فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
On October 13, 2025, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, presided over a ceremony launching the construction of the Safran Group’s aircraft engine industrial complex in Nouaceur, near Casablanca, in an event reflecting royal patronage and industrial optimism. This event highlights Morocco’s growing role in the global aerospace industry and reflects the confidence of the French multinational company in the capabilities of this North African country. Safran, a global leader in aerospace propulsion and equipment, selected Morocco for this ambitious project based on its skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and a stable macroeconomic environment that enables long-term investments. The complex is located within the integrated aerospace platform “Midparc,” representing a crucial step in integrating Morocco into the international value chain for aircraft engine manufacturing.
Historical Context and Safran’s Long-Standing Presence in Morocco
Safran has maintained a presence in Morocco for 25 years, becoming a key player in the local aerospace sector. The company’s operations include facilities such as Safran Nacelles in Nouaceur, specializing in composite parts production, and wiring supply for major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. This new project builds on that foundation, expanding into engine assembly and maintenance—a high-value segment of the industry. Morocco’s aerospace sector has witnessed remarkable growth under the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, transforming from modest beginnings in the early 2000s into a dynamic ecosystem hosting over 150 companies and generating export revenues exceeding 26 billion dirhams ($2.54 billion) in 2024, compared to less than 1 billion dirhams in 2004. This growth is attributed to strategic reforms, investments in training, and the development of specialized industrial zones like Midparc.
Project Specifications and Facilities
The industrial complex includes two interconnected facilities designed to handle the full lifecycle of advanced aircraft engines:
- Assembly and Testing Plant: Focused on LEAP-1A engines for Airbus A320 Neo aircraft, with an annual assembly capacity of up to 350 engines. The investment amounts to 2.1 billion dirhams ($205 million), and it is expected to create 300 highly skilled jobs by 2029. This positions Morocco as the second global site for LEAP-1A production, enhancing its technological footprint in aerospace manufacturing.
- Maintenance and Repair Facility: Dedicated to servicing new-generation LEAP engines, handling up to 150 engines annually, with an investment of 1.3 billion dirhams ($127 million). It is projected to generate 600 direct jobs by 2030, focusing on repair, overhaul, and testing capabilities.
These facilities integrate performance, innovation, and sustainability, aiming to attract additional suppliers and strengthen the national aerospace ecosystem. The total investment, including expansions at other Safran sites in Morocco, exceeds 350 million euros (3.7 billion dirhams), reflecting a commitment to long-term partnership.
| Facility | Investment (Billion Dirhams) | Capacity (Engines/Year) | Jobs Created | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly and Testing (LEAP-1A) | 2.1 | 350 | 300 | By 2029 |
| Maintenance and Repair (LEAP) | 1.3 | 150 | 600 | By 2030 |
| Total | 3.4 | 500 | 900 | – |
Economic Implications and Job Creation
In addition to direct investments, the project is expected to create thousands of indirect jobs across the supply chain, meeting the aviation industry’s needs for skilled labor. Young trainees from the Institut des Métiers de l’Aéronautique (IMA) in Nouaceur are already being integrated, with His Majesty the King posing for photos with them during the ceremony to symbolize youth empowerment. Economically, the project reinforces Morocco’s position as a competitive hub, as Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour noted the sector’s role in advanced manufacturing and innovation. The initiative aligns with broader goals of technological competitiveness and sustainable development.
Strategic Partnerships and Signed Agreements
The ceremony witnessed the signing of three pivotal agreements:
- A protocol agreement between the Moroccan government and Safran for the assembly and testing plant, signed by Ministers Ryad Mezzour and Karim Zidane, and Safran CEO Olivier Andriès.
- A memorandum of understanding for supplying renewable energy to Safran’s Moroccan sites, involving multiple stakeholders including the Ministry of Interior and energy companies.
- An agreement for installing the facility within the Midparc zone, signed by representatives from Morocco’s Deposit and Management Fund, Safran, MEDZ, and Midparc.
These agreements emphasize collaboration, with Safran Chairman Ross McInnes describing the project as a “concrete embodiment” of Morocco-France industrial links, while CEO Andriès praised the King’s vision for creating a globally competitive platform.
Royal Involvement and Broader Significance
His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s active participation—chairing the event, unveiling the LEAP-1A engine, and launching construction—highlights the monarchy’s commitment to industrial transformation. A corporate film presented during the ceremony showcased the sector’s evolution under royal initiatives. This project not only strengthens Morocco’s aerospace capabilities but also fosters mutual growth, as Safran produces “with Morocco” rather than merely in it.
The event generated buzz on social media, including posts from Forbes Middle East and local outlets, portraying it as a strategic boost to Morocco’s global standing. As construction progresses, this complex is expected to propel Morocco further into the forefront of international aerospace innovation.
For more details, please visit Safran’s official page in Morocco: https://www.safran-group.com/countries/morocco.
