Morocco's Aerospace Industry Set for Major Growth
Morocco's aerospace sector is poised to significantly enhance its export capabilities, aiming for a remarkable increase to approximately five billion US dollars within the next three years. This ambitious projection comes on the heels of the industry generating around three billion dollars in exports by 2025. Mohammed Bellatig, the head of the industry association GIMAS, highlighted this transformative vision during the Marrakech Airshow, emphasizing the country's focus on attracting new suppliers who can manufacture high-quality components.
Currently, the Moroccan aerospace industry employs about 25,000 individuals across approximately 160 companies, including key suppliers for aviation giants such as Airbus, Boeing, and Safran. Bellatig articulated a clear objective: to elevate local value creation by shifting the focus from merely producing individual components to assembling more complex aerospace systems. This strategic pivot includes plans for Morocco to start assembling engines and landing gear, thereby offering significantly higher value-added products than in its current operations.
Expansion Initiatives and Future Prospects
The French aerospace conglomerate Safran is intensifying its investment in Morocco, establishing facilities dedicated to landing gear and engine assembly for Airbus jets. This expansion reflects the broader trend of international companies recognizing the potential of Morocco as a manufacturing hub within the aerospace industry.
Moreover, Morocco is looking to diversify its aerospace capabilities by venturing into the drone manufacturing sector. Government representatives perceive this initiative as a natural progression that leverages the existing manufacturing expertise developed within the country’s aviation sector. Bellatig noted that the production of drones could build upon established knowledge in materials, assembly processes, and engineering, further solidifying Morocco's position in the global aerospace landscape.
As reported by airliners.de.
