Morocco Aims to Become Aviation Hub
Moroccan officials are setting their sights on transforming the country into a key player in the aviation industry, with hopes of attracting investors looking to diversify their supply chains and tap into a pool of skilled and affordable labor. The North African kingdom is joining a growing list of countries competing for contracts with major manufacturers seeking to ramp up production to meet the increasing demand for aircraft. Companies like Boeing and Airbus, as well as their component manufacturers, are outsourcing various aspects of their operations to countries around the world, from Mexico to Thailand.
Morocco’s efforts to bolster its $2 billion-a-year aerospace industry are part of a broader strategy to shift its predominantly agrarian economy towards manufacturing planes, trains, and automobiles. The country’s officials are also aiming to boost its national carriers, including the state-owned Royal Air Maroc. Hamid Abbou, the airline’s CEO, highlighted Morocco’s advantageous position in the industry, pointing out that many European suppliers are struggling to find skilled workers, a problem that Morocco does not face.
Despite the optimism surrounding Morocco’s aviation ambitions, the industry is not without its challenges. The global air travel sector has been grappling with disruptions caused by the pandemic, leading to delays in aircraft production and deliveries. Boeing, in particular, has faced supply chain issues compounded by safety concerns following high-profile emergencies and crashes. As demand for aircraft continues to rise, manufacturers are looking to expand their production capacities and explore new locations for building and repairing aircraft parts.
One such company is Safran Aircraft Engines, a French manufacturer that regularly sends engines for Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s to a repair plant outside of Casablanca. The repaired engines are then returned to airlines in countries such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Morocco boasts a thriving aerospace sector with 130 companies operating in the country, producing a wide range of aircraft components while employing a significant number of women in the industry.
While Morocco is often seen as a source of cost-effective labor, the government and industry stakeholders have been investing in training programs to develop a skilled workforce. The Institute for Aeronautics Professions (IMA) in Casablanca plays a crucial role in providing specialized training for the aviation sector. During a recent event commemorating Safran’s 25-year partnership with Royal Air Maroc, Safran CEO Jean-Paul Alary emphasized the importance of Morocco’s well-trained workforce in driving the industry’s growth.
Looking ahead, Alary expressed his optimism for the continued expansion of Morocco’s aviation industry, especially as global demand for aircraft surges and European companies face labor shortages. He praised Morocco’s access to qualified talent and emphasized the pivotal role that skilled workers play in achieving the industry’s objectives.
Morocco’s ambitions to become an aviation hub are gaining momentum, fueled by a combination of strategic investments, skilled labor force, and partnerships with international manufacturers. As the country continues to position itself as a key player in the aerospace sector, it is poised to attract more investors and further strengthen its foothold in the global aviation market.