Assahafa.com
King Mohammed VI inaugurated Safran’s cutting-edge aircraft engine complex in Nouaceur on Monday, marking Morocco’s entry into the exclusive group of countries capable of assembling complete aircraft engines.
Accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, the monarch presided over the ceremony at the Midparc aerospace industrial platform, signaling a historic milestone for the North African kingdom’s aerospace ambitions.
The MAD 3.4 billion ($340 million) complex comprises two state-of-the-art facilities: a MAD 2.1 billion ($210 million) assembly and testing plant for LEAP-1A engines used in Airbus A320neo aircraft, and a MAD 1.3 billion ($130 million) maintenance and repair center for new-generation LEAP engines.
This dual-facility design creates an integrated hub covering the entire engine lifecycle, from production to servicing, and firmly establishes Morocco as only the second global production site for the LEAP-1A engine outside France.
Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour presented striking statistics demonstrating Morocco’s aerospace transformation. The sector’s export revenues have skyrocketed from less than MAD 1 billion ($100 million) in 2004 to a record MAD 26.45 billion ($2.64 billion) in 2024 – a staggering 15% increase from the previous year alone.
This 26-fold growth over two decades has transformed aerospace into a pillar of Morocco’s economy, now contributing approximately 5% of the country’s total exports.
The maintenance facility will employ sophisticated technologies to service up to 150 engines annually by 2030, creating 600 high-skill direct jobs. Meanwhile, the assembly plant will integrate advanced manufacturing processes to produce up to 350 engines per year by 2028, generating 300 additional specialized positions.
Combined, these facilities cement Morocco’s status as Africa’s leading aerospace hub and one of only five countries globally hosting Safran engine assembly operations.
Safran Chairman Ross McInnes stressed the profound nature of the partnership. “We produce with Morocco, not in Morocco,” he declared, spotlighting the 25-year relationship built on mutual respect and shared growth.
He noted that this collaboration has evolved from simple maintenance operations to complex manufacturing, culminating in full engine assembly – a testament to Morocco’s industrial maturation.
Safran CEO Olivier Andriès detailed the strategic rationale behind selecting Morocco for this flagship investment. “Our decision was based on Morocco’s compelling advantages: its exceptional human capital with 23,000 engineering graduates annually, world-class infrastructure developed through sustained investment, strategic geographic position at Europe’s doorstep, and remarkable macroeconomic stability,” he explained.
Andriès revealed that Safran’s cumulative investments in Morocco exceed €350 million (MAD 3.7 billion/$370 million) and will catalyze thousands of additional jobs throughout the supply chain.
The ceremony featured three significant agreements signed under royal patronage: a framework agreement between the Moroccan government and Safran detailing the assembly plant’s implementation; a memorandum of understanding to power Safran’s Moroccan operations with renewable energy, underlining the commitment to sustainable manufacturing; and an agreement formalizing the integration of the new facilities within Midparc’s ecosystem.
Following the signings, the King unveiled a full-scale LEAP-1A engine – a technological marvel incorporating advanced composites, ceramic matrix components, and 3D-printed parts that delivers 15% better fuel efficiency than previous generations.
The aerospace sector’s rapid growth traces back decades
Morocco’s aerospace journey began modestly in the mid-20th century with the establishment of Royal Air Maroc (RAM) in 1957, following independence in 1956. RAM’s maintenance unit at Casablanca’s airport laid crucial groundwork by developing in-house aircraft servicing capabilities.
This technical foundation achieved international validation in 1998 when RAM’s maintenance center earned prestigious US FAA Part-145 certification, positioning Casablanca as a recognized hub for aircraft maintenance.
However, the true birth of Morocco’s aerospace manufacturing sector occurred between 1999 and 2001. Snecma (now Safran) established Morocco’s first aerospace manufacturing foothold in 1999 through a joint venture with RAM focused on servicing CFM56 engines – the world’s most widely used jet propulsion system. This initial investment was valued at approximately MAD 100 million ($10 million) and created 200 specialized maintenance positions.
