Mexico Has the Qualifications for Aerospace Development: Robles

The regionalization of supply chains has supported Mexico’s attractivity as an aerospace operations hub for several international countries. Meanwhile, the country continues to pursue its long-awaited Category 1 designation from the FAA. 

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Mexico as a Hub for Aerospace Operations

Carlos Robles, President and Head of Aerospace, AMBE Engineering, explained that inflationary pressures, rising interest rates and tightening credit markets, profit and cash flow pressures are increasing the risk of financial distress in manufacturing operations. The global economy is facing complex constraints that have forced regionalized supply chains to develop. Robles explained that Mexico provides a growing set of processes, capabilities, and certifications for new operations and contracts. In the last six months, Robles highlighted that more companies have moved to Mexico than in the last three years.

“There are many challenges, but we know them and have a mindset to push things forward. One challenge is our human resources and second is vertical integration, among many others. In most countries, shortages of skilled and highly technical resources remain. We have a lot of young people eager to join the industry. We need to keep working on improving our training programs. We still have a positive demographic landscape, which will not last forever, so this is the last call to make it work in our favor,” says Robles. 

AEM to Work with Microsoft’s Technology

The Mexican Space Agency (AEM) will work in the creation of new projects in collaboration with Microsoft's state-of-the-art technology. During the Mexican Aerospace Fair (FAMEX) 2023, AEM and Microsoft announced the alliance, as the latter company is set to provide technology, financing, collaboration and other resources. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) explained that the alliance seeks to establish, launch and consolidate new space projects for startups dedicated to technology and services in the space sector. 

Salvador Landeros Ayala, Director General, AEM, explained that the alliance will provide the groundwork for innovation and talent. "We are working to make Mexico a benchmark in the global space industry, it is clear that technology is a key factor to achieve it, which is why we see Microsoft as a valuable ally to build the future of the country in this segment,” says Landeros.

Carlos Duarte Muñoz, General Coordinator of Human Capital for Training in Space, AEM, and Rebeca Servin Lewis, Director of Legal, External and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Mexico, signed the agreement.

Mexico’s Civil Aviation Law Modifications Set for Category 1 Recovery

SICT explained that the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) will request an audit to the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) in its most recent effort to recover Mexico’s Category 1 aviation safety rating. The approval of the Civil Aviation Law by the Mexican Congress was vital to finalize the process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“The FAA, upon verifying full compliance with the findings detected by the IASA audit, will issue the final report through the corresponding diplomatic means, communicating the recovery of Category 1 in aviation security,” explained SICT.