These partnership agreements were signed in the presence of the Head of Government, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, responsible for the Administration of National Defense, Mr. Abdeltif Loudyi, as well as other civil and military personalities, Moroccan and foreign.
Signed between the Moroccan government and Embraer, the first memorandum of understanding aims to launch joint projects in the Moroccan aeronautical industry, covering the areas of commercial aviation, defense and urban air mobility.
Initialed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, the Minister Delegate in charge of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of public policies, Karim Zidane, the Director General of the Moroccan Agency of Development Investments and Exports (AMDIE), Ali Seddiki and President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, Arjan Meijer, this agreement covers opportunities in the fields of aviation commercial, defense and urban air mobility, by providing a framework for building an integrated sourcing ecosystem in Morocco, promoting innovation and economic growth and contributing to job creation as well as the development of local skills.
The estimated potential economic impact of all projects, once completed, including maintenance, repair and overhaul, training, ecosystem development and other areas, will reach US$300 million with the creation of 300 jobs by 2030, and up to 1 billion US dollars and the creation of 1000 jobs by 2035.
The second partnership agreement, signed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Ryad Mezzour, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of the National Defense Administration, Mr. Abdeltif Loudyi, and the President from the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Hicham El Habti, aims to create a research center in advanced manufacturing in partnership with Boeing, called “The Africa Center for Manufacturing Excellence” (ACME).
ACME is the first Research and Development center in Africa with the “Boeing label” with an international vocation, based on a consortium model based on the collaboration of companies from different sectors to develop R&D, propose innovative solutions and create added value for its members.
The center will strengthen the Kingdom’s influence in the field of R&D, positioning itself on key technologies, including advanced manufacturing, industry 4.0, automation and new materials.
During this ceremony, a third agreement was signed by the general director of Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), Mr. Khalid Safir and Stéphane Burton, CEO of “Sabena Aerospace” for the strengthening of cooperation between the two parties in areas of common interest.
At the same time, three agreements were signed between the SAFRAN Company and Moroccan partners as part of the creation of its new maintenance and repair workshop (MRO), dedicated to aircraft engines. Located near Casablanca airport, this project will be operational from 2026.
These agreements follow on from the Memorandum of Understanding, the signing ceremony of which was chaired last Monday, in Rabat, by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the French President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron.
Signed by Jean-Paul Alary, President of Safran Aircraft Engines and the General Director of the Moroccan Aeronautical and Space Industries Group (GIMAS), the first memorandum of understanding aims to meet the needs of the existing maintenance workshop (Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco 2) with Royal Air Maroc and this new workshop dedicated to LEAP.
This agreement provides, from the first quarter of 2025, for the development and implementation of training courses that can accommodate between 60 and 100 trainees per year.
The second agreement signed by the general director of CDG, Khalid Safir and the president of Safran Aircraft Engines, Jean-Paul Alary, concerns the offer to sell land of approximately 6 hectares with MedZ (a company owned by CDG ).
The third agreement, signed by Jean-Paul Alary, President of Safran Aircraft Engines and Hamid Benbrahim El Andaloussi, President of Midparc, concerns the establishment of the new workshop within the Midparc free zone, located in the Casablanca airport area and the signing of a service contract with Midparc relating to the implementation of the associated real estate project.
This new maintenance site will ultimately employ more than 600 people. It will have a maintenance capacity of 150 engines per year and will thus respond to the success of the LEAP engine, in particular for airlines located in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Marrakech Air Show 2024, which brings together sector leaders around major themes, aims to be both a leading showcase of the latest innovations in the sector and a meeting platform for professionals looking for business opportunities.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the National Defense Administration and MEDZ, a subsidiary of CDG, this 7th edition, of which the United Arab Emirates is the guest of honor, highlights the growing importance of Morocco on the world aeronautical scene.
How will the establishment of the Africa Center for Manufacturing Excellence impact Morocco’s aeronautical industry?
Interview: Expanding Morocco’s Aeronautical Horizon
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to our special interview segment. Today, we’re discussing a significant milestone in Morocco’s aeronautical industry. I’m joined by Dr. Amina Belhaj, an esteemed expert in aviation economics and international partnerships. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Belhaj.
Dr. Amina Belhaj (AB): Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this groundbreaking development.
TNE: Let’s dive in. Recently, several partnership agreements were signed to enhance Morocco’s aeronautical industry, with notable players like Embraer and Boeing involved. Can you elaborate on the strategic importance of these agreements?
AB: Certainly. These agreements represent a significant step towards establishing Morocco as a key player in the global aeronautical industry. By collaborating with established companies like Embraer and Boeing, Morocco is not only investing in its local industry but also positioning itself as a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing in Africa. These partnerships could foster technological advancement and create synergies between local businesses and international players.
TNE: The memorandum of understanding with Embraer aims to develop projects in commercial aviation, defense, and urban air mobility. What implications do these areas have for Morocco’s economy?
AB: The economic implications are substantial. The joint projects are expected to generate around $300 million and create 300 jobs by 2030, with projections increasing to $1 billion and 1,000 jobs by 2035. By focusing on urban air mobility and defense, Morocco can diversify its economic base and reduce reliance on traditional sectors. Additionally, this framework aims to build a local sourcing ecosystem, promoting innovation and enhancing Morocco’s competitiveness on the global stage.
TNE: You mentioned the establishment of “The Africa Center for Manufacturing Excellence.” How will this center impact research and development in Morocco?
AB: ACME is a pivotal development. As Africa’s first Boeing-branded R&D center, it symbolizes Morocco’s commitment to advancing technology and innovation. By fostering collaboration among various industries, ACME can drive the development of cutting-edge technologies, such as industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing processes. This not only enhances local expertise but also positions Morocco as a center for knowledge exchange and tech development in Africa, attracting further investment.
TNE: There’s also mention of a new maintenance and repair workshop by Safran. What significance does this hold for the aviation sector in Morocco?
AB: The new maintenance and repair workshop is particularly important for enhancing Morocco’s service offerings in the aviation sector. It signals a serious commitment to not only having manufacturing capabilities but also robust maintenance and repair services. The collaboration with Safran, a leader in aerospace propulsion and equipment, means that Morocco will be better equipped to service a growing number of aircraft in the region. This could potentially lead to attracting more airlines to use Morocco as a maintenance hub, influencing regional air travel positively.
TNE: How do you foresee these partnerships influencing local workforce development and skills training?
AB: That’s a crucial aspect of these partnerships. They demand a skilled workforce, which means significant investment in training and education. Programs developed under these agreements will create opportunities for Moroccan professionals in areas like maintenance, manufacturing, and defense technologies. This focus on local capacity building will not only enhance employability but also ensure that the benefits of these agreements are felt throughout the community, leading to sustainable economic growth.
TNE: With so many moving parts, what are the potential challenges Morocco might face in implementing these agreements?
AB: While the potential is vast, challenges such as ensuring a coordinated approach among various stakeholders can arise. There may also be issues related to infrastructure and the capacity to scale operations quickly. Additionally, market volatility and international trade dynamics could impact these ventures. However, if navigated thoughtfully, these challenges can be addressed, leading to fruitful outcomes.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Belhaj, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that Morocco is on the brink of a transformative journey in the aeronautical industry.
AB: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Morocco, and I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
TNE: We appreciate your insights. Stay tuned, readers. We will continue to cover this story as it progresses.