Nouaceur: His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, has chaired the presentation ceremony and launch of the construction work of the Safran Group's 'aircraft engines' industrial complex, a structuring project that bolsters Morocco's calling as a strategic global hub for the aerospace industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, this complex will be located within the Midparc integrated industrial platform dedicated to the aerospace industry in Nouaceur. It will include a factory for assembling and testing Safran Group aircraft engines and another dedicated to maintenance and repair activities for new-generation LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) aircraft engines.
The two new sites strengthen the partnership between Safran and Morocco and reflect the King's commitment to advancing the aerospace sector's technological competitiveness. A corporate film was screened at the ceremony, highlighting the development of Morocco's aeronautics sector in recent years due to reforms and projects initiated by the King.
The minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, highlighted Morocco's rise as a key global destination in advanced sectors, crediting the King's vision. Mezzour noted that Morocco's aerospace industry has seen its export revenue grow from less than MAD 1 billion in 2004 to over MAD 26 billion in 2024, with over 150 stakeholders, including major global operators, involved in the sector.
Mezzour also emphasized Safran Group's 25-year partnership with Morocco, now renewed through the new industrial complex, which includes an aircraft engine maintenance plant with a capacity of 150 engines per year, creating 600 jobs by 2030. An assembly and testing plant for LEAP 1-A engines, with a capacity of 350 engines annually, will generate 300 skilled jobs by 2029.
Safran Group's Board Chairman Ross McInnes expressed appreciation for the King's presence at the ceremony, noting the strong economic and industrial ties between France and Morocco. He emphasized Safran's commitment to working with Morocco for the development of the aerospace sector.
Safran Group CEO Olivier Andri¨s highlighted the decision to establish the complex in Morocco, citing the country's talent, infrastructure, and stable economic environment. He stated that ongoing projects and extensions represent an investment exceeding £350 million, creating thousands of jobs within Morocco's aerospace ecosystem.
King Mohammed VI later oversaw the signing of three agreements, including a protocol for the installation of Safran's assembly and testing plant, a memorandum on renewable energy supply, and an agreement on establishing the plant at Midparc. The King then unveiled the LEAP-1A engine, showcasing its advanced innovations.
The Safran group, a leading manufacturer of aircraft engines, is reinforcing its presence in Morocco, reflecting the country's growing aerospace industry under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.