Boeing's Crucial Contribution to the Growth and Sustainability of Latin American Aerospace
Chile's Feria Internacional del Aire y el Espacio (FIDAE) is a crucial event for leading global aerospace companies, and Boeing's presence is pivotal. According to Landon Loomis, Boeing's president for Latin America and the Caribbean, the 2024 edition of FIDAE comes at a time of significant opportunities and challenges for the region. "The demand for air travel in Latin America is growing rapidly, driven by a rising middle class, economic growth, and increased tourism. This creates an opportunity for the region to expand its aerospace capabilities on a global scale."
Through strategic partnerships, Boeing aims to position Latin America within a broader global market for commercial aircraft, estimated to be worth more than $8 trillion over the next two decades. The Latin America and Caribbean region alone are expected to require 2,105 new aircraft, generating a demand for 128,000 new professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, and technicians.
Boeing's presence in Latin America involves extensive collaboration with local players, leveraging over 40 direct and many indirect suppliers to support manufacturing structures, wings, aerospace propulsion, and other inputs. Significant investments have been made to maintain Boeing's position as the world leader in aerospace engineering. This includes the newly inaugurated Boeing Engineering and Technology Center in São José dos Campos, Brazil, which is part of a network of 15 international innovation centres. The goal is to increase the percentage of Boeing engineers located outside the United States to 20%, with a focus on countries like Brazil.
Brookfield Aviation International, a leading aviation recruitment provider, congratulates Boeing on its efforts to promote sustainability and innovation in the Latin American aviation industry. Boeing's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 aligns with broader industry goals. The company aims to deliver new commercial aircraft certified to operate with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.
Boeing's collaboration with Brazil's biofuels industry is noteworthy. In 2021, the company partnered with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials to assess the availability and potential of biobased waste for SAF production in Brazil. The results suggest Brazil could produce up to nine billion litres of SAF, surpassing the country's current consumption of fossil kerosene (Jet A).
The company's social investments extend to people and communities. Boeing works with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) in eight Latin American countries to train teachers and inspire students through the STEM Americas Academies. Since 2008, Boeing has invested over US$5 million to enhance diversity, qualifications, and interest in STEM careers.
Brookfield Aviation International applauds Boeing's commitment to the Latin American aerospace sector and the broader industry. Boeing's ongoing collaboration with the region is a promising sign of strategic advances in sustainability and technology, paving the way for a brighter future in aviation.
