Airbus expands manufacturing footprint with acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems Casablanca site

Airbus has finalized the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Casablanca facility, marking a significant step in consolidating its global supply chain. Announced on Monday, the deal highlights Airbus’s commitment to Morocco as a “key country” for expanding its aviation manufacturing capabilities, signaling potential future investments such as final assembly lines for aircraft.

The Casablanca site, employing around 800 workers across 25,000 square meters, specializes in producing advanced components for the A321 and A220 aircraft. These include leading-edge wing parts, ventral beams, and flap track stringers. The acquisition strengthens Airbus’s capacity to manage supply chain risks, which were exacerbated by post-COVID disruptions and Spirit’s quality control issues affecting production schedules.

Florent Massou, Airbus’s executive vice president for commercial aircraft operations, welcomed more than 4,000 new colleagues globally as part of this acquisition. In addition to the Casablanca facility, the agreement includes assets in Saint-Nazaire, France, and Kinston, North Carolina, further cementing Airbus’s strategy to streamline operations and enhance its manufacturing footprint.

Strengthening Morocco’s aerospace ecosystem

Airbus’s relationship with Morocco spans more than 50 years, beginning with early maintenance workshops established by Royal Air Maroc in Casablanca in 1958. Over time, Morocco has evolved from a peripheral supplier to a strategic hub for high-value aerostructure production.

The Casablanca site, now rebranded as Airbus Atlantic Maroc Aero, joins Airbus’s Moroccan subsidiary, which specializes in aerostructures and advanced components. As of 2025, Airbus directly employs over 1,100 people in Morocco and supports approximately 10,000 jobs through contractors and supply chain partners. The company’s procurement from Moroccan suppliers reaches hundreds of millions of euros annually.

Morocco’s aerospace sector has also expanded into helicopter operations. Airbus Helicopters recently established a Moroccan subsidiary to manage 60 helicopters operated by Morocco’s Royal Air Force, Navy, and Gendarmerie. The division includes a regional training center equipped with flight simulators, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a regional aviation hub.

Strategic significance of the acquisition

The Casablanca transaction reflects Airbus’s long-term confidence in Morocco’s skilled workforce, political stability, and growing aerospace ecosystem. It also underscores a broader shift in the region’s role in global aviation manufacturing, from producing sub-assemblies to hosting high-value aerostructure production and potentially full-cycle aircraft programs.

For Morocco, the acquisition strengthens its position as a global leader in aviation manufacturing, paving the way for further advancements in technology and economic growth. For Airbus, the move ensures supply continuity, reduces production risks, and aligns with its strategic goals of scaling manufacturing capabilities in key international markets.

Spirit AeroSystems, originally a Boeing subsidiary, faced financial difficulties and quality control issues, reporting a $616 million net loss in 2023. The Casablanca acquisition is part of Airbus’s efforts to mitigate supply chain challenges, particularly those affecting the A220 and A350 programs.

The deal also includes a memorandum establishing $200 million in interest-free credit lines to support strategic programs during the transition and integration phases. This financial arrangement aims to maintain operational stability as Airbus integrates the acquired facilities into its global production network.

By deepening its partnership with Morocco, Airbus signals a strong commitment to the country’s role as a strategic manufacturing hub, further advancing its aerospace ambitions and reinforcing the kingdom’s reputation as one of the world’s most dynamic aviation platforms.