Airbus to Deepen Investment in Morocco as Kingdom Prepares for Aviation Expansion

Airbus to Deepen Investment in Morocco as Kingdom Prepares for Aviation Expansion

Paris, The Gulf Observer: European aerospace giant Airbus has expressed its intention to strengthen its presence in Morocco, citing the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector as offering “plenty of opportunities,” according to Wouter Van Wersch, Airbus Executive Vice President for International Affairs.

Speaking to reporters after meetings with Moroccan officials at the 55th Paris Air Show (June 16–22), Van Wersch emphasized Morocco’s long-standing partnership with Airbus. “The Kingdom serves as a very close partner to Airbus,” he stated, describing the discussions with Moroccan representatives as “excellent” and reaffirming the shared ambition to deepen cooperation.

Airbus currently employs nearly 2,000 people in Morocco following its recent acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Casablanca facility, which produces aircraft fuselages for the A220.

High-Level Moroccan Delegation Engages with Airbus

The Moroccan delegation to the Paris Air Show included Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh, Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour, Deputy Minister for Investment Karim Zidane, and Ali Seddiki, Director General of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE).

Minister Mezzour highlighted strategic agreements with Airbus, describing Morocco as a key platform for the global aerospace industry. He emphasized ongoing efforts to achieve “final aircraft assembly in Morocco,” underscoring the acquisition of the Nouaceur-based Spirit facility as a significant step.

Preparing for Global Events and Fleet Expansion

Deputy Minister Zidane noted the timing of the talks as Morocco prepares to host major international events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), plans to expand its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037. Zidane emphasized the importance of “win-win partnerships” and called for Airbus to direct a portion of its aviation investments to Morocco, focusing on technology transfer and skills development.

Transport Minister Kayouh described the talks as “very productive,” particularly concerning RAM’s expansion and the development of Casablanca’s new international hub, positioning it as a key African and global gateway.

Morocco’s Competitive Aerospace Industry

AMDIE Director General Ali Seddiki outlined Morocco’s competitive advantages, including a skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and a robust industrial strategy, making the country a reliable partner for global aerospace leaders.

At the Paris Air Show, AMDIE and the Moroccan Aerospace Industries Group (GIMAS) hosted a national pavilion showcasing six Moroccan aerospace companies and highlighting the country’s dynamic aerospace sector.

Over the past two decades, Morocco has built a diversified, globally competitive aerospace industry, attracting companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Hexcel, Eaton, Alcoa, Daher, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney.

Morocco’s participation at the Paris Air Show underscores its ambition to position itself as a premier destination for aerospace investment and production in the region.