The Moroccan aviation industry is on the brink of a significant milestone, with projections indicating that exports could surpass $5 billion within the next two years. This remarkable growth, compared to approximately $3 billion last year, is driven by an expansion in investments, a surge in global demand, and the kingdom's transition towards high-value-added industrial and technological activities. By the end of August, the sector recorded exports amounting to 30 billion dirhams (equivalent to $3 billion), marking an impressive annual increase of 21.5%, thus achieving the best performance among the country’s export industries, as reported by the Office of Exchange. This current export level is equivalent to the total output of the sector for the entire previous year.
According to Mohamed Belatiq, president of the Moroccan Aerospace Industries Association (GIMAS), the sector now comprises around 150 companies, having grown two and a half times in the last decade. The aviation industry currently provides approximately 25,000 jobs, with women representing 40% of the workforce. Major players in this field include Boeing, Airbus, and Safran, all of which manufacture and assemble aircraft parts, positioning Morocco as a vital link in the global value chain of the aviation sector.
Enhancing Value Addition
The Moroccan aviation ecosystem has evolved beyond merely manufacturing aircraft components; it now encompasses the production of systems, wiring, maintenance, and assembly of engines. Tawfiq Musharaf, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, remarked that over the past quarter-century, Morocco has successfully built a solid industrial base in aviation, leveraging its geographical location, international-standard infrastructure, stability, skilled workforce, and a competitive investment landscape. These factors have made the country a trusted destination for an increasing number of global companies.
This transformation is epitomized by the expansion of Safran, the French aerospace company, which launched a comprehensive aircraft engine project in October 2025 in the Nouaceur region near Casablanca. This facility includes an assembly plant for "LEAP-1A" engines and another dedicated to the maintenance and repair of these engines, with a combined investment exceeding 350 million euros. The assembly plant is expected to produce 350 engines annually, while the maintenance facility will handle 150 units. In February 2026, Safran reinforced its presence with an additional investment of over 280 million euros for a landing gear systems factory in Nouaceur, anticipated to create 500 jobs once operational. This site will host precision manufacturing, assembly, testing, certification, and advanced maintenance activities.
Aiming for Complete Aircraft Assembly by 2030
Morocco is aiming high, with aspirations to achieve full aircraft assembly capabilities by 2030, reflecting an extension of the industry’s scope from component manufacturing to more advanced stages of aircraft production. Belatiq believes that the global demand presents an immense opportunity for Morocco, especially with companies like Airbus planning to ramp up aircraft production in the coming years. The extensive array of components involved in aircraft manufacturing allows Moroccan manufacturers to deepen their involvement in production chains, provided they continue to develop their skills and maintain high-quality standards. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted that the ongoing global transformations within the sector—particularly the trend of companies diversifying their supply chains and production sources—offer Morocco a unique chance to strengthen its position within these chains, rather than merely attracting new investments.
GIMAS anticipates the addition of around 10,000 new jobs in the sector, raising total employment to approximately 35,000 by 2030, supported by specialized institutes that graduate between 500 to 700 aviation technicians each year. Approximately 75% of the industry’s companies are concentrated in the Casablanca-Settat region, where the primary challenge lies not in attracting investments, but in providing the necessary industrial land and space for the expanding companies in the sector.
As reported by asharqbusiness.com.
