King Mohammed VI Launches Safran Aircraft Engine Industrial Complex in Nouaceur
King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, presided over the launch ceremony of the Safran Group’s “aircraft engines” industrial complex in Nouaceur. This significant event marks a major milestone for Morocco’s aerospace sector and solidifies its position as a strategic global hub in the industry.
The complex will be situated within the Midparc integrated industrial platform, which is dedicated to aerospace activities. It will include two key facilities: one for assembling and testing Safran Group aircraft engines, and another focused on maintenance and repair of new-generation LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) aircraft engines. These facilities are expected to contribute significantly to the development of Morocco’s aerospace capabilities.
The project reflects the strong partnership between Safran and Morocco, which has been built over the past 25 years. The initiative not only represents a substantial industrial investment but also underscores the shared vision of both parties to enhance technological competitiveness and sustainability in the aerospace sector.
During the ceremony, a corporate film was shown, highlighting the growth of Morocco’s aeronautics industry over the years. This growth has been driven by bold reforms and strategic projects initiated by the Sovereign. The minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, emphasized that under the leadership of His Majesty the King, Morocco has become a key destination in cutting-edge sectors.
Mezzour noted that the sector’s export revenue has increased dramatically, from less than MAD 1 billion in 2004 to exceeding MAD 26 billion in 2024. The industry now includes more than 150 stakeholders, showcasing national industrial expertise.
The Safran Group, a long-standing partner of the Kingdom, is reinforcing its confidence in Morocco through the establishment of a world-class integrated complex for the assembly, testing, maintenance, and repair of aircraft engines. This involves the creation of an aircraft engine maintenance and repair plant with a capacity of 150 engines per year, generating 600 direct jobs by 2030. Additionally, an assembly and testing plant for LEAP 1-A commercial aircraft engines will be developed, with an annual capacity of 350 engines and creating 300 highly skilled jobs by 2029.
The minister highlighted that this project will firmly establish Morocco in the global value chain of aircraft engine manufacturers, leading to new equipment manufacturers within the national ecosystem. He also pointed out that the aviation industry’s primary challenge is creating sustainable, skilled jobs for young people.
Ross McInnes, Chairman of Safran Group’s Board, expressed that the presence of HM the King at the ceremony is deeply meaningful. He noted that it reflects the Sovereign’s interest in the Kingdom’s industrial development and the remarkable investment environment promoted by the King. McInnes also emphasized the strong economic and industrial ties between France and Morocco, stating that the group produces “with Morocco,” a country that is strategic for Safran.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran Group, affirmed that the decision to locate the new aircraft engine industrial complex in Morocco was not accidental. He highlighted the country’s talent, modern infrastructure, and stable macroeconomic environment, as well as the trust inspired by the momentum driven by the King to make Morocco a competitive industrial platform globally.
Following the ceremony, HM King Mohammed VI chaired the signing of three agreements. The first formalizes commitments between the State and Safran for the installation of the French group’s aircraft engine assembly and testing plant. The second involves a memorandum of understanding on the supply of renewable energy to Safran sites. The third agreement concerns the establishment of the Safran Group’s aircraft engine assembly and testing plant at Midparc.
Afterward, the LEAP-1A aircraft engine was unveiled before His Majesty the King. This advanced engine incorporates the latest innovations in materials and manufacturing processes. The King then posed for a photo with young people training at the (IMA) in Nouaceur, who will join the future aircraft engine maintenance plant, before launching the construction of the Safran Group’s “Aircraft Engines” industrial complex.
As the world’s leading manufacturer of short-haul and medium-haul aircraft engines and the third largest aerospace stakeholder worldwide outside of aircraft manufacturers, the Safran Group is strengthening its presence in Morocco. This move demonstrates the rise of the Moroccan aerospace base, built thanks to the enlightened Vision and leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
