123
No. of enterprises | 2022
Data is regarding CAEs 303 and 3316. Source: Statistics Portugal (2022)
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Aerospace industry
Portugal presents a dynamic aerospace industry, supported by a strong, skilled workforce and a focus on R&D and innovation.
Aerospace industry at a glance
The aerospace sector in Portugal has a strong and export-oriented industrial base, which provides unique capabilities across the entire value chain.
In Portugal, manufacturers are significantly involved in the design and production of launching systems, airplanes, satellites, components, systems development, and maintenance activities.
Aerospace industry insights
Portugal has been actively participating in R&D and Innovation Framework Programs from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Moreover, Portugal holds established protocols with NASA and has secured strategic partnerships with MIT and UT Austin.
Portugal's aerospace sector benefits from world-class engineering schools with comprehensive workforce qualification programs
Main exports markets
35,9
%Brazil
17,9
%USA
16,2
%France
15,3
%Ireland
Recent FDI projects in Portugal
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LeoLabs (USA)
LeoLabs, specialized in providing low Earth orbit (LEO) mapping and situational awareness services in space, inaugurated in June 2023, the new Space Radar Station in Azores. The new radar is in Santa Maria Island and adds essential coverage in Europe. The Azores Space Radar is set to boost LEO’s performance, increasing its tracking operations by 25%.
Aribus (France)
Airbus Atlantic, formerly Stelia Aerospace, inaugurated, in September of 2022, new facilities in Santo Tirso, occupying an area of 20.000 square meters and employing 150 people. The factory produces parts and equipment's for the A320 and A350 models, representing an investment of €40M.
RFA - Rocket factory Augusburg (Germany)
In June 2021, the German RFA Rocket Factory Augusburg officially opened an engineering development centre in the Oporto area. The company targets the development and qualification of RFA ONE’s (launch system composite structures) in close collaboration with Portugal’s Centre of Engineering and Product Devolvement in Matosinhos (CEiiA).
Lauak (France)
In 2018, the French Lauak , a company in the aviation industry, invested almost €20M in a factory in Grândola , Setúbal region, to manufacture components for aircrafts, creating 300 highly skilled jobs. Lauak Portugal, in Setúbal , is producing components for Airbus and Embraer. Lauak Portugal exports more than 90% of its production and, in Setúbal’s plant, it employs 500 people, the majority being highly qualified.
