“L’Opinion”: Morocco Leads in Aviation Manufacturing in Africa and Attracts Investors
The French weekly “L’Opinion” confirmed that Morocco has established its status as one of the prominent players in the aviation industry in Africa, drawing investors and manufacturers looking to diversify supply chains and expand their industrial activities.
The magazine highlighted, in an article titled “Morocco: Leader in Aviation Manufacturing in Africa,” that Moroccan authorities are working to solidify the kingdom’s position as a regional industrial hub in aviation, benefiting from a skilled workforce and a growing industrial infrastructure.
The source mentioned the project to set up a manufacturing plant for aircraft landing systems by the Safran Group in Nouaceur, which was inaugurated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI last February, attended by the Chairman of the French group, Ross McInnes.
This industrial project enhances Morocco’s aviation industrial ecosystem, complementing the assembly and maintenance units for CFM-LEAP engines, as part of the Safran Group’s strategy to keep pace with the rising production rate of Airbus A320 aircraft by developing its production capabilities near key markets.
The magazine quoted Olivier Andries, the CEO of the Safran Group, affirming that recent projects related to establishing a line for assembling the LEAP engine and a maintenance center in Casablanca reflect the strong trust between the group and Morocco, highlighting the strategic role the kingdom plays within the global industrial framework of the company.
The article also emphasized Morocco’s advantageous geographical location, noting that industrial components such as engines or landing systems manufactured in Casablanca can be rapidly transported to Airbus factories in Toulouse, enhancing the kingdom’s competitiveness within international production chains.
The new plant is expected to become operational by 2029, providing around 500 qualified jobs, along with launching a training program in partnership with local actors to develop the specialized skills needed to support the growth of this industrial project.
The magazine reminded readers that the Safran Group has been active in Morocco for about 26 years, employing approximately 5,000 workers across 10 industrial sites. Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco, established in 1999, became the first aviation company to settle in the kingdom and has since transformed into a key center of excellence for maintaining CFM56 engines.
