General P.A.D.E.M.A. Edgar Salvador Rodríguez Franco is the Director General of FAMEX-2017.
"On a continental level, Mexico is a benchmark in the aeronautical industry, with more than 330 companies distributed throughout the country to date".
The second edition of FAMEX, the Aerospace Fair of Mexico, was held from 26th to 29th April. What are the novelties compared to FAMEX 2015?
The Mexico Aerospace Fair 2017 did indeed take place at the end of April, and saw a higher number of participating companies as well as more aircraft in the static display. We have organised a aerospace summit which has included a series of conferences and panels at the highest level in the aeronautical and aerospace sector; in addition, for the first time, a seminar on synergies in the aeronautical and defence industries between Mexico and Brazil has taken place, in which authorities, entrepreneurs and business leaders from both countries have discussed issues that allow for the exchange of experiences and technology transfer, among other aspects.
Mexico has become one of the main centres of the aeronautical sector in Latin America, also at world level. What does it mean for the country to organise an event like this and what positive effect does it have on its industry, after analysing the success of the first edition?
On a continental level, Mexico is a benchmark in the aeronautical industry, as to date it has more than 330 companies distributed throughout the country, and among its strengths it is worth mentioning that we are the sixth largest supplier to the United States. We have managed to export 6.6 billion dollars in 2015 alone, we are ranked as the 15th largest exporter worldwide and our infrastructure of more than 56 international airports supports us to continue increasing economic development.
For Mexico, organising an event of this nature firstly becomes a commitment that aims to support and promote the country's economic development and, secondly, it is a challenge because if the first edition managed to consolidate and show the world the great aeronautical industrial development that the country has, this second edition has forced us to redouble our efforts and make it even better and far exceed the achievements obtained in 2015.
According to the latest data published by the government, Mexico's aeronautical sector has had an annual growth of 35 % in the last three years, and by 2020 it could become the tenth country in the world with the highest production in the sector. What are the main factors that make this important growth of the aeronautical industry in the country possible?
The international aeronautical community recognises that the specialised workforce of Mexican engineers and technicians is ranked among the best in the world, and proof of this is that our country has signed the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with the USA, as well as the Wassenaar, which place it among the countries with worldwide certifications.
The federal government has also given a major boost through the implementation of a programme to modernise 12 international airports, most notably the construction of the new international airport in Mexico City. The development of this industry has been boosted, resulting in an increase from 70 existing companies in 2007 to more than 330 registered to date.
One of the main challenges is the growth of the local supply chain, which can meet the demands of the large aircraft manufacturers. What policies are in place to favour the development of the local supply chain? supply chain Mexican?
The organisation of FAMEX 2017 is expected to attract national and international suppliers to meet global spare parts needs; however, due to the specialised nature of aeronautical components, it is necessary to materialise new trade agreements with other countries and at the same time strengthen existing ones in order to achieve a more efficient supply chain.
We can highlight the installation of the C295 aircraft maintenance centre at Military Air Base No. 1 (Santa Lucia, Mexico), which will effectively help to provide maintenance for the fleet of aircraft of both the Mexican Air Force and the Mexican Navy, an activity that will be carried out for the first time and which becomes a benchmark for carrying out joint work for the benefit of both armed forces.
During the Mexico Aerospace Fair 2017, the 2nd Aerospace Education Forum will also be organised, bringing together almost all the institutions that develop educational programmes for the industry. In which areas are the country's future aeronautical professionals specialising?
The fact that young people are the future of the nation should not be overlooked. In Mexico there are a considerable number of educational institutions ranging from technical, engineering and postgraduate levels in aeronautics. That is why we had the vision of creating a new aeronautical education forum by giving conferences in which these enterprising students could participate and promote scientific and technological development, and thus consolidate the skilled labour force that our country has.
Among the topics discussed at the forum were turbojets, research into new technologies, composite materials, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and the use of new technologies. overhaul. All this is taught by a group of professionals with a great deal of experience in the field, both national and foreign.
What are the main advantages for foreign investors who want to establish their aeronautical programmes in Mexico?
FAMEX-2017 offers the ideal scenario for investors to do business through B2B meetings, which allow commercial exchange and provide the conditions to arrange business between companies, organisations, suppliers and private initiative.
Likewise, a seminar on "foreign investment" was held to present the benefits and incentives that will be granted to companies interested in setting up parks, companies or any business that generates a source of employment and helps to boost the aeronautical industry.
More than 32,000 professionals from the global aeronautics sector attended FAMEX 2015. Did you exceed your expectations for the 2017 edition?
In this edition we have had an influx of 40,000 people interested in aeronautics, with an increase of more than 80 percent of participating companies, since the expectations for this edition were to reach 400 companies, a number that has already been fully achieved.
