Sonora, Latécoère to Launch Aerospace Training Academy

The government of Sonora has reached an agreement with French aerospace supplier Latécoère to advance plans for establishing a specialized aerospace training academy in Hermosillo, a move aimed at strengthening workforce development and reinforcing the state’s role within the North American aerospace supply chain. The initiative follows high-level meetings between Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo and executives from Boeing, one of Latécoère’s main global customers.

Under the proposal, Latécoère has expressed interest in creating an academy focused on training talent in wiring harnesses and interconnection systems—two critical components in modern aircraft manufacturing. State authorities confirmed that the project will receive follow-up coordination from the Sonora government and aligns with broader industrial development objectives under the Plan Sonora strategy.

According to state officials, the proposed academy would offer technical workshops, certification programs, company-focused training schemes and technical consulting services. The objective is to consolidate a talent development center aligned with the current and future needs of the aerospace industry already operating in Sonora.

“This represents a new stage for the state, in which major international companies are convinced of Sonora’s potential to invest and consolidate the expansion of their industrial activities in our territory. We have the best workforce, highly trained, and an exemplary environment for development and the generation of more jobs,” Governor Durazo said.

Latécoère is a tier-one aerospace supplier with an established manufacturing footprint in Sonora. The company currently operates four industrial plants in Hermosillo and employs 1,526 workers, whom state authorities describe as specialized human capital in aerospace manufacturing processes. These facilities produce aerostructures, interconnection systems, detailed parts and composite materials.

The French firm supplies major global aerospace manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Thales, Bombardier and Global. Latécoère serves as a single-source supplier for several flagship aircraft programs, including the Boeing 777, 767 and 737, as well as the Airbus A320 and A350 platforms. The company also produces components for Thales and Safran, maintaining what officials described as a strong performance record in delivery times and quality standards.

State authorities emphasized that the training academy would help address growing demand for skilled labor in high-technology manufacturing, particularly as aerospace production and maintenance activity continues to expand. The initiative is intended to reduce the gap between academic education and industry requirements by providing practical, industry-aligned training pathways.

The academy’s curriculum is expected to focus on areas directly relevant to aerospace manufacturing, including precision engineering, automated systems, quality control and certification standards consistent with international industry requirements. In addition to technical instruction, the project envisions apprenticeships, industry certifications and collaboration with technical institutions to ensure workforce readiness.

Officials also indicated that the academy could serve as a platform for technology transfer and knowledge sharing, leveraging Latécoère’s international experience and established production standards. Industry events, internships and joint initiatives with educational institutions are also contemplated as part of the project’s scope.

The Sonora government framed the potential academy as part of its strategy to diversify the state’s economic base and promote innovation-driven industries. Through Plan Sonora, the administration seeks to attract high value-added projects, support sustainable industrial development and position the state as a reliable destination for foreign direct investment in strategic sectors.

While no timeline has been announced for the academy’s launch, authorities confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that the initiative remains under active evaluation.