Nouaceur, October 13, 2025 (MAP) — His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, presided Monday in Nouaceur over the presentation and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Safran Group’s aircraft engine industrial complex, a landmark project that further strengthens Morocco’s position as a global strategic hub for the aerospace industry.
Located within the Midparc Integrated Industrial Platform—dedicated to aerospace and space-related industries—the complex will include a state-of-the-art assembly and testing plant for Safran aircraft engines, as well as a maintenance and repair facility for the new-generation LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines.
More than an industrial investment, these two innovative and sustainable facilities embody the exceptional partnership between Safran and Morocco, and reflect the King’s steadfast commitment to elevating the national aerospace sector to world-class levels of technological competitiveness.
At the beginning of the ceremony, an institutional film was shown highlighting the remarkable progress of Morocco’s aerospace industry—one of the Kingdom’s global trades—thanks to the bold reforms and strategic projects initiated by His Majesty.
Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour stated that under the King’s visionary leadership, Morocco has become a global destination for high-tech industries. In less than two decades, and through successive and complementary strategies, the Kingdom has built a world-class aerospace sector, with export revenues rising from less than 1 billion dirhams in 2004 to over 26 billion dirhams in 2024. Today, more than 150 companies, including the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers, operate in Morocco.
Safran, a long-standing partner of Morocco for the past 25 years, is reaffirming its confidence in the country through the creation of this integrated complex for the assembly, testing, maintenance, and repair of aircraft engines.
The project includes:
- A maintenance and repair plant worth 1.3 billion dirhams, with the capacity to service 150 engines per year, creating 600 direct jobs by 2030.
- An assembly and testing plant for LEAP-1A engines, used notably in Airbus A320 Neo aircraft, representing an investment of 2.1 billion dirhams and generating 300 high-skilled jobs by 2029.
As the second global production site for the LEAP-1A engine, this project will firmly embed Morocco in the global aerospace value chain and attract additional suppliers to the national ecosystem.
During the event, Safran’s Chairman Ross McInnes emphasized the profound meaning of the King’s presence, saying it reflects both His commitment to Morocco’s industrial development and the attractive investment climate the Monarch continues to foster.
Safran’s CEO Olivier Andriès added that the decision to establish the new aircraft engine complex in Morocco was “guided by confidence in the country’s talented workforce, modern infrastructure, and stable macroeconomic environment.” Together, the projects and ongoing expansions represent over €350 million in investments and will create thousands of jobs across Morocco’s aerospace ecosystem.
Following the presentations, His Majesty the King presided over the signing of three key agreements:
- A framework agreement between the Moroccan government and Safran for the establishment of the assembly and testing plant.
- A memorandum of understanding on supplying Safran’s sites with renewable energy.
- An installation agreement for the Midparc site.
His Majesty then unveiled the LEAP-1A engine, showcasing the latest innovations in materials and manufacturing technologies, before posing for a photo with young trainees from the Moroccan Aerospace Institute (IMA) who will work at the new maintenance facility.
The King then officially launched construction of the Safran Aircraft Engine Industrial Complex, further solidifying Morocco’s position as a global leader in aerospace manufacturing.
Safran—the world’s number one manufacturer of short and medium-haul aircraft engines and the third-largest aerospace player globally (outside aircraft manufacturers)—has been established in Morocco for 25 years. This new project stands as a testament to the King’s clear vision and leadership, which have propelled Morocco to the forefront of the global aviation industry.
More Stories
Belgium Reaffirms Backing for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, Signals Stronger Diplomatic and Economic Engagement
Finland Backs Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as Path Toward Resolving Sahara Dispute
Morocco Reaffirms Solidarity with Gulf Allies Following Regional Tensions