The Brazilian aeronautical sector receives a strategic boost with the official opening of AeroCITI – Integrated Aerocenter of Technology and Innovation, designed by Aeromot. Located in Guaíba, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, the complex will be a new aeronautical industrial hub, integrating aircraft manufacturing, technological innovation and airport infrastructure. In addition to fostering the aerospace industry, AeroCITI positions itself as a strategic alternative to Salgado Filho Airport, offering a runway designed for large aircraft operations, ensuring operational redundancy in critical scenarios. With investments exceeding R$3 billion and the projection of 1.500 direct jobs, the project attracts global players, resuming Rio Grande do Sul's leading role in national and regional aviation.
During the ceremony to sign the concession for the area designated for AeroCITI, the State Foundation for Environmental Protection (Fepam) also formalized the delivery of the installation license, authorizing the start of construction on the project. The event brought together leaders from the aeronautical sector and government authorities, reinforcing the importance of the new project. The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, and the state secretary for Economic Development, Ernani Polo, led the ceremony, which was attended by Aeromot CEO Guilherme Cunha, Diamond Aircraft CEO Kevin Sheng, and executives from strategic companies such as Textron Aviation, Hensoldt AG, Gerdau and Randon Corp. Aeromot also presented cooperation agreements with global players in the aeronautical sector, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and technological development in Brazil.
Industrial expansion and new assembly line
Aeromot has established the Diamond Aircraft assembly line in Brazil. The initiative is part of the brand's industrial expansion, reinforcing the country as an aeronautical production hub, as part of the redirection of global production chains.
Aeromot will be responsible for assembling the Diamond DA62, a twin-engine piston aircraft with capacity for up to seven occupants, recognized for its operational efficiency, safety and low operating costs. The new manufacturing unit will be installed at AeroCITI, where it will serve as the anchor project for the complex.
For Diamond Aircraft CEO Kevin Sheng, Brazil offers unique strategic advantages, such as geopolitical stability, a privileged location and an environment conducive to innovation and aerospace production. “We are excited to expand our presence in Brazil. This is a strategic step to strengthen our production and strengthen relations with a promising market,” he highlighted.
Aerotropolis Concept
AeroCITI was designed based on the Aerotropolis concept, integrating airport infrastructure with a 1.800-meter runway, aircraft factory, innovation hub, logistics, maintenance and talent training centers. In addition, the complex will have other industrial facilities, services and an FBO (Fixed Base Operator), which will provide aviation services at airports. The AeroCITI runway will be designed to large aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models operated in Brazil. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025, with full operation by 2027.
Opportunity for the aeronautical production chain
Diamond Aircraft's aircraft manufacturing in Brazil represents a significant advance for the local aeronautical production chain, creating opportunities for suppliers and companies in the sector to establish themselves in AeroCITI.
“We are bringing a world-leading aircraft factory in its category, which will strengthen the local production system and attract new partners and investments. Our goal is to consolidate AeroCITI as a global reference hub in the aeronautical industry,” said Guilherme Cunha, CEO of Aeromot.
In addition to its economic and industrial impact, the project marks a step forward in the decentralization of the aeronautical industry in Brazil, positioning Rio Grande do Sul as a new strategic hub for the sector. “AeroCITI represents a leap forward in the development of national aviation, combining innovation, sustainability and competitiveness to strengthen the Brazilian aeronautical industry,” concluded Cunha.
