The aerospace sector takes off in Morocco with annual growth of 20%
The Moroccan aerospace sector is a good example of the revitalisation of the country's economy achieved by the so-called New Development Model, promoted by King Mohammed VI, and by the new Investment Charter.
The growth of this sector between 2014 and 2023 has been among the highest in the Moroccan economy: during this period, revenues have doubled to $2.1 billion, with an annual growth rate of 20%. The number of workers employed in this industry has doubled, exceeding 23,000. The local integration rate has increased 2.3-fold (more than double), reaching 40%. And the number of companies in the sector that have established themselves in Morocco has increased by 42%, reaching 146, up from five in 2000 and 22 in 2004.
The list of these companies is extensive: Spirit Aerosystems, Sabca Morocco, Airbus Morocco, Safran Nacelles, Goam, Thales, LPF, Figea Aero, Howmet, Structural Aerospace, Matis, Nexans, Eaton, Latécoère, Crouzet Morocco, Tronico Atalas, Collins Aerospace, Daher, Hexcel...
Aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, Sukhori, Pilatus and Comec fly with parts manufactured in Morocco.
Industrial zones
Among the factors that have contributed to the sector's growth over the last decade is Morocco's commitment to creating specific industrial zones dedicated to the aerospace industry. Specifically, four such zones have been set up:
- The Midparc aerospace park, located in the Casablanca Free Zone, next to Mohamed V International Airport. This is a multi-service free zone dedicated entirely to aeronautics and related value-added technology industries.
- The 126-hectare Aéropôle free zone dedicated to aeronautics in Nouaceur, which offers facilities for rent and sale to all types of companies, from the largest to SMEs.
- The Sapino industrial park, also located in Nouaceur, near Casablanca.
- The Tangier Free Zone industrial park.
All these facilities are linked by the high-speed rail line between Tangier and Casablanca, which connects to another facility that has been key to the take-off of the aerospace sector: the port of Tangier Med.
Among the advantages offered to aerospace companies establishing themselves in these areas are:
- One-stop shop and fast-track procedure, with building permits obtained in just two weeks.
- Five years' exemption from corporation tax, followed by a 20% rebate on the tax.
- Commercial transactions carried out in the currency of the investor's choice.
- Exemption from VAT and customs duties.
- Creation of specialised training institutes and support for recruitment.
Vocational training
To ensure the growth of the sector and position Morocco as an ideal destination for aerospace companies, it has been necessary to invest not only in infrastructure, but also in talent and worker training.
In this regard, the country's dynamic workforce, with an average age of under 30, is one of the keys to success. Morocco's commitment to training specialised workers in this sector, who meet the needs of the companies establishing themselves in these industrial zones, has resulted in the creation of educational institutions such as the Institute of Aeronautical Professions (IMA).
This institution began operating in 2011 and is located next to Casablanca airport, close to the aforementioned aeronautical parks. Its offering focuses on vocational training and is structured in three branches: qualified training, specific training and continuing training.
Success stories
Safran is one of the leading companies in the Moroccan aerospace sector. With 23 years of presence in the country, the company has more than 4,100 employees and offices in Casablanca.
Each year, Safran produces more than 150,000 sets of aircraft wiring in Morocco. It is the first company to manufacture aircraft parts using composite materials. Its activities include the assembly of aircraft nacelles and the production of electronic aviation equipment and fuel and fluid systems for aeroplanes and helicopters.
It has a Centre of Excellence in aircraft engine maintenance, in collaboration with the Moroccan national airline, Royal Air Maroc.
Another major player in the Moroccan aerospace sector is Boeing. The multinational has had a long-term relationship with Morocco for many years. In 2001, it signed a joint venture with Safran in Casablanca, and five years later, the supply ecosystem was launched.
It is estimated that the company has had an impact equivalent to around $1 billion on the Moroccan economy. It has more than 120 suppliers and has created more than 8,700 jobs.
The appeal of Morocco for companies in this sector is perfectly summed up in the words of Mario della Posta, president of Pratt & Whitney Maroc (PWM), another leading company in the sector: ‘Morocco offers three major advantages for manufacturers: the growing aerospace community in Casablanca guarantees a skilled workforce, a stable economic environment and the support of the Moroccan government.’