Strategic Partnership to Enhance Local Aviation Capabilities
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Morocco made significant strides in its aviation sector by signing a protocol agreement with the American company Curtis-Wright Corporation, a leader in high-performance technologies, particularly in aerospace manufacturing. The signing event took place in Farnborough, located 100 kilometers southwest of London, during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. This agreement aims to establish a Curtis-Wright Service Technologies branch in Morocco, which is expected to bolster local capabilities for stakeholders in the Casablanca region's aviation industry, thereby reinforcing the national industrial framework within this vital sector.
The partnership signifies Curtis-Wright's intention to expand its operations within Morocco, as it recognizes the growing demand for technologically advanced industrial capabilities in the aerospace sector. This initiative is not only geared towards enhancing local industrial competencies in specialized operations but also aims to elevate the value chain in Morocco's aviation industry. Such developments are pivotal to establishing Morocco as a competitive industrial platform that can cater to major international aerospace programs.
Investment and Future Opportunities in Moroccan Aerospace
Ray Lubock, Senior Vice President and President of the Metal Improvement Company at Curtis-Wright Service Technologies, expressed optimism about this new chapter in collaboration between Morocco and the American firm. He highlighted that this agreement marks Curtis-Wright's first investment in Africa, underscoring the company's eagerness to launch its operations in Morocco. Lubock anticipates further expansion across other regions of Morocco, commending the remarkable progress the country has made in its aviation sector. He noted that Morocco's success is reflected in the increasing number of global companies investing in the nation, thanks to its competitive advantages and attractive investment opportunities.
Ali Sadiqi, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, emphasized that the agreement with Curtis-Wright illustrates the maturity of Morocco's industrial ecosystem in aviation. He explained that collaborating with a global leader in precision industrial operations highlights Morocco's significant capacity for producing critical aerospace components with high added value. This agreement is a testament to the strength of the national industrial framework that has been developed under the wise leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Furthermore, the project aligns with major initiatives launched under the King’s leadership, including the Safran project focused on aircraft landing gear, which is set to produce a substantial volume of critical components that Curtis-Wright will process. Founded in 1929, Curtis-Wright Corporation is a well-established American industrial company that operates in the defense, aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors, reporting a revenue of approximately $3.5 billion in 2025 and employing over 8,900 people across its operations.
Simultaneously, 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 Morocco. These sessions aim to showcase Morocco's industrial capabilities, explore new collaboration opportunities, and attract high-value investment projects that will further integrate Morocco into future aerospace and defense programs.
Morocco's participation in the Farnborough International Airshow underscores its emerging status as a key player in the global aviation industry, driven by the continuous dynamism of the sector under King Mohammed VI’s visionary leadership, which emphasizes manufacturing, innovation, and skills development as fundamental pillars of economic transformation. Currently, Morocco's aviation sector comprises over 155 companies, providing more than 25,000 jobs, generating exports exceeding $3 billion, with a local integration rate of 42% and an annual growth rate of approximately 17%.
The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the premier global events in the aviation industry, attracting over 1,400 exhibitors and 400 official delegations, providing a platform for strategic partnerships and showcasing the latest innovations in the sector.
As reported by maroc.ma.