The watershed moment came when Boeing and Safran launched MATIS Aerospace in Casablanca in 2001, producing complex wiring interconnection systems for aircraft. This facility now delivers an impressive 150,000 wire harness sets annually for Airbus, Boeing, and Dassault programs, with exports valued at over MAD 500 million ($50 million) per year. MATIS employs more than 1,000 highly skilled technicians, 70% of whom are women, demonstrating the sector’s contribution to gender equality in high-tech manufacturing.
Morocco’s government strategically embraced aerospace through comprehensive policy reforms. The 2005 Plan Emergence explicitly identified aerospace alongside automotive and electronics as high-potential sectors. This was reinforced by the 2006 Open Skies agreement with the EU – the first such agreement between the EU and a non-European country – which triggered a 20% annual increase in international air traffic through Morocco between 2003 and 2007, stimulating aviation services demand.
The creation of Nouaceur “Midparc” Aerospace City provided crucial infrastructure. This purpose-built free zone offers aerospace investors exceptional advantages: 0% corporate tax for the first five years, 8.75% for the following 20 years, exemption from VAT, duty-free equipment imports, and subsidized land and utilities. The zone now hosts over 40 aerospace companies across 125 hectares of specialized infrastructure, generating annual exports exceeding MAD 10 billion ($1 billion).
By 2010, these coordinated efforts had yielded remarkable results. The number of aerospace companies operating in Morocco jumped from just 10 in 2001 to over 100 by 2012, creating approximately 10,000 skilled jobs. Industry turnover reached MAD 10 billion ($1 billion) annually, growing at an impressive 20% per year during this period, far outpacing global aerospace industry growth rates of 4-5%.
The industrial ecosystem was further strengthened by creating specialized institutions. The Moroccan Aerospace Industries Association (GIMAS) was established in 2006 to coordinate industry development. The Institut des Métiers de l’Aéronautique (IMA) launched in 2011 in Casablanca with a MAD 180 million ($18 million) investment, training 800 technicians annually in specialized aerospace trades from machining to composite fabrication, with curricula co-developed by industry leaders Safran, Boeing, and Airbus.
The country’s competitive advantages attract major investors
Morocco’s strategic geographic position at Europe’s doorstep provides exceptional logistical advantages. Located just 14 kilometers from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, Moroccan aerospace factories can deliver components to European assembly lines within 24-48 hours, compared to 2-3 weeks from Asian production sites. This proximity translates to reduced inventory costs, faster response times, and seamless integration with European supply chains.
The labor cost differential is dramatic yet maintains quality standards. Aerospace production workers in Morocco cost approximately €25 (MAD 250) per hour in 2025, representing a 75-80% savings compared to €100-120 rates in France, Germany, or the United States. This substantial cost advantage extends across all skill levels from technicians to engineers. Despite lower costs, productivity remains high – Moroccan aerospace workers achieve 85-90% of European productivity rates according to industry benchmarks, creating an unmatched value proposition.
Morocco’s educational ecosystem specifically targets aerospace needs. The country produces 23,000 engineering graduates annually, with approximately 400 entering the aeronautics sector each year. In addition, specialized aerospace training institutes graduate over 1,200 qualified technicians annually. The IMA alone has trained more than 8,000 aerospace workers since its inception, with 95% immediate employment rates, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent.
Political stability contrasts sharply with regional turbulence. Morocco’s constitutional monarchy provides consistent governance and policy continuity that aerospace investors value for long-term capital-intensive projects. The country’s investment-grade credit ratings (Fitch: BB+; S&P: BBB-) signal financial stability, while its 17 free trade agreements provide duty-free access to over 1 billion consumers worldwide, including key aerospace markets in Europe, the United States, and increasingly Africa.
Government incentives specifically target aerospace investments. Beyond tax advantages, Morocco offers direct financial support covering up to 30% of capital expenditure for industrial projects in aerospace – a MAD 300 million ($30 million) subsidy on a typical MAD 1 billion ($100 million) factory investment. The government also subsidizes 70% of employee training costs for the first three years of operations, significantly reducing startup expenses.
