Morocco's Role in the Global Aviation Sector
During a recent panel discussion on "Value Chains and Global Industrial Sovereignty" at the eighth edition of the Marrakech Airshow, key executives from leading global aviation and defense companies unanimously agreed that Morocco has transitioned from being a mere stopover for investment in this vital sector to becoming a trusted strategic partner. This evolution has led industry giants to view investing in Morocco not just as a strategic growth option, but as a fundamental pillar in shaping the future of aviation, defense, and global supply chains. Gabriel Simlas, the director of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the significance of Moroccan contributions to the industry, stating that over 56 years of collaboration, particularly in the 'Medpark' industrial complex with Atlantic Morocco, have resulted in components for all aircraft worldwide being manufactured in Morocco. The complexity of operations has also increased, now encompassing intricate electronic assemblies.
Simlas elaborated on the impact of this initiative, noting that it has created over 1,200 direct job opportunities in the aviation sector, alongside more than ten jobs across various training and development chains. He emphasized the partnership with Safran, which has a focus on aircraft engines and landing gear, pointing out that approximately 80% of the workforce in the aviation sector is engaged in producing parts compatible with Airbus aircraft. This collaboration was further reinforced by his recent attendance at the inaugural flight of the Airbus A350 in Toulouse, where components manufactured in Morocco were also featured. Simlas expressed pride in this collaboration, asserting that without such cooperation, fulfilling orders would have been impossible.
The Importance of Trust and Quality in Industrial Partnerships
Simlas underscored the necessity of having reliable partners who uphold high-quality standards, reflecting on past challenges faced regarding quality issues. He reiterated that maintaining the right level of quality in supply chains is crucial, which has been one of the reasons for choosing Morocco as a manufacturing base over the past 60 years. In a related discussion, Stéphane Cueille, head of Safran Aircraft Engines, responded to inquiries about the company's confidence in Morocco, stating that the stability and supportive industrial policy in the country have enabled them to look forward to assembling 300 engines annually for Airbus in Morocco. Cueille noted that minimizing industrial assembly risks is vital, asserting that they perceive risks as negligible due to the skilled workforce and the overarching trust in fulfilling commitments and supporting the industrial ecosystem.
He elaborated on the significance of this investment, emphasizing that the success of their operations directly influences aircraft readiness. If these operations fail, it translates into aircraft being unable to take off, which is why their commitment to Morocco is unwavering, as they are confident in receiving the necessary support. Additionally, Steve Sheehy, Vice President of International Business Development at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the evolving needs of international clients for interconnected capabilities in the 21st century. He explained that the vision for security now demands interlinking advanced systems, secure communications, and industrial partners, which is essential for enhancing readiness and adaptability in modern warfare.
Sheehy pointed out that the landscape has shifted significantly over the past 16 years, moving from a focus solely on superior aircraft to a broader emphasis on connectivity among platforms across land, sea, air, and even underwater. This concept, often termed 'joint operations across all domains', is crucial for modern military operations. He noted Morocco's substantial investment in various military equipment and its exceptional partnership with Lockheed Martin, which has spanned over 50 years. He cited examples such as the HIMARS rocket launcher and the C-130 aircraft, explaining how these systems work collaboratively to enhance operational efficiency. The ability of the C-130 to transport the HIMARS and provide real-time data during flight is a testament to the advancements in military technology and connectivity.
In conclusion, Sheehy remarked that this level of connectivity was nonexistent a decade ago, emphasizing that today, the focus is not merely on the aircraft itself but on its ability to connect and share information with other systems, which ultimately contributes to a more secure and defensible Morocco.
As reported by hespress.com.
