Paris: European aircraft manufacturer Airbus aims to strengthen its presence in Morocco, whose aviation sector offers “plenty of opportunities,” stated Wouter Van Wersch, Airbus’s Executive Vice President International. “We’ve had a longstanding presence in Morocco. The Kingdom is a very close partner of Airbus,” Van Wersch told the press after a meeting with the Moroccan delegation at the 55th edition of the International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, held from June 16 to 22 in the Paris suburbs.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the discussions with the Moroccan delegation were described as “excellent,” with a shared willingness to deepen Airbus’s presence and collaboration in Morocco. Airbus now employs nearly 2,000 people in the country following the recent acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Casablanca plant.
Welcomed at the Airbus booth, the Moroccan delegation included Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh, Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour, Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence, and Evaluation of Public Policies Karim Zidane, and Ali Seddiki, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE).
Minister Mezzour recalled the strategic agreements between Morocco and Airbus, a global leader in aeronautics. “We are working together on the future outlook of the Moroccan platform,” he said. He noted that Airbus has acquired the Spirit factory, which manufactures aircraft fuselages, particularly for the A220 in Nouaceur. Both parties are working toward establishing a final aircraft assembly line in Morocco.
Minister Zidane highlighted the timeliness of the meeting with Airbus executives, as Morocco prepares to host major events. He mentioned that national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is set to expand its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037, emphasizing that this “major market” is attracting global aerospace leaders. He stressed the importance of a “win-win partnership” with Airbus.
Minister Kayouh described the meeting with Airbus executives as “very fruitful,” particularly in view of RAM’s fleet expansion. He underscored the importance of new technologies to meet growing needs, especially with the development of the new Casablanca hub, which will serve as an international and African hub.
AMDIE Director General Ali Seddiki highlighted Morocco’s strengths, stating that “thanks to its skilled workforce, high-quality human capital, world-class infrastructure, and a comprehensive industrial strategy, Morocco is well-positioned to support Airbus in its rapid production ramp-up.”
Morocco’s participation in this premier global aviation event aims to promote the strengths and opportunities of its aerospace sector and enhance its appeal to industry professionals. Over the past two decades, Morocco has succeeded in developing a diversified and competitive aeronautical industry, marked by the presence of global leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, Safran, Hexcel, Eaton, Alcoa, Le Piston Fran§ais, Daher, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt and Whitney.