Morocco’s Aviation Sector Accelerates Growth with Major New Investments

Morocco’s aviation industry is continuing its robust expansion, attracting new investors while Airbus prepares to take the next step in its industrial footprint within the Kingdom. According to Mohammed Bellatig, President of the Groupement des industries marocaines aéronautiques et spatiales (GIMAS), the sector’s exports are projected to surge from $3 billion in 2025 to $5 billion annually by 2029.

Airbus Expands Industrial Presence

Airbus plans to strengthen its operations in Morocco by establishing a new unit dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and assembly of aerospace components. This initiative was highlighted by Mickaël Bertrand, the group’s representative in Morocco, with an official announcement expected within the coming months.

This expansion builds on recent strategic moves. In December 2025, Airbus completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Casablanca site, a facility specializing in structural components for the A220 and A321 aircraft.

Key Investments Announced at Marrakech Airshow

The sector’s momentum was further underscored during the 8th edition of the Marrakech Airshow, held from October 7 to 10, 2026. On this occasion, the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) regarding new investments:

MATIS: Plans to invest $16.457 million in an aerospace wiring factory, creating 750 direct jobs.
APS Coating: Will allocate €18 million to a surface treatment unit for aerospace parts, expected to employ 120 people.
MECAPOLE: In partnership with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), plans a €10 million investment in machining parts for aircraft and helicopters, projected to create 80 jobs.

These investments aim to increase local component production and enhance local industrial skills. Ryad Mezzour, the Minister of Industry and Trade, views these developments as a means to consolidate the country’s industrial sovereignty and boost the value added produced within Morocco.

Additional Industrial Projects

Beyond these announcements, other projects are enriching the industrial landscape:

Hangyu Technology (China): Has selected the Mohammed VI Tanger Tech City to host a precision forging unit for aircraft engines and gas turbines. The investment could reach €105 million.
Safran Electronics & Defense: Launched the expansion of its Nouaceur plant (near Casablanca) in June 2026. Valued at 350 million dirhams (approximately $36 million), the project includes an additional 17,000 m² and 15 new production lines focused on avionics computers, actuators, and measurement systems.
Trelleborg (Sweden): Inaugurated a factory in June specializing in aerospace sealing systems, with an investment of approximately 130 million dirhams.

Sector Overview and Future Outlook

Currently the fifth-largest contributor to Morocco’s industrial export revenues—behind automotive, chemicals, textiles, and agri-food—the aviation sector employs nearly 25,000 people. According to data released alongside these announcements, the sector is experiencing annual growth of over 10%.

The target of $5 billion in annual exports by 2029 remains a GIMAS projection. To achieve this goal, Morocco must continue to upgrade its activities, attract new suppliers, and integrate more expertise and production capacity into its local factories.