Over the past two decades, Morocco has significantly developed its aviation sector, positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation industry, according to the website travelandtourworld.fr.
The country’s achievements include not only a steady increase in the production of aeronautical components, but also a strategic push to assemble aircraft on its territory, thereby cementing its place as Africa’s leading exporter of aeronautical equipment.
Morocco’s ability to produce more than 40 vital aeronautical components, including critical parts manufactured by only five countries worldwide, has played a central role in this transformation. In 2023, the country ranks as the world’s fifth most active aircraft manufacturer, a remarkable feat considering its relatively recent entry into the field.
+ An increase in production of 3.8% in 2023 +
Afaf Saïdi, director of aviation, railways, naval industries and renewable energies at the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Commerce, stressed that “this success follows the launch of the country’s first aeronautical initiative. only two decades ago. His remarks, made to the Moroccan Press Agency, highlighted Morocco’s ability to quickly align with global market trends.
The Moroccan aeronautical sector experienced significant growth in 2023, with an increase in production of 3.8%. The value of exports reached 21.864 billion dirhams in October, marking an increase of 17.3% year-on-year. This growth has also had a direct impact on employment, with more than 23,000 jobs created in the sector.
In particular, the local integration rate of the sector stands at 2030%, which testifies to the country’s growing capacity to produce locally. Building on this success, Morocco aims to double employment in the sector by 2020, according to Minister of Industry Ryad Mezzour.
This year marked a particularly crucial period for the Moroccan aeronautical industry. The Morocco Air Show 2024 in Marrakech not only showcased the country’s capabilities but also resulted in significant partnerships with industry giants such as Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier.
These companies have established factories and engineering centers in Morocco, further strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the sector. Rabat has also prioritized technological advancements, with an emphasis on research, innovation and improving international positioning.
+ Favorable investment climate +
Morocco’s favorable investment climate has played a key role in attracting international players. In October 2024, the Spanish group Asiture, a specialist in aerostructures and engine components, inaugurated a new factory in the Moroccan industrial zone of Midparc. This installation, dedicated to the manufacture of engine blades, represents an investment of more than 30 million dirhams. Likewise, the port of Tangier Med has become a key element in supporting the growth of Morocco’s aeronautical exports.
Another notable development is the launch of the Safran group’s aircraft engine manufacturing plant in Casablanca, worth $300 million. This facility is expected to create hundreds of jobs while accelerating the transfer of advanced aeronautical technologies to Morocco. The aeronautics sector has become a pillar of Morocco’s economic growth.
Moroccan economist Idris Al-Fina highlighted the remarkable growth of the sector, noting that it is now the country’s second largest source of foreign exchange. More than 140 international companies are involved in the sector, contributing around 2.5 billion dirhams per year to Morocco’s GDP.
The country also saw a notable 18% increase in aeronautical exports in 2024, reaching 10.7 billion dirhams in the first five months of the year.
+ The objective: to manufacture an integrated aircraft by 2030 +
The expansion of strategic partnerships with international companies such as SABCA Morocco and Gal Aerospace, specializing in aeronautical structures and aircraft cabin components, has played a vital role in this success.
Morocco’s goal is to manufacture an integrated aircraft by 2030. This ambitious vision will be achieved by expanding industry activities, strengthening international partnerships and creating environmentally sustainable solutions. These efforts align with global trends in reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
Although Morocco’s aeronautical sector still represents a smaller share of the overall economy compared to sectors like automobile manufacturing, the country’s steady growth points to a promising future. Through continued investment, technological innovation and focus on sustainability, Morocco is positioning itself not only as a leader in the aviation industry, but also as a future competitor in the global space industry.
Article19.ma
