Morocco’s Aerospace Industry Soars, Challenging European Manufacturers

Morocco dreams big for its aerospace industry, which brings in $2 billion a year. For several years, considerable efforts have been made to transform the largely agrarian economy, by subsidizing manufacturers of aircraft, trains and automobiles, reports AP. According to officials, these actions are in line with efforts to develop Moroccan airlines, particularly the national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM). "The needs are huge and we are in a very good position," said Hamid Abbou, CEO of the airline. And he added: "Most of the major European suppliers are struggling to recruit people in this sector. We don’t have this problem."

Faced with strong demand in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, manufacturers are looking for new sites to manufacture and repair parts. Morocco then appears as an alternative. Aircraft Engines is one of the 130 companies in the sector active in Morocco, where parts ranging from wings to fuselages are produced in an industry that employs 42% women - a proportion which, according to industry lobbyists, is higher than its European and North American manufacturing counterparts, it is specified. The French manufacturer sends Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 engines to a repair plant in Casablanca every six to eight years, then sends them back to airlines in countries like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Ireland.

To read: Morocco Emerges as Rising Aerospace Hub, Attracting Global Investors

One of Morocco’s assets is its highly skilled workforce and high-level technical skills. For many manufacturers, Morocco is a relatively inexpensive source of labor. "It’s access to well-qualified and well-trained talent," said Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Royal Air Maroc and his group. "They are key players to achieve our goals." Indeed, the Moroccan government has placed particular emphasis on training. It is striving to train skilled workers at the IMA, an institute for aeronautical trades in Casablanca. Alary’s wish is that the Moroccan aerospace industry continues to develop at a time when demand across the industry is increasing and companies are facing a labor shortage in Europe.