Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation

What Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation does

CIAC (Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana S.A.) is a Colombian state-owned aerospace corporation founded in 1956 and headquartered in Bogotá, with a primary manufacturing and MRO campus at the Air Maintenance Command (CAMAN) in Madrid, Cundinamarca. The company operates across four interlocking lines of business: military and commercial aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO); indigenous aircraft design and manufacturing (the composite-material Calima T-90 primary trainer and three unmanned platforms — COELUM, ART Quimbaya, and DRAGOM); specialized manufacturing including Level IV aeronautical ballistic protection systems (SPBA) and certified aircraft parts; and supporting capabilities such as NDT and FAA-certified avionics laboratories, a Level D UH-60 Black Hawk flight simulator, and an aeronautical training center. CIAC is the only entity in Colombia authorized by Airbus Defense & Space for C-295 major maintenance and currently executes the 13th Programmed Depot Maintenance cycle for the Colombian Air Force's C-130 Hercules fleet.

The company's revenue mechanics are anchored in multi-year Colombian Ministry of Defense contracts covering fleet maintenance, UAV procurement, ballistic armor installation, and simulator training, with growing diversification into commercial MRO for JetSMART and Avianca and Brazilian military use of the UH-60 simulator. Pricing is quote-based through government procurement platforms (SECOP I/II) and direct commercial agreements; no public price list exists. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales supplemented by participation in FIDAE and Expodefensa. CIAC is certified under OMA-010 (Colombia), FAA O32Y396C, DGAC Chile, DINACIA Uruguay, DGAC Peru, DAC Ecuador, OMA LAR 145 SRVSOP, Airbus D&S, and ISO 9001/9100/9110/14001, giving it cross-border MRO reach in Latin America. The current "Phase of Strategic Leap" under the Plan Estratégico Institucional 2030 explicitly targets export of the Calima T-90, UAV systems, composite parts, and aerospace armor.

Name

Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation

Legal name

Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana S.A.

Website

https://ciac.gov.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

CIAC is a Colombian state-owned aerospace corporation providing military and commercial aircraft MRO, indigenous aircraft design and manufacturing (Calima T-90 and UAV platforms COELUM, ART Quimbaya, DRAGOM), Level IV ballistic protection systems, and certified training services to the Colombian Ministry of Defense, commercial airlines, and regional aviation authorities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (81121)

SIC

Aircraft (3721), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Aircraft MRO & Depot Maintenance (IMABALAN), Component MRO (Avionics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Electrical) (TLAKAJAC), Military Aircraft Platforms (Fixed-Wing) (IMABAMAA), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

Keywords

• Aerospace MRO services
• Military aircraft maintenance
• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Aeronautical manufacturing
• Ballistic protection systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Bogotá

HQ country

Colombia

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Military MRO Services: Maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Colombian Armed Forces aircraft including C-130, C-295, UH-60, and other military platforms. Services include scheduled maintenance, unscheduled repairs, PDM (Programmed Depot Maintenance), and structural modifications.
2. Commercial Aviation MRO: Maintenance services for commercial airlines including JetSMART, Avianca operating A320 family aircraft, ATR 42/72, and Boeing 737. Services include major maintenance, depreservation, painting, and structural repairs.
3. Aircraft Manufacturing and Parts: Manufacturing of complete aircraft (Calima T-90, UAVs) and aircraft parts for domestic and export markets. Includes metal and composite material parts, electrical wiring, and armor systems.
4. Ballistic Protection Systems: Design, manufacturing, and installation of aeronautical ballistic protection kits (Level III and IV) for military aircraft and naval vessels.
5. Flight Simulation and Training: UH-60 Black Hawk flight simulation services (Level D) and aeronautical training courses. Simulator used by Colombian military branches and Brazilian armed forces.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

CIAC provides full-spectrum aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for military (C-130, C-295, UH-60) and commercial (A320 family, B737, ATR) aircraft, designs and manufactures manned training aircraft (Calima T-90) and unmanned aerial vehicles (COELUM, ART Quimbaya, DRAGOM), produces Level IV ballistic protection systems and certified aircraft parts, and operates an FAA/Aeronautica Civil-approved training center with a Level D UH-60 flight simulator.

