KAI, Mexico's FEMIA, and POSCO International sign MOU for aerospace industry cooperation

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on aerospace industry cooperation with the Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA) and POSCO International in Mexico, coinciding with the state visit to Mexico by President Lee Jae-myung.

This tripartite agreement aims to strengthen Mexico's aerospace industry ecosystem and solidify the strategic partnership between the two nations, aligning with "Plan Mexico", the Mexican government's long-term national economic development strategy.

FEMIA (Federación Mexicana de la Industria Aeroespecial) is the representative association for Mexico's aerospace industry, boasting over 100 member companies; it plays a leading role in formulating government aerospace policies and expanding global supply chains.

Through this agreement, KAI plans to expand the participation of local partners by leveraging its platforms and technological capabilities across the sectors of complete aircraft, civil aviation, and space.

In particular, the company intends to drive the growth of Mexico's aerospace industry by establishing practical business models, such as supply chain cooperation, and to continuously expand business opportunities within the Latin American market.

Based on its diverse platforms, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, UAVs, satellites, MRO services, and airframe structures, KAI will collaborate with its partners to explore and discuss industrial and technical measures for establishing a multifaceted cooperation model that encompasses local production, technical collaboration, and supply chain localization.

FEMIA plans to facilitate engagement with Mexico's aerospace ecosystem, including industry stakeholders and public institutions, assist in identifying vetted local partners, and provide information on localisation policies.

Leveraging its global network, POSCO International will explore new business opportunities and financial cooperation, while supporting the integration of identified local companies into KAI's aerospace manufacturing supply chain.

Meanwhile, KAI and POSCO International signed a strategic MOU last October to jointly enter the global aerospace market, establishing a practical cooperative framework to enhance global export competitiveness by combining their respective core capabilities.

KAI CEO Kim Jong-chul stated, "This collaboration will contribute to the successful implementation of 'Plan Mexico', Mexico's national strategic industrial policy, and serve as a pivotal turning point for both nations to establish themselves as key partners in the aerospace industry." He added, "Using this partnership with Mexico as a foothold, we will accelerate the entry of the FA-50 into the Central American region and expand our export reach to North and South American markets in the future."