By In pursuit of economic diversification and modernization, Morocco is intensifying endeavours to fortify its aerospace sector, with the aim of capitalizing on a global market valued at $2 billion annually. This strategic initiative, integral to a broader transition from an agrarian-based economy, entails incentivizing manufacturers within the aerospace, automotive, and railway domains.
Government officials envision this initiative as a supplementary force to the expansion endeavours of Moroccan airlines, including the state-owned flagship carrier, Royal Air Maroc. Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, highlights the opportune moment for Morocco to establish its footprint in the aerospace sector, citing prevailing disruptions in the global supply chain as conducive to Moroccan firms.
At the forefront of Morocco’s aerospace landscape is Safran Aircraft Engines, a French engine manufacturer operating a repair facility situated outside Casablanca. Periodically, Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s undergo maintenance at this facility before returning to airlines worldwide, encompassing Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Safran’s presence epitomizes Morocco’s appeal to aerospace conglomerates, with over 130 aerospace entities already operational in the country. These entities contribute to a burgeoning ecosystem wherein components ranging from wings to fuselages are manufactured, with a notable 42% of the workforce comprising women—a proportion surpassing counterparts in European and North American manufacturing hubs.
While Morocco’s attractiveness as a hub of cost-effective labour is undeniable, concerted endeavours have been made to nurture a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry requisites. The Institute for Aeronautics Professions (IMA) in Casablanca serves as a nucleus for nurturing a new cadre of aerospace professionals, ensuring a reservoir of talent to sustain industry expansion.
Mohammed Abdeljalil, Morocco’s Minister for Transport and Logistics, underscores the government’s commitment to catering to investors’ requirements for proficient human resources, accentuating the pivotal role of skilled labour in enhancing industry competitiveness.
Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran, echoes this sentiment, stressing the significance of well-trained talent in realizing the industry’s aspirations for excellence and innovation.
Nevertheless, the aerospace sector encounters challenges amid its growth trajectory. Supply chain disruptions, compounded by prominent emergencies and incidents, have impeded manufacturers such as Boeing, resulting in delivery delays and production impediments. Furthermore, escalating demand for air travel has prompted manufacturers globally to explore new production and repair facility locations, underscoring the dynamic nature of the aerospace landscape.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, Morocco’s aerospace sector remains primed for sustained expansion, bolstered by a confluence of governmental support, skilled labour, and strategic collaborations with industry frontrunners. As the country positions itself as a nucleus for aerospace innovation and manufacturing, it embarks on a transformative odyssey towards economic prosperity and international acclaim in the aviation domain.
