The event, promoted by the Regional Government of Navarra in collaboration with Sodena, brought together business representatives, technology centres and organisations linked to this emerging sector for the region. Its purpose was to foster cooperation and strengthen investment and growth opportunities in an area considered strategic due to its innovation potential and its capacity to drive economic diversification in Navarra.
During the opening of the meeting, the Minister for Industry and Ecological and Digital Business Transition, Mikel Irujo, highlighted the importance of investing in sectors with strong growth prospects, such as aerospace: “We are at a key moment to lay the foundations for an industrial development that will create skilled employment and position Navarra competitively within Europe.”
The aerospace sector is currently one of the emerging industries being analysed by the Government of Navarra and Sodena, alongside electronics, industrialised construction, and synthetic biology.
At present, the industry is expected to employ between 700 and 750 people by 2025, reflecting its growing consolidation as a niche of economic activity in the region. In terms of its economic impact, direct aerospace-related turnover is estimated between €100 and €150 million, while when including other business lines developed by the most specialised companies in the sector, aggregate turnover reaches €360 to €400 million (up from the €300 million mentioned during the first meeting held in Huarte in February).
Another key figure is its growth rate, ranging from 8% to 20%, depending on whether companies are also involved in defence-related projects.
As for company typology, component and system manufacturers (25%) and engineering and testing or specialised service firms (22%) represent the largest share of Navarra’s businesses within this industry. These companies stand out for their strong commitment to R&D&I, having allocated a total of €4 million in 2024 to research and innovation activities.
Commitment to business collaboration
The meeting, held in Estella, also showcased success stories and ongoing projects in Navarra, highlighting the ability of local companies to integrate into global supply chains. Participants also emphasised the need to further strengthen business cooperation and knowledge transfer between the academic and industrial sectors.
With this second meeting of the year, Navarra reaffirms its commitment to developing the aerospace sector, in line with its industrial diversification strategy and with the goal of consolidating a competitive ecosystem capable of attracting investment, generating high-quality employment, and reinforcing the region’s position in international markets.
Source: Navarra Capital