AERA ha concluido su colaboración con el Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón (ITA)en el proceso de definición y establecimiento del nuevo Laboratorio de I+i en Tecnologías Aeroespaciales, una infraestructura estratégica que se ubicará en el Aeropuerto de Teruel y que reforzará el posicionamiento de Aragón como referente en innovación aeroespacial.
El laboratorio nace con el objetivo de impulsar la investigación aplicada, la validación tecnológica y el desarrollo de soluciones innovadoras para la industria, prestando servicios avanzados a empresas y favoreciendo la atracción de talento e inversión.
Durante este proceso, AERA ha aportado la visión y las necesidades del tejido empresarial aeroespacial aragonés, colaborando con el ITA para alinear las futuras capacidades del laboratorio con los retos reales del sector. Esta colaboración permitirá disponer de un entorno de referencia para el desarrollo y validación de tecnologías relacionadas con la economía circular aeroespacial, los sistemas pseudosatelitales, los UAS y otras tecnologías emergentes de alto valor añadido.
Consulta todos los detalles del Laboratorio de I+i en Tecnologías Aeroespaciales del ITA descargando el folleto informativo AQUÍ
Los días 3 y 4 de julio, Teruel acogió la XII Edición del Curso de Verano “Avances y desarrollos del sector aeronáutico y espacial”, organizado por la Universidad de Zaragoza y la Fundación Universitaria Antonio Gargallo. Esta cita, consolidada como uno de los principales foros de divulgación y análisis del sector en Aragón, reunió a profesionales, empresas e instituciones para abordar las tendencias y desafíos que marcarán el futuro de la industria aeronáutica y espacial.
AERA participó activamente en el programa a través de su gerente, Inés Villa, quien impartió la ponencia “El Clúster AERA: desarrollo y ecosistema aeroespacial”. Durante su intervención presentó la evolución del clúster, el crecimiento del ecosistema aeroespacial aragonés y las principales iniciativas que impulsa AERA para fomentar la innovación, la cooperación empresarial, la internacionalización y la participación de sus socios en proyectos nacionales y europeos
La edición de este año contó con una destacada presencia de empresas y entidades vinculadas a AERA, reflejando la fortaleza del ecosistema aeroespacial de Aragón y el alto nivel de especialización de sus profesionales.
El curso estuvo dirigido por Alejandro Ibrahim Perera, presidente de AERA y director general del Aeropuerto de Teruel, quien inauguró las jornadas y ofreció la conferencia “Innovación, sostenibilidad y nuevos retos en la industria aeronáutica”, compartiendo su visión sobre la evolución del sector y el papel estratégico que desempeña Aragón en el ámbito aeronáutico y espacial.
La primera jornada contó también con las intervenciones de José Pablo Haro, especialista en proyectos de EUROCONTROL, quien analizó la revolución de los aerotaxis y la navegación aérea avanzada; Jaime Torrecilla, gerente de Transporte de ISDEFE, que abordó las operaciones estratosféricas con plataformas HAPS; Pedro Jaray, director gerente de IAC Spain, que presentó las últimas innovaciones en recubrimiento superficial y pintura de aeronaves; y Francisco Yuste, CEO de Delsat Internacional, quien expuso los retos de la ciberseguridad en los centros de control de drones. La jornada concluyó con una mesa redonda sobre oportunidades profesionales en el sector aeroespacial, moderada por la Delegación de Levante de la Asociación de Ingenieros Aeronáuticos de España.
La segunda jornada incluyó una visita técnica al Aeropuerto de Teruel, donde los asistentes pudieron conocer de primera mano la actividad desarrollada por empresas como IAC Spain, Tarmac, PLD Space y Delsat Internacional, referentes en mantenimiento, reciclaje de aeronaves, industria espacial e innovación tecnológica.
El programa se completó con las ponencias de Raúl Verdú, cofundador y CEO de PLD Space, quien presentó los avances de la compañía en el ámbito del lanzamiento espacial; Alfredo Serrano, vicepresidente de Desarrollo de Negocio de SCEYE, que explicó las aplicaciones de las plataformas estratosféricas HAPS; y Abel Jiménez, profesor del Grado en Gestión Aeronáutica de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid e ingeniero jefe de Proyectos Futuros de Defensa en ITP Aero, quien analizó el futuro de la propulsión aeronáutica.
On 15 June, AERA participated in the POCTEFA seminar for beneficiaries of the Interreg Objective call, an event focused on the management, communication, and implementation of European cross-border cooperation projects.
During the seminar, our colleague Miguel Ayuso presented the European project FRAMES (Strengthening and Resilience of Aerospace and Manufacturing Supply Chains between France and Spain), an initiative funded by the POCTEFA Programme that aims to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, and innovation capacity of industrial and aerospace supply chains on both sides of the border.
The FRAMES project will foster collaboration between companies, clusters, and technology organisations in France and Spain, creating new opportunities for cooperation, digitalisation, and industrial strengthening across strategic sectors.
AERA’s participation in events such as this reinforces its commitment to internationalisation, innovation, and the development of European projects that create added value for the Aragonese aerospace ecosystem and its member companies.
On 20 May, AERA visited the facilities of CONVERZAR – Comercial Edizar, S.A. in Alfajarín, one of its member companies and a recognized leader in the converting of adhesive tapes, liquid adhesives, abrasives, and advanced technical solutions for industry.
During the visit, the AERA team had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the company’s manufacturing processes, technology, and capabilities, which position CONVERZAR as a strategic partner for the aerospace, space, and defense sectors.
Among the highlights were its advanced precision cutting and die-cutting capabilities, enabling the company to deliver solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and safety required by these industries. Its specialized machinery allows for extremely tight tolerances and the development of tailor-made solutions for critical applications.