Product overview

The Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana (CIAC) is a state-owned aerospace company with over 70 years of experience offering an integrated portfolio of aerospace products and services. The company's core offerings include military and commercial aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and the design and manufacture of both manned and unmanned aircraft. The product portfolio centers on four key areas: (1) MRO services for military platforms (C-295, C-130, UH-60) and commercial aircraft (Airbus A320 Family, Boeing 737); (2) Domestically developed aircraft including the Calima T-90 training aircraft and UAV systems (COELUM, ART Quimbaya, DRAGOM); (3) Specialized manufacturing including ballistic protection systems (SPBA) and aircraft parts; and (4) Supporting capabilities such as NDT laboratories, avionics labs, UH-60 flight simulation, and aeronautical training. CIAC positions itself as a comprehensive aerospace solutions provider serving both defense and commercial aviation markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Calima T-90: Primary training aircraft manufactured by CIAC for the Colombian Air Force, made from composite materials.
• COELUM
• ART Quimbaya
• DRAGOM

Products and services

• MRO Militar (Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance services for military aircraft including C-130 Hercules, C-295, C-40, ATR-42-320, and rotorcraft such as UH-60; covers programmed depot maintenance (PDM), major structural inspections, modifications, and certification. CIAC is the only company in Colombia authorized by Airbus Defense & Space for C-295 major maintenance.
• MRO Comercial (Commercial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) Heavy maintenance, structural repairs (including A-320 skin replacement), depreservation, painting, and certification support for commercial aircraft types — Airbus A320 family, A320 NEO, Boeing 737, ATR 42/72, and Cessna Caravan — for airlines such as JetSMART and Avianca.
• Calima T-90 Training Aircraft Colombian-designed composite-material primary training aircraft with Colombian Air Force Defense Type Certificate, used for pilot instruction; 26 aircraft manufactured, accumulating 15,000+ flight hours (23,000 operational hours per later measure).
• UAV COELUM Military and civil remotely piloted aircraft designed and manufactured 100% in Colombia, providing over 60 minutes of autonomous flight for reconnaissance, intelligence, and surveillance missions.
• ART Quimbaya Remotely Piloted Aircraft Medium-range unmanned aircraft system with electro-optical and infrared sensors for day/night surveillance, fully autonomous takeoff/landing (ATOL), and encrypted data link for real-time reconnaissance, intelligence, and surveillance missions.
• DRAGOM Reconnaissance and Attack Drone Colombia's first domestically developed military reconnaissance and attack drone with 90-minute autonomous flight, integrated launch software for autonomous navigation and secure satellite navigation, supporting both reconnaissance and precision-strike missions for national security and defense.
• Sistema de Protección Balística Aeronáutica (SPBA) Aeronautical ballistic protection kits rated Level III and IV (capable of withstanding 7.62x51 AP projectiles), with anti-vibration, anti-abrasion, anti-humidity, anti-slip, and fire-retardant properties; installed on Bell-212, C-130, C-195, UH-60, and presidential UH-60L helicopters.
• Fabricación de Partes Aeronáuticas Design and manufacturing of aircraft parts in metal and composite materials using reverse engineering, 3D modeling, and finite element analysis; produces certified parts for the Calima T-90 program and ETAA ground support equipment.
• Diseño y Desarrollo de Aeronaves Aircraft design and development services including conceptual design, structural analysis, flight testing, EMI/EMC analysis, certification processes, and software development for both manned and unmanned aircraft.
• UH-60 Black Hawk Flight Simulator (Level D) Level D flight simulator for the UH-60 Black Hawk — the highest certification level — featuring advanced visual, sound, and vibration effects with up to 330 emergency scenarios and night-vision training capability; used by Colombian military branches and Brazilian armed forces.
• Centro de Entrenamiento CIAC Advanced aeronautical training center approved by Colombian Aeronautica Civil and FAA, delivering courses for maintenance organizations through virtual learning (AVAFP) and SuccessFactors LMS; complements the on-site UH-60 Level D simulator.
• Laboratorio NDT (Non-Destructive Testing Laboratory) Certified non-destructive testing laboratory offering eddy current, ultrasound, industrial radiography, fluorescent liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, and visual inspection services for defect detection in aircraft components.
• Laboratorio de Aviónica y Accesorios FAA and Aeronautica Civil certified laboratory for inspection, repair, testing, and overhaul of avionics equipment including radio navigation, communication systems, radar, electrical accessories, and electronic instruments; supports rewiring, cabin modernization, and ADS-B installation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15,000+ flight hours with Calima T-90 for pilot training
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• EmbraerflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2026MoU signed at FIDAE 2026 airshow to expand industrial and technical cooperation in Colombia's aerospace sector. Aims to integrate CIAC into Embraer's global production chains covering defense aircraft including A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390 Millennium platforms. Collaboration includes knowledge transfer and capability development for the Colombian aerospace industry.
• Finmeccanica (Leonardo)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016MoU signed during Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's visit to Colombia to explore collaboration in helicopter completions, aircraft parts manufacturing, and maintenance services. Agreement evaluates twin-engine helicopters (AW169, AW139, AW189) for commercial and military applications in Colombia.
• Airbus Defense & SpacecoreTechnology or IntegrationCIAC is the only company in Colombia authorized by Airbus Defense & Space to perform major maintenance on C-295 aircraft platform.
• SikorskycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement for implementation of UH-60 simulation center at CACOM-4, establishing a state-of-the-art flight simulator for Colombian public forces.
• INDUMIL (Industria Militar)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScience and technology agreements for development of composite materials and the IRIS unmanned aircraft (ART IRIS).
• SAAB and Universidad de los AndesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTriple helix cooperation project (CIAC-SAAB-UNIANDES) for aerospace research and development (AP 2.2 project).
• Brazilian Air Force and ArmyminorOthersBrazilian military forces utilize CIAC's UH-60 Black Hawk Level D flight simulator for training purposes.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Embraer: Brazilian aerospace OEM and defense manufacturer with whom CIAC signed a 2026 MoU. Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390 platforms overlap with CIAC's Calima T-90 trainer and UAV programs, and Embraer's EQC MRO network is a direct comparable to CIAC's regional MRO ambitions.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI): Korean national champion producing FA-50 light attack/trainer, KT-1 trainer (direct analogue to Calima T-90), UAVs, and MRO services. Comparable business mix to CIAC across trainer aircraft, MRO, and UAVs, with a more advanced export footprint CIAC aspires to under Plan 2030.
• Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ): Turkish state-owned aerospace manufacturer producing manned aircraft (Hürjet trainer), UAVs (Anka, Aksungur), and MRO services. Strongly comparable to CIAC as a state-owned defense/aerospace OEM building indigenous trainer and ISR drone platforms for export.
• Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC): Pakistan's state-owned MRO and aircraft manufacturing complex under the Air Force, performing F-16, JF-17, and Mirage overhauls plus component manufacturing. Highly comparable to CIAC as a military-aerodrome-based state enterprise combining depot MRO and indigenous aircraft production.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): Indian state-owned aerospace conglomerate doing MRO, aircraft manufacturing (HJT-36 Sitara trainer comparable to Calima T-90), UAVs, and military upgrades. HAL is the closest structural analogue to CIAC as a sovereign-owned, multi-product aerospace manufacturer in an emerging market.

