Tijuana Is Leading the Way in Global Aerospace Innovation
In recent years, Tijuana has emerged as an essential player in the global aerospace industry, showcasing significant growth and innovation in aerospace manufacturing.
Tijuana is home to over 70 aerospace companies, making it one of Mexico’s leading cities for aerospace manufacturing. These companies range from large multinational corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), all contributing to a vibrant ecosystem that supports the entire aerospace manufacturing value chain. Notable names include Eaton Aerospace, Benchmark Electronics, Esterline, ICON Aircraft and Oncore, which have established significant operations in this border city.
As a result, Tijuana serves as a crucial hub for this industry in Mexico, providing significant employment opportunities. In the last decade alone, the workforce in this sector has doubled, reaching a total of 15,000 highly skilled employees who contribute to specialized production.
Also, aerospace companies in Tijuana, the academia, the local cluster, and the government have significantly invested in training programs and educational institutions to cater to the industry’s specialized needs, producing a pool of engineers and technicians adept in the latest aerospace manufacturing techniques. This emphasis on skill development, combined with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, enables Tijuana to maintain high standards of quality and efficiency in aerospace production.
In Tijuana’s burgeoning aerospace sector, companies are at the forefront of manufacturing critical components essential to aviation technology for commercial and defense aircraft around the globe. From turbine parts to electronic systems and advanced composite materials, aerospace companies play a critical role in shaping the industry landscape.
Driving Innovation and Growth: Tijuana’s Role in Mexico’s Aerospace Evolution
Innovation is at the forefront of Tijuana’s aerospace narrative with companies investing heavily in Research and Development (R&D) to accelerate technology and manufacturing processes in aerospace. This commitment to innovation has paved the way for advancements in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), lightweight materials, and high-precision manufacturing technologies.
The commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of international manufacturing standards, such as AS9100 and NADCAP, further bolsters Tijuana’s reputation as a reliable and world-class manufacturing destination. Aerospace companies in Tijuana also benefit from the synergies created by the region’s extensive supply chain network, which allows for seamless integration of various manufacturing processes and rapid prototyping capabilities.
Major aerospace original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly seeking to expand their supply chain in Mexico to bolster their global operations and establish sustainable production programs over the medium and long term. The expansion of aerospace companies in Tijuana has catalyzed collaboration and innovation within the local ecosystem.
Cross-industry partnerships between aerospace firms, research institutions, and government agencies foster knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and the development of cutting-edge solutions. This collaborative environment encourages continuous improvement and drives the advancement of aerospace technologies.
In 2022, the aerospace industry in Mexico exported US$8.1 billion; in 2023, it is estimated that the industry exported US$9.4 billion, according to the Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation (FEMIA). Half of these exports had the U.S. as the final destination.
The aerospace industry in Mexico is primed for substantial growth, with industry experts predicting double-digit expansion in the coming years. This growth is expected to be driven by the global renewal of fleets and increasing demand for new aircraft, particularly from emerging markets. Explore the future of aerospace technology and manufacturing alongside Tecma Tijuana. Contact our team of dedicated industry experts to get started.
