For Airbus Helicopters, Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco (October 28-30) could have accelerated the sale of 18 H225M (Caracal) to the Moroccan armed forces. Much too soon. It didn’t happen in the end, especially since Rabat apparently didn’t like having its arm twisted by Paris for this deal. Despite the presence in the French delegation of Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even, who was added at the very last moment, the contract could neither be announced nor logically finalized during this state visit. This was also not the case during the Marrakech Air Show (October 30/November 2).
However, according to consistent sources, the Marignane manufacturer continues negotiations with Morocco for the sale of around ten Caracals (+ the rest as an option), which has a carrying capacity of 11 tonnes. Currently, Airbus Helicopters and Moroccan authorities are discussing helicopter configuration, prices and conditions. The outcome of these discussions is expected in 2025. In addition, the manufacturer wishes to install a maintenance hub (MRO) in Morocco, which will extend throughout West Africa.
The H225 attractive again
This new H225M contract would be a boon for Airbus Helicopters and for its Marignane site (Bouche-du-Rhône), where it is manufactured. This helicopter is also the lifeblood of the manufacturer’s flagship site. After Iraq (14 aircraft), the Netherlands (12) and the coast guard in Japan (3), this future order, if it materializes, will make it possible to fill a two-year production gap in the chain of the H225, while awaiting the manufacture of 38 H225s (plus six optional) ordered by the German police (Bundespolizei) in 28 different configurations. Deliveries of this order must start from 2029 and will extend until 2035.
“We went from a peak in H225 deliveries two or three years ago to a significant decline. We are in the process of reorganizing the H225 chain to adapt it to the market and we are freeing up capacity”explained Bruno Even in an interview with La Tribune at the beginning of November.
Airbus Helicopters must deliver between 25 and 30 aircraft of this type each year. And the Iraqi and Dutch contracts partially fill this production gap identified by the management of Airbus Helicopters, which produces H160 on the H225 line, a helicopter whosehe supply chain brings together more than 300 direct French suppliers. To fill this production gap, the manufacturer is also awaiting confirmation of the order in the United Arab Emirates (12 aircraft) where negotiations are continuing to save this contract which has been in decline for a long time.
