San Diego based Spectrum Aeronautical plans to complete design, certification and manufacture at the "Silicon Border" science park in Mexicali.The Spectrum S-40 takes advantage of over thirty years of refinement of carbon fiber/epoxy technology, which has been driven by the Spectrum management and technical team. The S-40 is a mid-size business jet that can accommodate up to nine passengers and fly over 4,000 kilometers. The S-40 is expected to cost about half as much to own and operate as comparably sized business jets and use half the fuel. The Spectrum Aeronautical de Mexico plant site will be at the foot of picturesque El Centinela Mountain immediately west of Mexicali and two kilometers south of the Mexican/US border. Governor of Baja California Francisco Vega de Lamadrid, said, "This announcement is great news for Baja California and Mexico, when finalized, Baja California will lead the aerospace industry in Mexico and in general for our country at the international level, since this will be the first aircraft totally manufactured in this country, having certifications and features enabling it to take off from its plant in Mexicali to the world skies." Spectrum President Austin Blue said, "We chose the Silicon Border site because of the skilled and highly motivated labor force in Mexicali and Mexicali's proximity to the huge aerospace industrial infrastructure of southern California."

Q--What will be the total investment in the Spectrum S-40 project?

A--About $300M US over a three-year period

Q--How is the project being financed?

A--Private Capital, development bank financing and government incentives. Details of the financing will be announced later.

Q--What will be the economic impact to Baja California?

A--By the 10th year, we expect Spectrum will either provide or stimulate the creation of about 19,000 new jobs in Baja California.

Q--Where will the aircraft be certified?

A--Certification will involve the DGAC, FAA and European certification entities.