Collaboration Between BC and Hidalgo Clusters Aims to Strengthen Mexico’s Aerospace Sector
During the Feria Aeroespacial México (FAMex) 2025, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Metropolitan Aerospace Cluster and the Baja California Aerospace Cluster. The goal is to bolster Mexico’s aerospace and space industry.
- Tomás Sibaja, president of the Baja California Aerospace Cluster, stated in an interview that this agreement will enable them to share their 60-year experience with the younger cluster in Mexico. They will collaborate on technical missions, business exchanges, and development of supply chains to enhance regional industrial capabilities.
The agreement will focus on three main areas: technology transfer, specialized talent development, and business linkages. Carlos Henkel, head of Hidalgo’s Economic Development Secretariat (Sedeco), explained that they are working with educational institutions to align their programs with the actual needs of the aerospace industry.
Mir Jespros, director of the Metropolitan Aerospace Cluster, emphasized during the agreement signing that it’s not just about replicating models but creating unique synergies. Hidalgo’s metalworking companies can get certified as aerospace suppliers, while Baja California companies will find new opportunities near the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
AIFA’s Potential
Sibaja mentioned that having an aerospace cluster in Hidalgo, attending to the needs of such an important airport as AIFA, was a two-year dream come true. The Baja California cluster consists of 200 companies, with 90 attending FAMex to generate business opportunities.
With AIFA located near Hidalgo, the state has the chance to develop this industry. They offer qualified human resources, installation capacity, support, and tax incentives. Hidalgo currently contributes five aerospace companies to the cluster, with more in transformation, according to the official.
Plan México
The “Made in Mexico” program, part of the Plan México, aims to promote local procurement with three pillars: facilitating financing, integrating supply chains, and developing products using Mexican inputs.
Gustavo Alonso Cabrera Rodríguez, responsible for the aeronautical and space industry at Mexico’s Economy Secretariat, highlighted that the challenge is to transition from being assemblers and subcontractors to a complete production chain. Although Mexican companies manufacture aerospace components, they currently operate in isolation.
Six Mexican regions have significant aerospace potential: the northern Pacific coast (Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa), Chihuahua, and the Gulf Coast (Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila). However, the country must address two major challenges for growth: energy and water, which are critical inputs for businesses.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the agreement between BC and Hidalgo clusters? The aim is to strengthen Mexico’s aerospace and space industry by sharing experience, developing talent, and fostering business linkages.
- What role does the AIFA play in this collaboration? Being near Hidalgo, AIFA offers opportunities for the state to develop its aerospace industry by providing qualified personnel, installation capacity, and tax incentives.
- What are the main objectives of Plan México for the aerospace sector? The plan focuses on facilitating financing, integrating supply chains, and developing products using Mexican inputs to transition from assembling components to creating a complete production chain.
- What challenges does the Mexican aerospace industry face? The industry must address energy and water shortages, which are critical inputs for businesses.
