, Claudia Cristina Villaseñor Aguilar, visited, on behalf of Governor Libia Dennise, the Houston Spaceport, an aerospace innovation center located at Ellington Airport, which houses global leaders such as Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines and Collins Aerospace.

During the meeting, a collaboration proposal was presented focused on the development of specialized human capital, with the vision of training young people from Guanajuato in key skills to strengthen their employability in the aerospace industry.

In addition, it was agreed to explore collaboration mechanisms with companies located at the Spaceport to identify specialized supply opportunities, seeking to integrate Guanajuato companies into global supply chains.

Finally, companies in the aerospace sector will be able to learn first-hand about the industrial infrastructure, innovation centers, technology parks and human talent that position Guanajuato as a strategic destination for investment and global technological development.

With these actions, the Government of the People, through the Ministry of Economy, reaffirms its commitment to continue positioning the state as a benchmark in innovation, advanced manufacturing and foreign investment, generating quality jobs and expanding development opportunities for the people of Guanajuato.


The state of California, USA, if it were a country, would have the fourth largest economy in the world - according to recent data added to this article. Baja California has been part of the aerospace economic muscle of the West Coast of the United States since 1966. As natural allies in the aerospace industrial development of our entity, at FAMEX 2025, Military Air Base No. 1, Santa Lucía, Edomex, we signed an MOU with "Space Return, The California Space Cluster", a California Space Cluster, USA www.spacereturn.org with a radius of influence in Los Angeles and counties of Southern California, with the goal of leveraging our strengths in talent, industrial development, technological innovation, and supply for critical space missions. This ceremony was held at the stand of Eng. Manuel Langarica, CEO of Cableados y Plásticos (CYPSA), a leading Mexican SME supplier of cables and harnesses - a member of the Baja California Aerospace Cluster. We appreciate the presence of Dr. Theresa Padilla and Diego Padilla, President and CEO, respectively, for this significant ceremony marking a milestone in the binational collaboration of our members in the space race. We also thank Gabriele Pérez, CEO of Able Aerospace; Elfido Ramos, Supply Chain Manager SSNA, at Safran Group Mexico; Carlos Duarte, expert in Human Capital Development in the Space Field; and Christian Sánchez, President of the Commission for Women in the Aerospace Industry, who served as Witnesses of Honor at this significant meeting, along with members of the Baja Aerospace Delegation.

Visit us at www.bajaaerospace.org
Howard Hughes established the first aerospace company in the city, Hughes Aircraft, more than 40 years ago.
A solid location for aerospace investments.
It seeks its experienced workforce, proximity to the supply chain, and first-class infrastructure.
Gulfstream (Savannah, GA) assembles 70% of its exclusive jets in Mexicali.

Honeywell (Morristown, NJ) designs and tests electrical systems for next-generation aircraft.
United Technologies Aerospace Systems (Chula Vista, CA) manufactures nacelle system components for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Growing Mexican market with European, American, and Canadian companies established throughout the country seeking qualified suppliers in the region.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMxzQM-Sx3Q

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has announced a significant US $370 million investment to build a new 540,000-square-foot plant in Mexicali, Baja California, creating 1,500 specialized jobs. This new plant will boost Gulfstream's operations in the region, further solidifying Baja California's position as the heart of Mexico's aerospace industry. With this expansion, Gulfstream will have over 5,000 employees in the region, continuing to contribute to its robust aviation and aerospace sector. Visit www.MexicoNewsDaily.com for more.

 
Last edited:
Embraer and Zodiac to Operate Plant in Mexico
Embraer has reached an agreement with Zodiac Aerospace to create a partnership that will manufacture cabin components for the Embraer 170/190 family of jets, the Brazilian company announced



The Embraer factory in Chihuahua, not Mexico, operates with more than 1,000 workers to produce internal coatings for the Brazilian company's aircraft, said Francisco Gomes, general director of Embraer.

Globally, Embraer has 19,000 employees and one fifth of its engineers.

Gomes reported that there are more than 100 Embraer aircraft flying in Mexico. Of course, more than 50 executive aircraft, three belonging to the Mexican Air Force and the rest are commercial aircraft.

“Embraer has a portfolio of products that is tailored to develop more businesses and collaboration with Mexico,” said Gomes about participating in the Mexico-Brazil Business Forum in Mexico City on the second fair.

A subsidiary of this company, EZ Air Interior Limited, operates the Embraer factory in Chihuahua. It produces interior parts for its Commercial Aviation segment. The factory started production and shipping parts to Brazil in 2013. It reached its total production capacity in January 2015.
1746018646277.png
Embraer is positioned as the world's leading manufacturer of 150-seat aircraft. She finds one of her main opportunities in the direct substitution of her products. In particular, this is the case in regions where their aircraft are only visible, such as North America and Europe.
1746018730649.png
Also, specific markets, such as India, Brazil, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, present great potential. This is due to the increasing development of regional aviation.

On the other hand, the aircraft segment with less than 150 seats is experiencing global growth. Or reason? There is a need to adjust the size of the airlines' air carriers.

In 2023, the company will have a receipt of US$ 5.3 billion, two 93.5% denominated in US dollars.


1746016372133.png


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydniS4qUFRk
1746020535047.png

Quantum Robotics unveils its Mexican-made Mars rover at FAMEX 2025​

The Quantum Robotics Team Presents Its Rover for Mars Exploration at FAMEX 2025Quantum Robotics is a Mexican team dedicated to building space rovers. They have participated in international competitions such as the University Rover Challenge, where the limits of engineering are tested. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in space robotics, including autonomous rovers for space exploration. Quantum Robotics is at the forefront of this technology, integrating AI into its designs.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Back
Top Bottom