Mexico’s Aerospace Sector to Demand 100,000 Specialists by 2030

Mexico will need over 100,000 aerospace specialists by 2030, according to the Mexican Council of Aerospace Education (COMEA). The projection is based on a study involving more than 70 experts from 30 higher education institutions focused on the aeronautical and space industries.

“The demand for skilled professionals is enormous. At every forum, from FAMEX to international events, the sector voices the same concern: a shortage of specialized talent for aerospace,” said Federico Pérez, COMEA President, during a webinar hosted by the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA). Despite Mexico ranking among the top 10 aerospace nations globally, the workforce gap persists.

The study estimates that 105,266 specialists will be needed by 2030. Nearly 79%—84,084—will be required in manufacturing roles, including engineers, technicians, and operators. “The deficit in training specialized technicians for manufacturing and maintenance is significant. Targeted initiatives are urgently needed,” Pérez added.

Other areas also face rising demand: air operations, including pilots, flight attendants, and maintenance staff, will need 14,703 specialists; maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) will require 5,469; and engineering services will need 983 professionals.

Currently, 11,044 students are enrolled in aerospace-related programs nationwide, from technical diplomas to doctoral studies. By 2030, enrollment is expected to grow to 15,849—but even this increase will fall short of industry needs.

To help bridge the gap, COMEA partnered with FEMIA and the Virtual Business Center to launch Mexico’s first Virtual Aerospace Recruitment Fair. Companies can post job openings online, while professionals can showcase their profiles. “The goal is to connect the industry with interns, graduates, or anyone aspiring to join the sector,” Pérez said.

The recruitment fair opened on Aug. 1 and will run until Aug. 29, with plans for a second edition in 2026 already underway.