Airbus plans to establish a third factory in Morocco and launch a helicopter-maintenance operation that could serve West Africa, expanding the country’s role in the European aircraft manufacturer’s production and service network.
- Airbus has disclosed plans for a third factory in Morocco as it expands its industrial presence.
- The proposed facility would cover approximately 6,900 square metres.
- The group also plans a helicopter-maintenance operation with potential to serve West Africa.
- Investment costs and construction dates have not been disclosed, with a formal announcement expected in the coming months.
The proposed factory would cover approximately 6,900 square metres and form part of an industrial expansion described as increasing the group’s Moroccan footprint by 30%.
Airbus already operates two factories in the country, employs more than 1,300 people and works with approximately 100 local suppliers, according to its Morocco representative, Mickaël Bertrand.
The plans would extend a relationship in which Moroccan facilities manufacture components used in the company’s international aircraft programmes. The new factory would focus on design, manufacturing and assembly activities; the disclosure does not describe a final assembly line for complete passenger aircraft.
Bertrand outlined the plans in an interview with Asharq Bloomberg published on 10 October. He said the expansion would be formally announced in the coming months, without disclosing its investment value or construction timetable.
Moroccan components enter global aircraft programmes
Airbus’ existing Moroccan operations produce cockpit components, fuselage structures, floor panels, wing elements and cabin fittings.
Its Airbus Atlantic Maroc Composites business also manufactures components for A320 cockpits, ATR baggage compartments and business- and first-class seating. These activities connect Moroccan factories to international aircraft production rather than limiting their customers to the domestic aviation market.
The planned expansion would deepen that manufacturing role as the company seeks to produce more complex components locally.
It also provides a specific company development beyond Morocco’s broader aerospace ambitions.The industry aims to increase annual exports to $5 billion within three years. That target, reported earlier, is an industry projection and does not represent the value of Airbus’ proposed factory.
A maintenance business reaching beyond Morocco
Airbus also intends to launch a helicopter-maintenance operation in the coming months, with the possibility of serving West African markets from Morocco.
That would add a service business alongside manufacturing. Maintenance facilities support aircraft already in operation through inspection, repair and overhaul, creating a different source of revenue from supplying components for new aircraft.
The regional opportunity remains prospective. Airbus has not identified West African customers, signed service contracts or disclosed the number of helicopters the operation would be able to handle.
The project is also separate from Safran’s previously announced Moroccan engine-production and maintenance investments. The latest disclosure concerns Airbus’ own industrial expansion and proposed helicopter services.