Building on Decades of Aerospace Experience

Q: How does the Chihuahua cluster bring together companies, government entities, and universities to collaborate and drive the growth of the involved companies?

A: The triple helix model has been a key part of the cluster since its inception. Representatives from the government, companies, and academia help form the cluster’s annual plan. We include them to see how we can support them and what capabilities they have. We also support businesses in non-economic ways by helping them source materials, tests, or measurements. We also provide seminars for students. The state government and municipal governments are key for the industry and are well informed of what we are doing.

We work with both municipal and state governments to promote the region's businesses. The aerospace industry in Mexico has grown by 15% annually post-pandemic. This growth is related to nearshoring, which is bringing in new companies and expanding those already in the country. 

Q: What are the advantages that companies obtain by participating in the cluster? 

A: The aerospace cluster works under the umbrella of Index Chihuahua, which gives us governance, procedures, and additional credibility. Companies benefit from that added credibility and the promotion of their capabilities. We also provide information about upcoming industry trends. Last year, the state received about US$30 million in investment from expansions and new companies and generated about 1,000 new jobs.

The cluster brings together Chihuahua’s five OEMs and numerous Tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 companies, helping them cooperate and communicate. Cooperation has become essential and we seek it across regions. There is no competition between aerospace clusters in Mexico. 

Q: How does the cluster leverage Chihuahua’s long aerospace history to strengthen companies?

A: Companies recognize Chihuahua for its excellence in quality and manufacturing. The state started with the automotive and electronics sectors and now has strong manufacturing capabilities and technologies in those industries. The state has high quality standards that allow it to produce for aerospace OEMs. These capabilities were developed through the automotive and electronic industries and have been transferred to the aerospace sector.

Q: How does the cluster help new companies in the aerospace sector or from others to integrate into the local supply chains? 

A: We find opportunities for local companies to venture into the aerospace sector. We help automotive businesses become cross-sector suppliers by expanding to the aerospace sector. We offer courses and help automotive companies adopt the AS 9100 certification through our collaboration with a specialized firm and other certifying bodies. We also joined FEMIA’s Becoming an Aerospace Supplier program to support companies interested in the industry. 

Q: What educational initiatives has the cluster supported and what training areas are in higher demand among companies?

A: The cluster represents about 20,000 employees in the aerospace sector. In Mexico, the aerospace industry employs 60,000 people. Chihuahua’s Center for Advanced Technology Training (CENALTEC) has trained about 10,000 operators and technicians. The cluster supports this government-run institution by helping it coordinate equipment purchases and donations.

Q: What advances have been made in cargo drone technology and how will the state capitalize on them?

A: The market for cargo drones is expected to be worth trillions of dollars by 2030. Chihuahua could work in this sector thanks in part due to its electronics industry and technical capabilities in technology transformation. This is a great opportunity, as there are over 400 companies in the world working directly on cargo drones that will transition to passenger drones. The state has the supply chain and materials for this industry, including carbon fibers, composites, structural materials, and electronics. Drones will initially be used mainly for small loads, and later expand to larger loads. 

Q: How is the cluster supporting the development and distribution of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Mexico? 

A: During the past two years, many flights have used SAFs, which are a potential solution to many issues in the aviation industry. FEMIA is promoting their development among universities. The cluster does not have an initiative for SAFs, but we support the efforts the industry is making. 

The cluster is helping companies reduce their carbon footprint. We take advantage of solar power and are introducing initiatives that allow companies to generate up to 30% of the energy they consume. The major OEMs are beginning to promote energy efficiency and urging their suppliers to comply with regulations regarding green energies and the circular economy. 

Q: What policies are necessary to reduce employee turnover in the aerospace industry?

A: The cluster was founded to share lessons learned in the industry. One of the key points has always been to develop talent and to avoid “stealing” employees from each other. The key is to invest in the cultural part of an organization by ensuring that their work environment is suitable. It is key to challenge employees and give them opportunities to develop their skills. It is also necessary to listen to them and provide feedback.

Q: What new technologies, such as additive manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and automation, are companies in the state adopting?

A: Some important companies in Mexico are already adopting additive manufacturing because it could bring significant benefits to the industry; however, most companies have not adopted it. The sector is adopting lean manufacturing and all the tools that come with it. Digitalization is essential for models, designs, and many other parts of the entire product life cycle. 

Q: What achievements do you expect to reach as a cluster and as part of the aerospace industry in the short term?

A: The industry is benefiting from nearshoring. Many OEMs are looking at us to bring in their products and processes from Asia, so the industry will grow in the next five years in a controlled manner. Our flight plan sets a strategic approach for the region that will help it grow in an orderly fashion. Drones  and electromobility represent interesting opportunities for the industry, which we expect to grow, attracting and incorporating suppliers. 

Manufacturing will always be a goal, but the development of design centers calls not only for labor but for creative minds. The state has significant design centers, so we will create an ecosystem that achieves greater integration in aircraft manufacturing. These aircraft will be certified by global bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but made in Mexico. 

We must stand out as an option for manufacturing opportunities. It is estimated that over 50% of the US workforce will retire in the next five years, including operational, administrative, and design personnel. Mexico will be the natural option to acquire more workers.
 

Chihuahua Aerospace Cluster brings together the private sector, government, and academia to develop joint strategies to promote the growth of the aerospace industry in the state.