The maturing industrial ecosystem delivers increasing local integration. The aerospace supply chain in Morocco has expanded from just 18% local content in 2010 to over 42% by 2023. This means that almost half of the components, materials, and services are now sourced within Morocco, reducing import dependency and logistics costs. The ecosystem spans 150+ companies covering multiple specialties: wiring (30 companies), sheet metal and machining (25 companies), composites (15 companies), surface treatments (10 companies), and various support services, including non-destructive testing, metrology, and technical documentation.
Economic impact continues to strengthen Morocco’s position
Aerospace export growth has been phenomenal by any standard. Between 2014 and 2024 alone, Morocco’s aeronautics exports more than tripled – from MAD 7.7 billion ($770 million) to MAD 26.45 billion ($2.64 billion), averaging ~13% annual growth. In the first half of 2025, exports reached MAD 14.13 billion ($1.41 billion), up 8.8% year-on-year, indicating continued momentum despite global supply chain challenges.
Employment generation has been significant and inclusive. The aerospace sector directly employs between 23,000-26,000 people as of 2024-2025, with women constituting over 40% of the workforce – one of the highest female participation rates in global aerospace. Notably, these positions pay 15% above average manufacturing wages in Morocco, contributing to middle-class growth. When including indirect and induced employment, the total impact exceeds 70,000 jobs nationwide.
Foreign direct investment has flowed steadily into the sector. Major aerospace companies have collectively invested well over MAD 15-20 billion ($1.5-2 billion) in Moroccan facilities over the past two decades. Safran alone has invested €350 million (MAD 3.7 billion/$370 million), Bombardier/Spirit AeroSystems contributed $200 million (MAD 2 billion), and numerous supplier investments range from MAD 50-500 million ($5-50 million) each. This continuous FDI stream has transferred not just capital but also advanced manufacturing technologies and international quality standards.
The sector has driven industrial diversification beyond traditional sectors. While agriculture still employs 45% of Morocco’s workforce but is vulnerable to climate fluctuations, aerospace provides stable, high-value employment less dependent on seasonal factors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector demonstrated resilience – despite a 30% global drop in aerospace activity, Moroccan companies maintained 85% of their workforce through government support programs, and by 2023 had surpassed pre-pandemic export levels by 12%.
Morocco has achieved remarkable international standing. Government officials noted Morocco ranked 15th worldwide in aerospace investments as of 2016. By 2025, the country had risen to 5th place globally among the most active countries in aviation, according to Moroccan authorities, able to produce over 40 key aircraft components, including sophisticated parts manufactured in only five countries worldwide. In Africa, Morocco has definitively surpassed South Africa to become the continent’s largest aerospace exporter and manufacturer, with MAD 26.45 billion ($2.64 billion) in annual exports compared to South Africa’s approximately MAD 5 billion ($500 million).
The industry’s sophistication has increased dramatically. Beyond simple assembly, Morocco now performs complex manufacturing operations. Aerostructure assembly exports jumped 360% from 2014 to 2024, while Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) exports grew 134% over the decade. Today, Moroccan factories produce critical components for all major aircraft programs: Boeing 737 and 787, Airbus A320neo and A220, Bombardier/Airbus A220, and various business jets and military aircraft. Products range from simple brackets to complex assemblies such as fuselage sections, wing components, landing gear parts, and now complete engines.
Industry analysis indicates substantial economic multiplier effects. Every direct aerospace job creates approximately 1.8 additional jobs in the wider economy through supplier and consumer spending. The sector’s value-added contribution to GDP exceeds MAD 10 billion ($1 billion) annually, with productivity per employee averaging MAD 950,000 ($95,000) – more than three times the national industrial average of MAD 300,000 ($30,000).
2030 vision sets ambitious targets
Morocco aims to achieve full aircraft assembly capabilities by 2030. Government officials have explicitly stated intentions to assemble an entire aircraft domestically within this timeframe – a milestone that would make Morocco the first African nation with end-to-end aircraft manufacturing capabilities. This could begin with smaller aircraft categories like two-seater trainers, business jets, or regional turboprops before potentially scaling to larger commercial models through partnerships with global OEMs.
