Mexico Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in mexico, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Aerospace
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Overview

In 2024, Mexico ranked 12th globally in aerospace manufacturing and was the fourth largest exporter of aerospace products globally, with overseas shipments reaching approximately USD 10.7 billion. The industry contributed to around one percent of Mexico’s GDP, driving technology transfer, innovation, and advanced manufacturing within the country. The sector has been averaging growth of 14 percent annually since 2004, outpacing global growth rates. Annual growth projections for the next five years vary widely from 2.76 percent to 25.5 percent.

Mexico’s aerospace sector expanded from 100 manufacturing firms in 2004 to 368 by mid-2023. These firms mainly produce components, small parts, harnesses, airframes, small drones, and avionic assemblies. The United States and France are the largest foreign direct investors, accounting for 48 percent and 10 percent of FDI, respectively. Significant players include Airbus, Boeing, General Dynamics, Bombardier, Safran, Thales, Daher, Honeywell, GKN, RTX, GE, Eaton, and Mexicana MRO. Buyers have moderate bargaining power due to multiple specialized suppliers. 

Key drivers include the growing demand for MRO services, driven by the need to modernize global airline fleets, Mexico’s aging military fleet, and the rise of commercial aviation. Factors boosting demand include the expansion of low-cost carriers like Volaris and Viva Aerobus and the Delta-Aeromexico partnership approved in 2016. Aerospace exports from Mexico grew 14 percent annually from 2004-2024, aided by the Maquiladora Export Program. The thriving manufacturing and metal mechanics sectors enhance innovation and efficiency, while major aerospace companies in Baja California are expanding operations.

Unlike the United States, Mexico’s aerospace industry focuses on parts and assemblies for final systems. Manufacturing accounts for 79 percent of revenue, MRO facilities generate 10 percent, and design and engineering services account for 11 percent. The industry can be segmented by geography:

  • Baja California: Home to a prominent aerospace cluster in Tijuana and Mexicali, focusing on precision machining, composites, and assembly. Key companies include Honeywell and Gulfstream Aerospace.
  • Sonora: Another critical hub with cities like Hermosillo and Guaymas, specializing in avionics, engine components, wiring harnesses, and landing gear. Companies include Safran and Collins Aerospace.
  • Chihuahua: Known for aerospace machining and subassembly manufacturing with key players like Boeing and GE Aviation.
  • Queretaro: A dynamic cluster attracting domestic and international investment, specializing in engineering services, MRO, and aircraft interiors, with companies like Airbus and Bombardier.
    Nuevo Leon: An emerging cluster centered in Monterrey, focusing on precision machining and composite manufacturing, featuring companies like Lockheed Martin and Spirit AeroSystems. 

Trade Statistics

Table: Mexico Aerospace Industry Market Size (USD Billions)

 2021202220232024
Total Exports6.78.19.410.7
Total Imports5.46.87.78.6
Imports from the U.S.4.34.84.96.3
Exchange Rates20.320.118.418.32

Source: Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation, A.C. (FEMIA)

Leading Sub-sectors

  • Flight and maintenance training
  • Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) services and maintenance programs
  • Aircraft specialized paint
  • Aircraft supply and provisioning services
  • Sanitary services, special filters, air control devices  
  • Small aircraft, executive aircraft, and helicopter sales, parts, and services
  • Technology for electric propulsion, eVTOL aircraft, and autonomous technology
  • IoT technology, 3D printing, and urban air mobility (UAM)

Opportunities

Leading opportunities include supplying manufacturing and assembly plants to support the development of the broader aviation ecosystem. Despite the rapid growth of Mexico’s aerospace industry -or perhaps because of it- the mix of local Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers is still lacking. Large OEMs cannot find specialized, fully certified local suppliers with advanced capabilities and sufficient logistics abilities. Regarding supply chains, FEMIA estimates that Boeing has 26 Mexican suppliers, Airbus has 36, and Embraer 13. Large aerospace OEMs continue looking to expand their supply chain in Mexico to support their global business and establish middle and long-term production programs. 

Resources

  • Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation (FEMIA)
  • Expomanufactura
  • FAMEX

Events

  • Mexico Aerospace Nearshoring Summit: September 10-11, 2025. Chihuahua, Mexico.
  • Mexico’s Supply Chain Nearshoring Summit: March 12, 2026. El Paso, TX.
  • Aerospace Meetings Queretaro: February 18-19, 2026. Querétaro, Mexico.

Commercial Specialist

For further information and assistance in exploring opportunities in Mexico’s aerospace sector, contact: Diana Leon (Diana.Leon@trade.gov)

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