Morocco's Aerospace Ascent: Securing Global Partnerships and Driving Manufacturing Excellence

Thursday 23 May 2024 - 12:45

Morocco's aerospace sector has been ascending to new heights, fueled by strategic government initiatives, robust infrastructure development, and coveted global partnerships. The nation's commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce and fostering an accommodating business environment has positioned it as an emerging powerhouse in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and operations.

In a recent milestone, Shimco, a Canadian aerospace company with facilities in both Morocco and Canada, obtained a prestigious certification from Boeing, enabling it to supply laminated materials and fabricated parts directly to the aerospace titan and its worldwide supply chain. Labeled BMS7-335, this certification marks Shimco's entry into Boeing's Qualified Product List, a testament to the company's dedication to meeting stringent quality standards.

Shimco's journey in Morocco has been facilitated by its agreement with Midparc, an integrated industrial platform in the free zone of Nouaceur, Casablanca. The company has initially committed to constructing a 1,300-square-meter production plant, with ambitious plans to double its capacity within three years and triple it within seven years. Establishing operations at Midparc offers a strategic opportunity, given the area's burgeoning aerospace industry.

Morocco's favorable geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, coupled with robust government support and incentives, has attracted major industry players such as Boeing and Airbus. The country's aerospace industry is garnering widespread acclaim, with the wealth-oriented American magazine Forbes recently describing Morocco as "well-positioned" to become a prominent player in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and operations.

Government support has been pivotal in this development. Morocco has implemented numerous initiatives and incentives to attract foreign investment, including the establishment of aerospace industry clusters like the Midparc Free Zone near Casablanca, which has become a cornerstone of the country's aviation infrastructure.

A vital aspect of Morocco's strategy is the development of a skilled workforce tailored to meet the demands of the aerospace sector. Institutions such as the Moroccan Aerospace Institute and various specialized training centers have been established to ensure a steady stream of highly skilled professionals, guaranteeing the industry's sustainability and growth.

In addition, Morocco has forged strong partnerships with global aerospace companies like Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, and Safran. These collaborations have facilitated significant technology transfer and enhanced the overall competitiveness of Morocco's aerospace sector.

Parallel to its manufacturing ambitions, Morocco has made impressive strides in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Facilities such as the Technopark in Casablanca and Tangier Aerospace City exemplify Morocco's commitment to providing top-notch environments for MRO operations, further boosting the country's aerospace credentials.

The focus on aircraft maintenance services presents a significant opportunity for companies looking to tap into the lucrative business prospects this sector offers. Morocco's aeronautical ecosystem boasts about 142 companies, generating approximately $2 billion in export revenue and employing 17,000 people, with around 40% being women, the highest rate of female labor participation across the board.

Despite the pandemic causing a 29% decline in aerospace activity in 2020, the Moroccan rate was significantly better than the global drop of 50%. Job losses in the sector were limited to 10% (around 1,500 jobs), compared to a global average of 40%.

Morocco has also secured two crucial Memoranda of Agreement to bolster its aerospace industry: one with Boeing in 2016 and another with Collins Aerospace in July 2022, both aimed at developing suppliers' ecosystems within the country.

With its comprehensive approach to workforce development, technology adoption, and infrastructure improvement, Morocco is on a promising path to becoming a prominent player in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and operations, securing its place on the global aviation map.