French aerospace giant Safran has inaugurated final assembly and maintenance centres for Airbus engines in the Nouacera industrial zone near Casablanca, Morocco. The opening ceremony was attended by King Mohammed VI.
The Safran Group has launched two separate projects as a significant investment in Morocco’s aerospace industry:
Engine Assembly Facility:
- The facility, specialising in the final assembly of LEAP-1A engines, is the first Airbus engine assembly plant established outside France.
- Scheduled for completion by 2028, the facility represents an investment of approximately $139 million and will create 300 direct jobs.
Engine Maintenance and Repair Centre (MRO):
- The integrated maintenance and repair centre will focus on after-sales services.
- The investment amounts to around $232 million, with operations expected to start at the end of 2027 and reach full capacity by 2030.
- The facility will provide up to 600 direct jobs, strengthening Morocco’s maintenance capabilities.
Morocco’s Minister of Industry, Ryad Mezzour, stated that these projects are part of the Kingdom’s goal to increase aerospace sector exports from $2.7 billion to $5.4 billion. He emphasised that Safran’s decision to choose Morocco was influenced by renewable energy policies supporting low-carbon production.
Safran’s Presence in Morocco
- Operating in Morocco’s aerospace sector for over 26 years.
- Produces approximately 145,000 aircraft parts annually and runs 10 industrial facilities.
- Employs over 4,800 people.
According to official data, Morocco’s aerospace sector comprises more than 150 companies, providing employment to around 25,000 people. The Kingdom continues to develop this sector through infrastructure and international investments, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.
