The Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Andalusia (CEA) headquarters hosted the presentation of the 2024 data for the aerospace sector in Andalusia. The Regional Minister for Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Jorge Paradela, and the president of the Andalucía Aerospace cluster, Antonio Gómez-Guillamón, unveiled this statistical report, made by the regional aerospace and defense cluster with the support of the Ministry.
In 2024, the Andalusian aerospace sector recorded a total turnover of €2.914 billion, representing a 6.84% increase compared to the previous year. Over the last decade, the sector’s revenue has grown by 29.86%, reflecting a sustained upward trend despite the most difficult years of the pandemic and fluctuations in the global market. “This dynamism demonstrates the strength of the Andalusian industry and its ability to adapt to an increasingly competitive global environment,” stated Andalusian Minister Jorge Paradela.
Employment also saw significant growth. In 2024, the Andalusian aerospace industry accounted for 15,496 direct jobs — a 7.31% increase compared to 2023. Of these, 22% are held by women. Moreover, 44% of the workforce are university graduates, while 40% are qualified vocational training technicians. Over the past 10 years, employment in the sector has increased by 32.61%.
Antonio Gómez-Guillamón, president of Andalucía Aerospace, highlighted these figures as “a clear confirmation that the Andalusian aerospace sector continues to be a key driver of industrial, technological, and employment growth in our region. This growth reflects the collective effort of our companies, and if we take a broader view over the past decade, the balance is even stronger, despite the challenges faced. These results confirm that we have a robust, competitive, and constantly evolving industrial fabric.”
Another noteworthy figure from the report is the increase in average productivity across companies in the supply chain, which grew by 5.6% in 2024.
Drones, Air Mobility and Space: The Fastest-Growing Segments
The statistical report offers a comprehensive overview of the sector’s structure, made up of 148 companies: 105 located in Seville, 23 in Cadiz, 13 in Malaga, 3 in Cordoba, 2 in Jaen, and one each in Huelva and Granada. By main segment, 125 companies belong to the aeronautical industry, 11 to aviation and general aviation, 8 to space, and 4 to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Urban Air Mobility.
Notably, the UAS and Urban Air Mobility segments, together with the space segment, showed significant growth in both turnover and job creation compared to 2023, increasing their business figures by 59% and 24%, respectively. Nevertheless, 50% of total sector sales remain concentrated in aerostructures, which continues to be the sector’s core activity.
The 2024 report also shows a balanced distribution of revenue from aeronautical programs: 45% defense and 55% civil (excluding the revenue of prime contractors). “This balance enhances the sector’s stability and demonstrates its ability to operate successfully in both strategic markets. This is, without a doubt, a competitive advantage for Andalusia, reinforcing the maturity, versatility, and innovative spirit of our companies,” said Gómez-Guillamón.
One of the Sectors That Contributes Most to Andalusia’s GDP
The aerospace sector is a strategic pillar of the Andalusian economy, representing 13.84% of the region’s industrial GDP. This figure not only confirms the sector’s consolidation but also its ability to generate wealth, high-skilled employment, and added value.
Regarding exports, Andalusia remains Spain’s second-leading aerospace exporting region, accounting for 29.8% of national aerospace exports, according to data from Andalucía TRADE.
The Regional Minister for Industry, Energy and Mines emphasized that Andalusia is in a strategic position to address the sector’s major challenges, including the global surge in demand for civil aviation, increased European defense spending and new international programs, and the emergence of unmanned systems. “Andalusia must reinforce its participation in key projects and commit to critical technologies such as drones, especially now that CEUS in Moguer (Huelva) and ATLAS in Villacarrillo (Jaen) have opened a field of opportunities that we must turn into industrial growth.”
He also noted the importance of accelerating the transition to decarbonized aviation, which requires boosting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and developing new technologies such as green hydrogen, an area where the region is well-positioned. “Andalusia, with its leadership in clean technologies and projects like the NET ZERO hub in Jerez — supported with €17 million in funding — can and must play a leading role.”
In conclusion, the president of Andalucía Aerospace stated, “The roadmap for the industry is defined by digital transformation, sustainability, and technological innovation. But technology alone is not enough. Turning Andalusia into an attractive, dynamic, and internationally competitive employment ecosystem is one of the major challenges for the aerospace sector.”
Download the ENG-Andalusian-Aerospace-Report-2024.pdf
