ANDALUSIA & AEROSPACE
Andalusia: a leading aerospace hub in Southern Europe
Andalusia is one of Europe’s most important aerospace hubs and the leading region in Spain.
According to 2024 data, the Andalusian aerospace sector reached a historic record with a turnover of €2.914 billion.
The region represents:
- 29.8% of Spain’s aerospace exports (2nd exporting region nationally)
- 1.4% of Andalusia’s total GDP
- 13% of the region’s industrial GDP
The aerospace industry is considered a strategic sector by the Andalusian Government and plays a central role in regional industrial development.
A strong and structured industrial ecosystem
The Andalusian aerospace ecosystem is composed of:
- 148 companies
- Nearly 15,500 direct jobs in 2024
- +7% employment growth compared to 2023
The industrial backbone is concentrated along the Seville–Cádiz axis, which represents 86% of companies:
- Seville: 105 companies
- Cádiz: 23 companies
- Málaga: 13
- Córdoba: 3
- Jaén: 2
- Granada: 1
- Huelva: 1 (home to the ATLAS UAV research center)
This ecosystem benefits from a strong auxiliary industry, supported by major contractors and increasing international client acquisition.
Strong export performance
Andalusian aerospace exports grew by 34% in 2024, reaching 89 countries worldwide, with particularly strong growth in:
- Asia
- The Americas
This export dynamism reinforces Andalusia’s role within global aerospace supply chains.
Major innovation & technology infrastructure supporting industrial ramp-up
Andalusia offers a dense network of innovation and R&D infrastructures supporting aerospace and defense activities:
Aerópolis
More than 90 aerospace companies located in the Aerospace Technology Park of Andalusia.
Tecnobahía
Airbus Defence and Space – Simulation Center
CATEC
ATLAS Center
INTA (El Arenosillo)
FIDAMC – managing the Advanced Manufacturing Center (Cádiz)
These infrastructures position Andalusia at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, UAV testing, simulation and aerospace R&D.
Strategic developments in 2024-2025
Foreign investment & industrial expansion
Pilatus Aircraft created Pilatus Aircraft Ibérica, opening a production facility in Seville and strengthening foreign direct investment in the region.
Airbus secured new A350 and A320 orders, reinforcing workload across the Andalusian supply chain.
In 2025, the final of 16 C-295 aircraft assembled entirely in Seville was delivered to India, consolidating Andalusia’s role as an international production center.
Space & defense programs
Agencia Espacial Española is headquartered in Seville, reinforcing the development of the space segment.
Andalusia participates in major European defense programs:
- Eurodrone
- FCAS (Future Combat Air System)
The region aims to strengthen its role in aerospace sovereignty and next-generation defense technologies.
UAV & Advanced Air Mobility leadership
In 2024, the CEUS (Centro de Ensayos para Sistemas Aéreos No Tripulados) was inaugurated in Huelva, becoming one of Europe’s largest UAV testing centers.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), drones and Advanced Air Mobility are priority segments for regional industrial development.
Government support & aerospace strategy 2020–2027
The aerospace sector is considered strategic by the Andalusian Government.
Through the Andalusian Aerospace Strategy 2020–2027, supported by €572 million, the region invests in:
- Advanced technologies
- Certifications
- New product development
- Internationalization
- Talent and specialized training
- Industrial ecosystem strengthening
This long-term strategy supports sustainable industrial growth and supply chain competitiveness.