King Mohammed VI Launches €280 Million Safran Landing Gear Plant in Nouaceur

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, chaired a ceremony on Friday at the Royal Palace in Casablanca to present and officially launch a new Safran landing gear production plant to be established in Nouaceur.

The factory, which will be built within the Midparc aerospace industrial zone, will specialize in the production of landing gear systems for the Airbus A320 aircraft. The project represents an investment exceeding €280 million (over MAD 3 billion) and is expected to generate 500 new jobs.

According to official statements, the facility will become one of Safran’s largest landing gear production centers worldwide and will operate entirely on decarbonized energy. The plant will carry out high-precision machining, advanced assembly, testing, certification, and maintenance of landing systems specifically designed for the Airbus A320.

At the outset of the ceremony, an institutional film highlighted Morocco’s industrial transformation under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, emphasizing innovation, modernization, and the development of a highly skilled workforce.

Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour stated that over the past two decades, Morocco has emerged as a global aerospace platform, driven by the King’s strategic vision. He noted that the new seven-hectare facility reflects Morocco’s growing expertise in complex technologies and strengthens its integration into global aerospace value chains. The project is also expected to create significant opportunities for young Moroccan talent, adding to the approximately 25,000 professionals already contributing to the country’s aerospace production chain.

Ross McInnes, Chairman of Safran, recalled the inauguration of Safran’s aircraft engine complex in Morocco last October under the King’s leadership. He described the new landing systems factory as “one of the largest in the world for landing gear and equipment,” equipped with advanced technological processes and key industrial expertise.

McInnes emphasized that the plant’s proximity to Safran’s European Airbus assembly lines will enable faster production cycles and more agile industrial operations. He further noted that the project will stimulate the development of new suppliers within Morocco’s aerospace ecosystem, allowing Safran to support increased Airbus A320 production and prepare for the next generation of short- and medium-haul aircraft.

The ceremony also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the factory. The agreement was signed by Minister Ryad Mezzour, Minister Delegate Karim Zidane, and Ross McInnes.

Safran is a global leader in aircraft engines for short- and medium-haul aircraft and ranks as the world’s third-largest aerospace company outside aircraft manufacturers. Over the past 25 years, the group has significantly strengthened its presence in Morocco.

The new facility will be developed within Nouaceur’s Midparc industrial platform, a dedicated hub for aerospace and space industries. Nouaceur has emerged as a strategic location for Morocco’s expanding aerospace sector, offering advanced infrastructure and close proximity to European Airbus assembly lines.