Broad incumbents

• Airbus Defence and Space: OEM partner and licensor to CIAC, which holds exclusive Colombian C-295 major maintenance authorization. Comparable because Airbus's broader MRO and defense portfolio (A400M, A330 MRTT, C-295) defines the upgrade, retrofit, and depot cycles that drive a large share of CIAC's military MRO revenue.
• Lockheed Martin Sikorsky: Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company) is the OEM of the UH-60 Black Hawk and signed the simulator-center agreement at CACOM-4. Comparable as the platform OEM whose sustainment and training contracts underpin CIAC's Level D simulator service line and a share of helicopter MRO work.
• Leonardo S.p.A. Italian aerospace and defense group with which CIAC signed a 2016 MoU covering AW169/AW139/AW189 helicopter completions, parts manufacturing, and MRO. Comparable as a broader incumbent supplying platforms that CIAC maintains and customizes for the Colombian market.
• Saab AB: Swedish defense and aerospace company partnered with CIAC and Universidad de los Andes on triple-helix R&D (AP 2.2 project). Comparable as a broader incumbent whose Gripen and airborne ISR systems create MRO and modification demand that CIAC is positioned to address in the Andean region.

Regional players

• Industria Militar (INDUMIL) Colombia: Colombian sister state-owned defense manufacturer producing small arms, ammunition, and explosives with whom CIAC has science-and-technology agreements for composite materials and the ART IRIS UAV. Comparable as a co-located Colombian state defense enterprise with overlapping R&D interests.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CIAC_
• Facebookfacebook.com/CIACcolombia
• LinkedInco.linkedin.com/company/corporaci%C3%B3n-de-la-industria-aeron%C3%A1utica-colombiana
• Instagraminstagram.com/ciacs.a

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation