Spain’s aerospace and space sectors are globally competitive. This covers the full value chain from design to final assembly and maintenance. With three major regional clusters (Madrid, Andalusia and the Basque Country), Spain is home to global original equipment manufacturer (OEMs), and boasts strong tier-1 and tier-2 supplier networks. Heavy public and European Union (EU)-backed investments in R&D are supported through programs like PERTE, Horizon Europe, and Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR). This positions Spain as a strategic market for advanced aerospace, defence, and space innovation. Space activity is also gaining momentum through the newly launched Spanish Space Agency (SSA).
Aerospace market in Spain
Key opportunities for Canadian aerospace companies in Spain
- Supplying tier-1 and tier-2 components or partnering on Airbus Spain programs or offset projects
- Collaboration on composite materials, maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) innovation, and unmanned aerial systems
- Participation in EU-level programs (SESAR, Galileo, Copernicus) through Horizon Europe and the European Space Agency (ESA)
Notable challenges for Canadian aerospace companies in Spain
- High reliance on Airbus-led supply chains with limited supplier diversity
- Competitive European environment with strong local and EU-focused players
- Some regional differences in R&D capabilities and customer portfolio concentration
Industry highlights
EUR 12.34 billion aerospace and defence sector turnover
79.5% of Spain’s aerospace sector outputs are exported
More than 53,500 people employed in Spain’s aerospace sector
1.3% contribution from the aerospace sector to Spain’s GDP
EUR 4.5 billion in public-private investment in Spain’s aerospace PERTE from 2021 to 2025
CAD 201 million in Spanish aerospace exports to Canada in 2021
Spain's business landscape
Spain is one of the few countries worldwide, along with Canada, capable of managing the full aerospace lifecycle. This capability is supported by key tier-1 suppliers, along with Airbus Defence and Space. Spain’s aerospace ecosystem thrives on innovation, exporting nearly 80% of its output. Public-private investments through the Aerospace PERTE and R&D entities strengthen the country's position in emerging technologies, including:
- unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- carbon fibre composites
- next-gen propulsion
Spain is home to 7,700 professionals in a growing space sector. The new Spanish Space Agency (SSA) coordinates participation in ESA and EU programs such as Copernicus and Galileo. ENAIRE and SESAR lead air traffic management transformation projects, offering further opportunities in software, sustainability, and system integration.
Summary
Spain presents significant opportunities for Canadian companies in the aerospace and space sector. It has a mature industrial base, strong R&D infrastructure, and deep ties to EU and ESA programs. Spain offers collaboration and export opportunities in key areas such as:
- aircraft assembly
- space systems
- air traffic management (ATM)
- MRO
- advanced materials
Contact us
Contact espana@international.gc.ca for more information on the aerospace sector in Spain.