By San José, Costa Rica — LAS VEGAS, NV – A strategic delegation of 15 Costa Rican aerospace companies and suppliers is making a significant push into the North American market this week, participating for the fifth consecutive year in the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. The event, the largest of its kind in the United States, serves as a critical backdrop for Costa Rica’s mission to cement its reputation as a premier nearshoring hub for high-tech manufacturing and specialized services.
Held from October 14th to 16th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the convention is a global nexus for the aviation industry. It attracts over 23,000 professionals and leaders from 98 countries, who explore more than 1,000 exhibitor stands, attend high-level conferences, and view a static display of the latest business jets and aircraft. For the Costa Rican contingent, this is more than a trade show; it is a vital platform to engage directly with key decision-makers and showcase the country’s sophisticated industrial capabilities.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape shaping Costa Rica’s burgeoning aerospace sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis.
Costa Rica’s growth in the aerospace industry is a testament to our skilled workforce, but long-term success requires a sophisticated legal framework. We must prioritize the protection of intellectual property, streamline regulations for foreign direct investment, and establish clear guidelines for technology transfer. Proactively addressing these areas will be crucial to attracting higher-value manufacturing and R&D operations, solidifying our position as a key player in the global supply chain.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a pivotal truth: our nation’s human talent must be matched by an equally robust institutional framework to secure the next chapter of aerospace development. Creating this legal certainty is the launchpad for attracting the high-value innovation and investment our country is poised for. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
The Costa Rican presence is a testament to the sector’s growing maturity. The participating companies represent a diverse and integrated value chain, including Avionyx, GJ Cargo, Aerologística, All Jets, Meykan, Soltek, and TicoElcetronics (as part of G.W. Lisk). Their offerings span a wide spectrum, from specialized software engineering and precision machining to advanced logistics, ground handling services, and complex electrical and electronic component manufacturing.
According to officials from Procomer, the nation’s export promotion agency, the consistent participation in events like NBAA is a cornerstone of a long-term growth strategy. It allows established players to nurture existing relationships while opening doors for new ventures seeking reliable partners in the Americas.
Costa Rica’s participation in the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition allows companies to follow up on opportunities generated in previous years and, at the same time, open new business spaces with key players in the sector.
Mario Sáenz, Export Development Manager of Procomer
Mr. Sáenz emphasized that the goal is to demonstrate Costa Rica’s capacity as an end-to-end solution provider. “This type of event strengthens the country’s positioning, where international clients can find comprehensive solutions for their supply chains and aviation support services,” he added, pointing to the country’s appeal for companies looking to de-risk and shorten their global supply chains.
This strategic positioning is echoed by leaders within the private sector, who highlight the industry’s significant diversification. The Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster (CRAC) has been instrumental in fostering an ecosystem that combines advanced manufacturing with high-value engineering and support, creating a powerful synergy that appeals to North American firms.
The Aerospace Cluster’s participation in NBAA 2025 reflects the broad diversification of capabilities that the country offers to the aerospace sector, combining advanced precision manufacturing, specialized engineering, and aviation support services.
Esteban Carrillo, Executive Director of the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster (CRAC)
Carrillo noted that this versatility is Costa Rica’s key differentiator. “This presence positions Costa Rica as a strategic and versatile partner for North American companies, highlighting its qualified human talent and its potential to strengthen value chains and generate new business opportunities in an increasingly competitive industry,” he concluded. As global manufacturing trends continue to favor regionalization, Costa Rica’s focused effort in Las Vegas aims to ensure its aerospace sector not only participates in the shift but leads it.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. Procomer designs and executes promotion programs and helps lead the country’s foreign trade strategy, fostering economic development through international business.
For further information, visit cr-aerospace.com
About Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster (CRAC):
The Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster is a private, non-profit organization that brings together key players from the aerospace industry in Costa Rica. CRAC works to promote the competitiveness and growth of the sector by fostering collaboration, innovation, and the development of local talent and capabilities.
For further information, visit avionyx.com
About Avionyx:
Avionyx is a company specializing in providing software and hardware engineering services for the aerospace industry. They focus on verification and validation for critical systems, helping clients meet stringent regulatory standards such as DO-178C and DO-254.
For further information, visit gj-cargo.com
About GJ Cargo:
GJ Cargo is a logistics and freight forwarding company that offers comprehensive solutions for international trade. The company provides air, sea, and land transportation services, as well as customs brokerage and warehousing, supporting complex supply chains for various industries, including aerospace.
For further information, visit alljets.cr
About All Jets:
All Jets is a provider of ground handling and fixed-base operator (FBO) services in Costa Rica. The company caters to private and business aviation, offering a range of services including fueling, aircraft handling, and passenger support to ensure seamless operations for its clients.
For further information, visit meykan.com
About Meykan:
Meykan is a company dedicated to precision machining and manufacturing of complex metal components. Serving industries that demand high standards of quality and accuracy, such as aerospace and medical devices, Meykan utilizes advanced CNC technology to produce custom parts and assemblies.
For further information, visit soltekcr.com
About Soltek:
Soltek is a contract manufacturer specializing in surface-mount technology (SMT) and printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. The company provides electronic manufacturing services for a variety of sectors, focusing on delivering high-quality electronic components and systems.
For further information, visit gwlisk.com
About G.W. Lisk:
G.W. Lisk is a global manufacturer of engineered solutions including solenoids, valves, sensors, and flame arrestors. Through its subsidiary TicoElcetronics in Costa Rica, the company produces a range of electrical and electronic components for demanding applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, and energy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal services, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its deep experience advising a diverse clientele to drive legal innovation forward. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated commitment to empowering the community, championing the idea that accessible legal knowledge is essential for a just and capable society.