The manufacturing portfolio is set to expand into higher-value segments. Plans are underway to add cabin interiors manufacturing (aircraft seating, galleys, lavatories) and landing gear production to the local capabilities. Latécoère is considering a MAD 200 million ($20 million) expansion into aircraft interior furnishings, while Safran Landing Systems has conducted feasibility studies for producing landing gear components in Morocco, potentially creating 400-500 additional specialized jobs by 2027.
Quantitative targets for 2030 are ambitious, but achievable. The Ministry of Industry aims to double the sector’s turnover to MAD 53 billion ($5.3 billion) and increase direct employment to 50,000 jobs by 2030. Local content is targeted to reach 60% (from the current 42%), with exports to at least 45 countries (up from 35 currently). These goals align with global aerospace growth projections – Airbus and Boeing have combined backlogs exceeding 13,000 aircraft valued at over $2 trillion, providing ample opportunity for Moroccan suppliers.
Plans are in place for research and innovation capabilities to be enhanced significantly. Universities like Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) and others are launching aerospace engineering programs with a combined annual capacity for 600 students. The government has established a MAD 200 million ($20 million) fund to support industrial research projects and prototypes in aviation. A collaborative Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence at UM6P, developed with Boeing, will focus on manufacturing innovations in composites, 3D printing, and automation technologies specific to aerospace applications.
Sustainable manufacturing will be a key differentiator. Morocco, with its 4,000+ hours of annual sunshine and growing renewable energy capacity, can offer aerospace manufacturing with up to 70% lower carbon emissions than comparable European facilities. New aerospace investments, including Safran’s engine complex, will be powered by renewable energy from dedicated solar installations, aligning with airlines’ push for greener supply chains. Morocco’s target of 52% renewable energy by 2030 positions its aerospace sector as environmentally responsible at a time when sustainability metrics increasingly influence supplier selection.
Regional leadership in Africa’s aviation sector is also poised for expansion. Morocco is positioning itself as the aerospace gateway for Africa’s rapidly growing aviation market, which Boeing forecasts will require 1,000+ new aircraft worth $150 billion over the next 20 years. The African Aerospace Forum hosted in Casablanca has attracted delegates from 25 African nations, establishing Morocco as the continent’s aerospace knowledge hub. Training partnerships with countries like Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Rwanda are transferring Moroccan aerospace expertise throughout Africa.
Public-private coordination will intensify through targeted initiatives. The government’s Industrial Acceleration Plan (2021-2025) allocated MAD 2.5 billion ($250 million) specifically to aerospace development. New programs include a supplier financing mechanism with MAD 500 million ($50 million) to help local SMEs scale up operations, and MAD 300 million ($30 million) for specialized training programs for emerging technologies like additive manufacturing, digital twin simulation, and advanced materials processing. A new vocational institute in partnership with Boeing, scheduled to open in 2026 with capacity for 1,000 students, will ensure a talent pipeline for future growth.
Morocco’s aerospace journey represents an extraordinary transformation from basic maintenance operations in the 1990s to manufacturing sophisticated aircraft engines in 2025. The Safran engine complex, inaugurated by King Mohammed VI, symbolizes the country’s entry into an exclusive circle of nations capable of complete engine assembly.
With over 150 companies, 25,000 skilled workers, and world-class facilities producing components ranging from wiring harnesses to jet engines, Morocco has systematically built a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem that now forms an integral part of global aviation supply chains.
As the country advances toward its vision of assembling complete aircraft by 2030, the aerospace sector stands as compelling evidence of Morocco’s successful industrial strategy – combining strategic geographic position, competitive labor costs, political stability, targeted incentives, and human capital development to create a world-class manufacturing platform.
With aerospace exports approaching MAD 27 billion ($2.7 billion) annually and growing at double-digit rates, Morocco’s skies are filled with promise for continued aerospace ascendancy on the global stage.
Source: Morocco word news
