On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Morocco signed a pivotal agreement in Farnborough, located 100 kilometers southwest of London, with the esteemed American company Curtiss-Wright Corporation, a leader in high-performance technologies, particularly within the aviation manufacturing sector. This agreement, formalized during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, aims to establish a branch of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies in Morocco, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the country's industrial capabilities in aviation.
The agreement is designed to bolster local capacities for stakeholders involved in the aviation sector in the Greater Casablanca area, representing a crucial advancement for Morocco's national industrial framework in this field. It showcases the American corporation's commitment to expanding its operations within the Kingdom, establishing new industrial capabilities characterized by advanced technological value to meet the increasing demand from the aviation industry.
Furthermore, the project aspires to enhance national industrial competencies in specialized operations while supporting the elevation of the value chain in Morocco's aviation manufacturing sector. This initiative is expected to solidify Morocco's position as a competitive industrial platform, catering to major international aviation programs.
Ray Lubock, the Senior Vice President and Head of the Metal Improvement Company under Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies, expressed to the Moroccan News Agency that the signing of this agreement opens a new and promising chapter in the collaboration between Morocco and the American corporation. He elaborated that the group eagerly anticipates launching its operations in Morocco, highlighting that this investment represents their first venture into the African continent through the Kingdom.
Lubock further indicated the company's intention to expand its activities to include other regions within Morocco in the future, expressing admiration for the advancements the Kingdom has achieved in the aviation sector. He noted that Morocco's success in this domain is evident through the increasing number of global corporations investing in the country, thanks to its competitive advantages and investment opportunities.
Ali Seddiki, the Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, affirmed that the signing of the protocol with Curtiss-Wright reflects the maturity of Morocco's industrial ecosystem in the aviation sector. He explained that partnering with a global company specializing in precision industrial operations highlights Morocco's capacity to produce a significant volume of critical aviation components with high added value. This agreement translates the strength of the national system that has been developed under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Seddiki added that this project extends from the major initiatives launched under the King's leadership, particularly the Safran project concerning aircraft landing gear, which will provide a substantial volume of critical components that Curtiss-Wright will process.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation, a renowned American industrial company established in 1929 through the merger of aviation pioneers the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss, currently operates across sectors including defense, aviation, energy, and industry. The group, headquartered in North Carolina, reported revenues of approximately $3.5 billion in 2025 and employs over 8,900 individuals, according to company data.
Alongside these developments, the Moroccan pavilion, overseen by the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development at the Farnborough Airshow, continues to host meetings between the Moroccan delegation and representatives from various international companies interested in investing in the Kingdom. These meetings aim to showcase Morocco’s industrial platform capabilities, explore new collaboration opportunities, and attract high-value investment projects, further integrating Morocco into future aviation, aerospace, and defense programs.
Morocco's participation in the Farnborough Airshow underscores its emerging status as one of the leading global hubs in the aviation manufacturing sector, thanks to the continuous dynamism witnessed in the industry under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which has established manufacturing, innovation, and skill development as fundamental pillars for economic transformation.
Currently, Morocco's aviation sector comprises more than 155 companies, providing over 25,000 jobs and generating exports exceeding $3 billion, with a local integration rate of 42% and an average annual growth rate nearing 17%.
The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the most significant global events in the aviation industry, attracting over 1,400 exhibitors and 400 official delegations, providing a platform for establishing strategic partnerships and showcasing the latest innovations in the sector.
As reported by maroc.ma.
