Aerospace Industry in Morocco

Morocco's Aerospace Ascent

Morocco has emerged as Africa's aerospace manufacturing leader and ranks fifth globally among the most dynamic countries in the aviation sector. In 2024, Morocco's aerospace exports surged 17.3% to reach MAD 21.86 billion ($2.1 billion) in the first ten months alone, surpassing the entire previous year's total. This momentum continued into 2025, with exports rising 8.9% in the first half. Every aircraft in the world contains at least one part produced in Morocco, underscoring the sector's global integration and technological sophistication. The industry targets $4 billion in exports by 2030, supported by expanding partnerships with Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Bombardier, and Pratt & Whitney.

Industry Structure & Employment

As of December 2024, Morocco's aeronautical ecosystem comprises nearly 150 companies generating approximately $2.6 billion in export revenues annually. The sector employs over 21,000 skilled workers with a local integration rate exceeding 40%, meaning that a significant portion of aircraft components are manufactured entirely in Morocco rather than merely assembled. The Morocco Air Show 2024 in Marrakech facilitated new strategic partnerships with Boeing and Airbus, cementing Morocco's position as a critical node in global aerospace supply chains.

Major Manufacturers & Partners

Boeing Collaboration

Boeing has deepened its presence in Morocco through multiple initiatives. In February 2023, the Moroccan Administration of National Defense and Boeing signed an industrial compensation agreement as part of the acquisition program for Apache Helicopters. Boeing recently supported the creation of five aerospace centers of excellence in Morocco, focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques, quality control, and workforce development. Moroccan suppliers produce components for Boeing's 737, 787 Dreamliner, and defense platforms.

Airbus Operations

Airbus sources components from numerous Moroccan suppliers for its A320, A350, and A380 aircraft families. Moroccan companies manufacture wiring harnesses, cabin interiors, structural components, and composite materials. Airbus's supplier development programs have helped Moroccan firms achieve international certification standards (AS9100, NADCAP) and integrate into just-in-time delivery networks.

Safran Engine Manufacturing

In a landmark development, Safran inaugurated a $300 million aircraft engine manufacturing facility in Casablanca, representing Morocco's entry into the elite circle of nations capable of producing aircraft engines. This facility manufactures critical engine components including turbine blades, casings, and fuel systems for commercial and military aircraft. Morocco joins a select group of countries with sophisticated metallurgical and precision engineering capabilities required for engine production.

Other Major Players

Bombardier, Pratt & Whitney, Eaton Aerospace, and Spirit AeroSystems have established operations or supplier relationships in Morocco. These partnerships span manufacturing, engineering services, testing, and logistics, creating a comprehensive aerospace value chain.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Moroccan aerospace companies produce a wide range of components and assemblies: - Wiring harnesses and electrical systems for cockpit and cabin - Composite materials for wings, fuselage sections, and tail assemblies - Precision-machined metal parts including brackets, fittings, and structural elements - Interior cabin components such as seats, galleys, lavatories, and overhead bins - Avionics housings and electronic assemblies - Engine components including turbine blades, combustion chambers, and auxiliary systems - Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft and engines

Free Zones & Industrial Parks

Morocco's aerospace sector benefits from specialized industrial zones including Midparc near Casablanca and Nouaceur Aeropole. These zones offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, proximity to Mohammed V International Airport, customs facilitation, tax incentives (zero corporate tax for five years in free zones), and clustering effects with suppliers, research centers, and training institutes. The zones provide ready-to-use facilities with clean rooms, testing laboratories, and logistics services tailored to aerospace requirements.

Skills Development & Training

Morocco has invested significantly in aerospace workforce development through specialized training institutes. The Institut des Métiers de l'Aéronautique (IMA) in Casablanca, established in partnership with Airbus and Boeing, produces thousands of skilled technicians, engineers, and quality specialists annually. Programs cover aircraft maintenance, composite materials fabrication, CNC machining, nondestructive testing, supply chain management, and quality assurance. Partnerships between industry, government, and educational institutions ensure curricula align with evolving technological requirements.

Certification & Quality Standards

Moroccan aerospace manufacturers maintain rigorous international certifications including AS9100 (aerospace quality management), NADCAP (special process accreditation), EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) approvals, and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certifications. These certifications enable Moroccan suppliers to compete globally and participate in the most demanding aerospace programs.

Research & Development

Morocco is developing aerospace R&D capabilities through university partnerships, technology centers, and industry collaboration. Research focuses on advanced materials (carbon fiber composites, titanium alloys), additive manufacturing (3D printing for complex components), digitalization (AI, IoT, digital twins), and sustainable aviation technologies. Moroccan engineers are contributing to next-generation aircraft design and manufacturing innovations.

Export Markets & Global Integration

Moroccan aerospace exports flow primarily to European countries (France, Germany, UK, Spain), North America (USA, Canada), and emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. The sector benefits from free trade agreements providing preferential access to major markets, strategic location enabling rapid delivery to European assembly plants, and integration into global just-in-time supply chains managed by tier-1 aerospace suppliers.

Future Growth & Strategic Vision

Morocco's aerospace strategy targets $4 billion in annual exports by 2030, creation of 40,000 skilled jobs, increased local content and value addition, development of MRO capabilities for commercial and military aircraft, expansion into space technology and satellite systems, and establishment of Morocco as Africa's aerospace hub. Continued investments in infrastructure, workforce skills, technology adoption, and strategic partnerships will support this ambitious trajectory.

The sector's evolution from basic assembly to sophisticated manufacturing and engine production demonstrates Morocco's industrial transformation. As global aerospace demand recovers and new aircraft programs launch, Morocco is well-positioned to capture growing market share and become an indispensable partner to the world's leading aerospace companies.