Significant Growth in Morocco's Aviation Exports
The aviation industry in Morocco is experiencing a remarkable surge, with projections indicating that exports could reach the threshold of 50 billion dirhams (approximately 5 billion dollars) over the next two years. This growth represents a substantial increase from approximately 3 billion dollars recorded last year, driven by expanded investments, heightened global demand, and the kingdom's transition towards higher value-added industrial and technological activities. By the end of August, the aviation sector's exports had already reached around 30 billion dirhams, marking an impressive annual growth of nearly 21.5%. This performance stands out as the best among Morocco's export industries, according to data from the Foreign Exchange Office. Notably, the export levels achieved in this timeframe equate to the total exports accomplished by the sector throughout the previous year.
Mohamed Belatiq, President of the Moroccan Aerospace Industries Association (GIMAS), highlighted that the sector currently encompasses around 150 companies, having expanded two and a half times over the past decade. He expressed optimism that exports are on track to set a record by surpassing 5 billion dollars in the coming years. The industry currently provides 25,000 jobs, with women representing 40% of the workforce. Major players such as Boeing, Airbus, and Safran are among the leading companies in the sector, manufacturing and assembling various aircraft components, thereby positioning Morocco as a vital link in the global value chain of the aviation industry.
The Evolution of Morocco's Aviation Manufacturing
Morocco's aviation ecosystem has evolved beyond merely manufacturing aircraft parts; it now encompasses the production of components, wiring, system integration, engine maintenance, and assembly activities. This transformation is exemplified by projects launched recently, particularly in the domains of engines and landing gear systems, reflecting the sector's shift towards higher value-added and technological activities. The country is gradually transitioning from being a mere manufacturing base to becoming a technological partner in global value chains.
The expansion of the French company Safran illustrates this ongoing transformation. In October 2025, the group launched a comprehensive aircraft engine project in the Nouacer region near Casablanca, which includes a facility for assembling and testing LEAP-1A engines, as well as another facility dedicated to the maintenance and repair of LEAP engines. The assembly plant is designed to have an annual capacity of 350 engines, while the maintenance facility will handle 150 engines. The total investment for these projects and their related expansions exceeds 350 million euros.
In February 2026, Safran reinforced its presence with an additional investment of over 280 million euros to establish a landing gear systems factory in Nouacer, which is expected to create 500 jobs when fully operational. This facility will include precision manufacturing, assembly, testing, accreditation, and advanced maintenance activities. Belatiq emphasized that this trajectory enhances the technological complexity of Morocco's aviation industry, noting that the kingdom's ambitions extend beyond attracting investments to elevating the status of existing companies within global value chains while promoting research, development, engineering, and technology activities.
GIMAS anticipates the addition of approximately 10,000 new jobs to the sector, raising the total workforce to about 35,000 by 2030. The specialized institute for training aviation technicians affiliated with the association aims to graduate between 500 and 700 individuals annually. Currently, about 75% of the sector's companies are concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat region, and the primary challenges lie not in attracting investments but in providing the necessary land and industrial spaces to accommodate the expansion of most investing companies.
As reported by asharqbusiness.com.
