Morocco, Africa’s Aeronautics Leader – French Daily
Paris - Morocco, Africa’s aeronautics leader, is attracting investors and manufacturers seeking to diversify their supply chains, the French weekly Le Point reported.
“The Moroccan authorities aim to turn the country into an aeronautical hub, attracting investors and manufacturers eager to diversify their supply chains and access an available workforce,” the publication wrote in an article titled ‘Morocco, Africa’s Aeronautics Leader.’
The magazine recalled the ceremony marking the presentation and launch of the project to build a landing gear production plant in Nouaceur by the Safran group, chaired last February by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of the French group, Ross McInnes.
This facility, which will complement the existing assembly and maintenance units for CFM LEAP engines, is part of Safran’s strategy to support the ramp-up in production of the Airbus A320 by establishing a modern and highly efficient production tool close to its strategic markets, Le Point noted.
“Following the recent announcements of the establishment in Casablanca of an assembly line and a maintenance center for the LEAP engine, this decision once again underscores our trusted relationship and the strategic role of the Kingdom within Safran’s global industrial network,” Safran CEO Olivier Andriès said, as quoted in the article.
The article’s author also highlighted Morocco’s “highly favorable” geographical location, explaining that equipment such as an engine or landing gear completed in Casablanca on a Friday evening, loaded onto a truck and shipped across the Mediterranean via Gibraltar, can reach Toulouse as early as Monday morning, near Airbus’ factories and assembly lines.
The plant is expected to be operational by 2029 and will ultimately employ nearly 500 skilled workers, the report added, noting that an extensive training program will be implemented in partnership with local stakeholders to develop the specific skills required for its growth.
Safran has been present in Morocco for 26 years, employing nearly 5,000 people across 10 sites. Established in 1999, Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco was the first aeronautics company to set up operations in the Kingdom and has since become a major center of excellence for the maintenance of CFM56 engines, the publication recalled.
Editorial team/le7tv
