Safran expands engine production capacity in Querétaro strengthening its footprint in Mexico

The inaugural event was led by Alejandro Cardona Seemann, President of Safran Mexico and Marcial Suárez, General Manager of the plant, alongside Marcelo Ebrard, Minister of Economy, Marco del Prete, Minister of the Economy of State of Querétaro, Delphine Borione, French Ambassador to Mexico, Philippe Errera, Safran’s EVP for International Development and Government Relations, as well as prominent aerospace and business leaders from Mexico, and representatives from federal and state governments.

“This plant symbolizes our commitment to excellence and our mission to push the boundaries of talent and aerospace technology in Mexico. Querétaro, with its talent and vision, has become a key partner, and Safran is proud to contribute to the development of this region, where ideas become reality,” said Philippe Errera, Safran Group’s Director of International and Institutional Relations.

Marcelo Ebrard, Minister of Economy emphasized that they will support the company in its projects to ensure Mexico maintains a significant role in its operations.

Minister Del Prete emphasized the importance of this expansion: “In the air, there’s no room for mistakes. That’s why we fly so confidently, knowing its Safran engines powering us. Be proud of what you do, because a piece of Querétaro is flying around the world”.

The leadership and vision of Marcial Suárez, Director of Safran Aircraft Engines Mexico, were also key in ensuring the seamless implementation of this ambitious project and its alignment with the company’s high standards of excellence.

These new capacities will be dedicated to engines’ fan and turbine final assembly to support the CFM LEAP production ramp-up, leading to the creation of 150 jobs. Safran Aircraft Engines Mexico (SAEM) spans 26,000 square meters of operational space and employs 650 people. The expansion includes an additional 4,300 square meters of operational buildings and 8,500 square meters of logistics warehouses.

With this expansion, Safran advances the integration of its industrial and logistical activities in Querétaro within North America. This milestone positions SAEM and Querétaro as the first final assembly site for single-aisle commercial aircraft engines in Mexico, joining existing facilities in France and the United States for the Group.

“With this plant, Mexico will position itself among the few countries capable of covering the entire engine lifecycle—from manufacturing parts and modules to final assembly, repair, maintenance, and engine testing,” said Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, at the Farnborough Airshow this past July. “Since opening our first plant in Querétaro, we have developed operational excellence in production and maintenance here, contributing to providing our customers with the highest standards of quality.”

The LEAP engine has been a major commercial success, with over 8,500 units already in operation, accumulating more than 60 million flight hours, and an order backlog exceeding 11,600 units.

Safran has operated in Mexico for more than 34 years and now has 18 facilities and more than 14,000 employees in the country. The Group is present in four regions of Mexico (Chihuahua, Querétaro, Baja California, and Mexico City), currently ranking as the number one employer in Mexico’s aerospace industry. In Querétaro, more than 3,500 employees currently work for Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Landing Systems.