CONVERZAR’s commitment to excellence is supported by internationally recognized certifications, including EN 9100, EN 9120, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and ISO 14064, as well as distinctions such as the Zero Waste Management certification and the Aragón Social Responsibility Seal (RSA). The company also holds approvals from leading manufacturers, including 3M Preferred Converter and TESA Platinum Converter.
This visit forms part of AERA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the aerospace, space, and defense ecosystem in Aragón by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the technological and industrial capabilities of its members.
AERA would like to thank the entire CONVERZAR team for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to learn more about their activities, projects, and vision for the future.
On 12 May 2026, we hosted an event at our premises to present the work programmes and calls for proposals for dual technologies and Aviation 2026, in collaboration with the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI).
It was a highly informative event during which attendees were able to gain first-hand insight into funding opportunities, the outlook for the defence sector, and strategic priorities relating to dual-use technologies and aviation.
We would like to thank CDTI for its participation and collaboration: . D. Luis Maeso. Dpto. Promoción Institucional ; D. Miguel Ortiz Pajares. Dpto. Programas Tecnológicos Multilaterales y duales ; Dª Maite Boyero Egido. Representante del Cluster 3 Horizonte Europa. Dpto. Retos Sociales ; . Juan Francisco Reyes Sánchez. Representante del Destination 5 Aviación. Horizonte Europa. Dpto. Retos Sociales.
To the Aragonese Institute for Economic Development (Francisco Martín) and the Government of Aragon (Mar Paños).
To the companies that gave us a clear insight into their successes in CDTI programmes: Inycom (Marcos Rubio), Open Mind Technologies (Nicolás Olmos) and Zaragoza Logistics Center (Carolina Ciprés).
We would, of course, like to thank all our members who joined us throughout the day. Here at AERA, we remain committed to driving innovation, collaboration and growth within the aeronautical, aerospace and defence ecosystem in Aragón.
On 7 May, we had the pleasure of visiting Sallén Aviación, a company with 40 years’ experience in the aerospace sector and a founding member of AERA, where we were able to gain a first-hand insight into its activities, capabilities and projects, as well as tour its facilities. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Sallén Aviación team for their fantastic welcome, friendliness and willingness to show us their work and vision for the future. Visits like this strengthen the synergies between cluster members and enable us to continue fostering a more innovative, competitive and connected ecosystem.
At AERA, we believe in the value of cooperation as a driver of growth for the sector, and we are working to ensure that the aeronautical, aerospace and defence industries continue to reach new heights.
EOn May 12, AERA is organizing a key event for the aerospace sector, in collaboration with the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI). The aim is to present funding opportunities in dual-use technologies and the 2026 work programmes. The event will take place at AERA’s facilities (María de Luna, CEEI Aragón, Hall 6, Zaragoza) from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature participation from CDTI, whose Directorate for Innovation Policy will cover the following topics: CDTI Overview – Mr. Luis Maeso, Institutional Promotion Department
CDTI Funding Lines for Dual-Use Technologies – Mr. Miguel Ortiz Pajares, Multilateral and Dual Technological Programmes Department Cluster 3 Call – “Civil Security for Society” – Ms. Maite Boyero Egido, Cluster 3 Horizon Europe Representative, Social Challenges Department Cluster 5 Calls – Destination 5 (Aviation), Horizon Europe Programme – Mr. Juan Francisco Reyes Sánchez, Destination 5 Aviation Representative, Horizon Europe, Social Challenges Department Bilateral Meetings with CDTI – At the end of the session, interested entities will have the opportunity to hold one-on-one meetings with CDTI representatives to present their project ideas.
On March 26, in Zaragoza, the annual assembly of AERA took place at the Patio de la Infanta (Ibercaja). It was a key meeting to share important information, review the progress made in 2025, and define the lines of work for 2026.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Colonel Carlos Sánchez Ledesma, Head of Strategy and Coordination at the Directorate-General for Defence Industrial Strategy (DIGEID). During his presentation, he explained how his department operates and how an SME can enter the defence sector from scratch by becoming part of the Defence Industry Register (RID).
Thank you to all the members and the visiting military personnel who attended for a meeting characterised by commitment, hard work and shared growth. 🏆 First European project secured in the aerospace and defence sector. 🎯 Over €2 million for our members through national funding schemes. 🎖️ The global expansion of our ecosystem and exponential growth. ↗️ 76 socios de capacidades multidisciplinares, complementarias en fabricación, manufactura, electrónica, robótica, MRO, drones, HAPS, UAS.
AERA was present at the recent annual meeting of the ENDR (European Network of Defence-related Regions), held last Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Brussels, bringing together professionals and organizations committed to strengthening the European ecosystem in defence and innovation.
The event stood out for the collaborative spirit of its participants (more than 100 members), as well as for the exchange of knowledge and best practices among regions. In particular, the contributions of new members were highly valued, including AERA, which was introduced at the event.
Members of this network shared key experiences in their work with companies, armed forces, universities, and research centres.
AERA’s participation in this forum reinforces its commitment to the development of a more resilient and connected European defence technological and industrial base, both at the national and international levels.
On February 25th, we had the pleasure of hosting our visit and SPACE CAFÉ☕🚀 at the facilities of Grupo Tatoma, accompanied by our partners and friends from the industry in Monzón.
We sincerely want to thank the entire Grupo Tatoma team for their warm welcome and for opening the doors of their facilities to us. The visit allowed us to see firsthand their industrial capabilities, in an environment that reflects the potential and innovation of the Aragonese business landscape.
These gatherings strengthen our community, foster synergies, and motivate us to keep working together to take off toward new shared projects.
