Thales is expanding its operations in Mexico through the growth of its Kukulcán Center in Mexico City, a move the company says reflects its long-term commitment to developing local engineering talent and strengthening regional air traffic management capabilities.
Analicia García, general director, Thales in Mexico, told A21 that the company tripled the size of the facility and doubled its qualified workforce following an expansion completed in March. The center supports air traffic management projects across Latin America.
“We have already made progress. We recently inaugurated the expansion of our Air Traffic Management Services and Projects Center at our offices. That means the team of Mexican engineers we currently have will more than double,” García said.
“We are going to bring in more local talent that, from here, will serve more clients in Mexico and Latin America. It is in Thales’ DNA to ensure local talent and industry development, and we demonstrate that through actions,” she added.
The Kukulcán Center was inaugurated in 2023 as a regional hub focused on the development, integration, and support of air navigation solutions. The facility also aims to strengthen industrial capabilities related to modernization projects in several Latin American countries.
Among the projects expected to benefit from the expansion are recently signed contracts in Panama and the Cayman Islands. García said the company has identified additional business opportunities linked to the center, although details will be announced later.
The expansion comes as aerospace and technology companies continue to assess the impact of new tariff measures and shifting global trade conditions. García said Thales will avoid making immediate operational changes in response to current trade tensions.
“We have been operating under these conditions for several years, and the worst thing we can do is react immediately. We need to wait, see what happens, and then make certain decisions,” she said.
“It is not an issue exclusive to Mexico. Countries around the world are facing these tariff-related challenges. We will see how leadership responds, but also how other countries react. There are many pieces that still need to fall into place,” García added.
According to the executive, Thales expects its diversified business structure and product portfolio to help the company maintain stability despite uncertainty in global trade policy.
García said the company remains focused on factors within its control, including investment in infrastructure, engineering capabilities, and regional services. She added that diversification across sectors and markets will allow the company to “remain strong in business.”
Beyond its operational expansion, Thales also increased its participation in the Mexican aerospace sector through its involvement in the first edition of the Tulum Air Show. García said the company joined the initiative as one of its founding partners.
“We are very happy to be founding partners. This was a first edition, and like every first edition it requires commitment from all parties. For us, it is an honor to say we were part of the founding partners,” she said.