Quintana Roo Lands US$24.3 Million Zenith Deal for MRO, Cargo

Quintana Roo became the first state in Mexico to secure foreign investment for one of the federal government’s Development Hubs for Well-Being, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the state government and Zenith Aeronáutica. The agreement establishes a US$24.3 million investment to develop two aviation service units in Chetumal: the Zenith MRO maintenance facility and the Zenith Cargo terminal. The announcement marks the first direct foreign investment secured under the “Plan México” framework promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

“This investment confirms the significant potential of the southern region and reaffirms that Chetumal is ready to become a strategic point for the aeronautical industry. As a government, we promote projects that generate employment, strengthen new productive vocations, and ensure that development reaches everyone,” said Governor Mara Lezama.

The memorandum covers cooperation on deep maintenance and aircraft repair, as well as the creation of a cargo service center to support routes in the Caribbean and Central America. Alberta Aviation Capital Corporation (AAC), a Canada-based aircraft and engine leasing company, formally announced its participation by committing to send its fleet to the new Chetumal MRO facility and use the cargo terminal for regional operations. AAC Vice President Luis Sergio De Urioste Limario and Zenith Aeronáutica CEO Eduardo Mauricio Pérez attended the signing ceremony with the governor.

According to Lezama, AAC’s involvement reinforces the operational viability of the platform and strengthens its potential to attract additional North American clients. Chetumal’s location and logistics connectivity were highlighted as central advantages. The governor noted that the city is one of the 13 Development Hubs for Well-Being created under the national initiative and benefits from a Free Zone designation and an existing Strategic Fiscal Precinct. She added that Chetumal’s international airport, its connection to Tulum airport, and a Maya Train station expected to offer cargo services position the region for multimodal operations.

Lezama described the investment as the result of close coordination with the private sector. “The installation of these business units represents a decisive step toward a future of greater competitiveness and shared prosperity for Quintana Roo,” she said. She added that the decision by Zenith Aeronáutica and AAC reflects “a vote of confidence in the governments of the Fourth Transformation that promote balanced development.”

Zenith Aeronáutica’s planned operations are expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in southern Quintana Roo. The company also plans to incorporate renewable energy into both the MRO workshop and the cargo terminal, aligning with federal and state objectives for sustainable industrial growth.