Airbus Sets Course for Moroccan Aerospace Ascendancy

Thursday 06 June 2024 - 10:20

Airbus, the aerospace behemoth, is embarking on a bold venture to bolster its manufacturing capabilities by tapping into Morocco's burgeoning aerospace sector. This strategic pivot signals Morocco's ascent as a formidable contender in the global aerospace arena.

During a visit to the Airbus Atlantic Morocco Composites plant in Nouaceur, Patrick Derderian, Airbus's Director of International Cooperation for Africa, unveiled an audacious plan: to ramp up production to an impressive 75 aircraft per month by 2026. This ambitious target underscores Airbus's confidence in Morocco's capabilities and highlights the synergy between the two entities.

Derderian underscored the enduring partnership between Airbus and Morocco, spanning over seven decades, and emphasized Morocco's pivotal role as an industrial partner. This partnership has not only fostered deep trust but has also propelled Morocco's aerospace sector to unprecedented heights.

Airbus's commitment to developing a fully Moroccan workforce at its Moroccan facilities speaks volumes about the nation's skill development and its ability to meet industry standards. This commitment positions Morocco as a hub of excellence in the global aerospace landscape.

Housni Faek, General Manager of Airbus Atlantic Morocco Composites, disclosed plans to hire an additional 200 employees in 2024, highlighting the plant's crucial role in Airbus's supply chain. The plant, employing nearly 1,000 skilled professionals, serves as the exclusive supplier of A320 cockpits, showcasing Moroccan operational excellence and trust.

The composite components manufactured at Airbus Atlantic Morocco Composites, ranging from cockpit linings to landing gear hatches, play a vital role in the A320 family of aircraft. These components, crafted with Moroccan ingenuity, are shipped to France for final assembly and global distribution.

Morocco's evolution into a specialized aerospace hub, with expertise in electronics, surface treatment, metalworking, and assembly, solidifies its position as an indispensable link in Airbus's supply chain and a premier aerospace destination in Africa.

With an order book of 7,762 aircraft, Airbus's investment in Morocco underscores the nation's unwavering commitment to excellence and its pursuit of aerospace preeminence on the global stage.