In a strategic move to boost the national economy, El Salvador is emerging as a key player in the aerospace industry, providing over 200 maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services to major North and Latin American airlines. The country’s focus lies on aircraft giants such as Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer.
Geographical location, competitive infrastructure, investment incentives, and interconnectedness within Central America and globally make El Salvador an attractive destination for aerospace investments, according to the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Invest El Salvador).
For over four decades, El Salvador has successfully positioned itself as a global leader in the maintenance, repair, and operation of commercial aircraft. Currently, the country offers an extensive range of MRO services, including commercial aircraft maintenance operations, ground services, helicopter maintenance and assembly, manufacturing of Light Sport Aircraft fuselages, and production of parts for wingtips, engines, as well as painting and maintenance of commercial aircraft interiors.
El Salvador is also recognized for its expertise in manufacturing plastic and metal mechanical parts, sub-assembling aerostructures, workshops for component maintenance, distribution services, and storage of aeronautical parts, along with the assembly of aeronautical harness systems.
Governmental reports indicate that key players in the sector, such as Avianca, Aeroman, ICCAE Aviation Training, ASG AirSupport Group, and HELICA, have consistently invested in the skilled workforce of El Salvador.
Invest El Salvador’s report reveals that, during the first half of the previous year, aircraft maintenance and repair exports amounted to $148 million, contributing significantly to the Salvadoran economy.
The current Salvadoran administration has identified the aerospace industry as a sector with exceptional potential, actively promoting technological development, employment, investment, and tourism through enhanced air connections. In line with this vision, the government has launched an Aerocluster to integrate local suppliers into the national and international aerospace value chain. This collaborative effort involves the government, academia, and the private sector, working together to stimulate industry growth.
In an effort to generate employment opportunities, leading aircraft maintenance company Aeroman has announced plans to create approximately 800 new jobs for maintenance technicians this year, with over 300 hires expected in the first half of 2024 alone.
«Aeroman continues to grow, serving airlines worldwide that believe in Salvadoran talent, entrusting us with their aircraft maintenance. We have been expanding steadily,» stated a representative of Aeroman.
Currently employing over 4,000 individuals, with 10% being women, Aeroman emphasizes internal growth through career plans and in-house training, enabling young talents to progress into positions like operations supervisors. El Salvador’s aerospace industry is not just soaring in the skies; it’s becoming a catalyst for economic development and employment opportunities in the region.