Airbus expands strategic ties with Morocco’s aerospace sector

Wednesday 18 June 2025 - 08:31

By: Zahouani Ilham

Airbus expands strategic ties with Morocco’s aerospace sector

Airbus is seeking to deepen its presence in Morocco, citing the country's promising aerospace sector, according to the company’s Executive Vice President for International Affairs, Wouter Van Wersch. Speaking after a meeting with Moroccan officials during the 55th International Paris Air Show, Van Wersch highlighted the long-standing relationship between Airbus and Morocco, describing it as a close partnership.

He emphasized the mutual interes*t in expanding Airbus’s footprint in Morocco, especially after the recent acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems' factory in Casablanca, which has brought the number of Airbus employees in the country to nearly 2,000.

The Moroccan delegation welcomed at the Airbus stand included high-level officials such as the Ministers of Transport, Industry and Trade, Investment, and the Director General of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE).

Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour reaffirmed the strategic cooperation between Morocco and Airbus, noting ongoing collaboration to develop Morocco’s aerospace platform. He underscored that the newly acquired Nouaceur plant produces fuselages for the A220, and both parties aim to eventually establish a full aircraft assembly line in the country.

Karim Zidane, Delegate Minister for Investment, pointed out the relevance of this partnership as Morocco gears up to host major international events. He also referenced the expansion plans of Royal Air Maroc (RAM), which aims to grow its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037. Zidane underlined Morocco’s commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership and welcomed Airbus’s willingness to invest further, including through knowledge and expertise transfer.

Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh described the discussions with Airbus as productive, especially in light of RAM’s fleet expansion and the development of the Casablanca hub into a major African and global transit point.

AMDIE’s Director General, Ali Seddiki, highlighted Morocco’s competitive advantages, including skilled human capital, world-class infrastructure, and a comprehensive industrial strategy that positions the country as a reliable partner for Airbus’s increasing production needs.

As part of the Paris Air Show, AMDIE and the Moroccan Aerospace and Space Industries Group (GIMAS) organized the "Morocco Pavilion," which featured six national companies showcasing the strength and dynamism of the local aerospace industry.

Morocco’s participation in this major global aviation event aims to enhance the country’s profile and highlight the opportunities within its aerospace sector. Over the past two decades, Morocco has developed a competitive and diversified aerospace industry, attracting global leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Hexcel, Eaton, Alcoa, Le Piston Français, Daher, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney.