Quest for Aerospace Growth Requires Talent, Technification

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico’s aerospace industry was growing rapidly but the outbreak caused massive setbacks for the sector. Today, as the industry rebounds globally and nearshoring becomes increasingly important to Mexico, the local industry is again in a good position to grow. To take advantage of the coming opportunities, Mexico’s aerospace supply chain must grow in expertise and adopt new technologies and certifications.

One of the potential drivers for Mexico’s aerospace industry is nearshoring, which refers to the practice of relocating production facilities closer to the end market. This trend has been growing in importance in recent years, driven by rising transportation costs and the need for more efficient supply chains. Mexico’s proximity to the US, which is the largest aerospace market in the world, according to Statista, makes it an attractive location for nearshoring.

Mexico’s aerospace industry has also benefited from the country’s strategic location between North and South America, making it a natural hub for aerospace companies looking to serve the entire region. In addition, the country has a wellestablished manufacturing base and a skilled workforce, which have helped to attract investment from major aerospace companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Safran.

“The aerospace sector in Mexico will certainly grow and expand because of nearshoring. If you already have an operation in Mexico and want to integrate into the supply chain in aerospace, make sure you find the experts who understand the certification paths, contracting, industry business intelligence, volumes, cycles and pricing,” says Carlos Robles, President and Head of Aerospace, AMBE Engineering, in article for MBN.

Wanted: Talent and Tech

While the current landscape presents several opportunities for Mexico’s aerospace industry, to seize them the country must strengthen its supply chain through strict quality and safety standards. To meet those standards, Mexican suppliers must gain more expertise and ensure that their operations are efficient and reliable.

The shortage of talent specialized in the aerospace industry is another global challenge that has become increasingly acute in recent years. The problem is due to a combination of factors, including an aging workforce, a lack of interest in STEM fields among young people and a growing demand for aerospace talent driven by the industry’s growth. This shortage of talent is particularly acute in specialized areas, such as materials science, advanced manufacturing and avionics, according to Global Aerospace.

In Mexico, the shortage of aerospace talent is a significant challenge for the industry. While the country has a wellestablished manufacturing base and a skilled workforce, there is a need to develop specialized skills and expertise to support the industry’s growth. Some possible solutions to foster talent include expanding STEM education programs, creating more apprenticeships and on-the-job training opportunities and promoting careers in aerospace to young people, agree industry leaders.

“It is impossible to transform the industry without the proper technicians, engineers and personnel, as it is unrealistic for companies to bring foreign managers to operate in Mexico. There is no problem with the talent pool available in Mexico but educational institutions have to align their efforts to the real needs of the industry,” says Humberto Ramos, CEO, HT-MX.

In addition, triple-helix collaborations between universities, industry and the public sector to develop more specialized training programs and to support R&D is crucial. By investing in talent development, Mexico’s aerospace industry can continue to grow and remain competitive in the global market. According to the Mexican Space Agency (AEM), every dollar that is invested in space telecommunications will recover US$60. “It is necessary that industry, government and academia collaborate on activities to promote the development of these sectors, drive greater participation of professionals and expand investment and growth opportunities in the industry for the benefit of Mexican society,” writes Enrique Sosa, President, Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro, in an article for MBN.

Technology adoption is another key area for Mexico’s aerospace industry. As technology advances, aerospace companies are looking for suppliers that can provide cuttingedge solutions. This requires suppliers to invest in R&D and to stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends. Mexico’s suppliers must develop their capabilities in areas such as materials science, advanced manufacturing techniques and automation to remain competitive, Sergio Segura, CEO, Innocentro, tells MBN.

Certifications also play an essential role in the aerospace industry. Suppliers must comply with a wide range of international standards and certifications, including AS9100, ISO 9001 and NADCAP. These certifications demonstrate that suppliers have the necessary processes in place to meet the high-quality and safety standards required by the aerospace industry. “To be part of this selected club (the aerospace supply chain), you must have certain credentials depending on your tier level in the supply chain. You must be AS9100-certified and sometimes NADCAP-certified as well. Additionally, sometimes companies need special OEM approvals that can be even stricter than industry certifications. These efforts can take years and some serious invested money,” writes Alberto Robles, Senior Engineering Manager, General Electric Infrastructure Queretaro, in an MBN expert contribution.

With rising demand for air travel and constant innovation disrupting the aviation sector, such as urban air mobility (UAM), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hybrid and electric aircraft, Mexico is in a key position to continue investing in the aerospace industry by taking advantage of its strategic location, highly skilled workforce and growing experience.