Safran Group’s €280 Million Investment Marks Historic Milestone in North Africa’s Aerospace Industry
Summary:
- Morocco secures first-ever non-European Airbus A320 landing gear manufacturing facility with Safran’s €280 million investment
- The El-Nouaceur plant will create 500 highly skilled jobs and begin production in 2029
- This strategic project reinforces Morocco’s emergence as a global precision manufacturing hub
Meta Description: Morocco makes aerospace history as Safran Group launches a €280 million aircraft landing gear facility near Casablanca, creating 500 jobs and establishing the kingdom as the first non-European Airbus component manufacturer.
Morocco has achieved a significant industrial milestone by becoming the first country outside Europe to manufacture landing gear systems for Airbus A320 Neo aircraft. King Mohammed VI presided over the official launch ceremony of the new Safran Group manufacturing facility in El-Nouaceur, near Casablanca, on Friday, February 13, 2026.
A €280 Million Strategic Investment
The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant represents an investment exceeding 280 million euros and will create 500 high-skilled positions for Morocco’s young, qualified workforce. Séverine Charier-Lamoth, Director of Landing Systems and Integration at Safran Group, emphasized that Morocco has become a key player in the company’s global industrial strategy thanks to its competitive capabilities and workforce quality.
“This new facility will strengthen production of landing systems for short and medium-haul aircraft and support the increased production of Airbus A320 aircraft,” Charier-Lamoth stated during the royal ceremony. The plant is scheduled to produce its first components beginning in 2029.
Advancing Morocco’s Aerospace Ambitions
Investment Minister Karim Zidane described the project as a new chapter in Morocco’s national aerospace industry development. The facility will enhance the kingdom’s leading position in the sector while providing employment opportunities for highly qualified young Moroccan professionals.
“This project gives additional prestige to the kingdom, not only as an attractive investment destination, but also as a country of excellence and high-precision industries.”
Zidane characterized the development as a promising start toward achieving the goal of manufacturing aircraft that are “100 percent Made in Morocco.” This ambitious vision reflects the country’s strategic industrial policy under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.
Strategic Importance for Safran’s Global Operations
The El-Nouaceur facility represents a critical element in Safran Group’s industrial supply chain. The project will enhance the company’s operational resilience and competitiveness while addressing the growing global demand for commercial aircraft components.
Safran Group already maintains a substantial presence in Morocco, employing approximately 5,000 workers across ten companies operating throughout the kingdom. This long-term commitment demonstrates the strategic importance of Morocco in the company’s international manufacturing network.
“We are extremely proud to have Morocco as a key partner. This indicates the continuation of a wide-scale strategic partnership.”
Workforce Development and Training Programs
Workers at the new facility will benefit from specialized training programs delivered by local partners. These comprehensive training initiatives are designed to meet the specific technical requirements of aerospace equipment manufacturing, ensuring that Moroccan professionals can operate at the highest international standards.
The emphasis on workforce development aligns with Morocco’s broader strategy to build human capital in advanced manufacturing sectors, creating sustainable employment opportunities for skilled professionals.
Morocco’s Competitive Advantages
Minister Zidane highlighted that Morocco has become a preferred destination for foreign investment due to its advanced infrastructure and highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of modern, sophisticated industries.
The country’s strategic geographic location, political stability, favorable business climate, and ongoing investments in education and infrastructure have positioned it as North Africa’s leading industrial hub. Recent major investments by companies like Tesla, Alstom, and now Safran underscore this trend.
Implementing Royal Vision for Industrial Transformation
The Safran project exemplifies the implementation of King Mohammed VI’s strategic policies to transform Morocco into a regional center for modern, future-oriented industries with high added value. This vision encompasses developing clusters of excellence in aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The aerospace sector has emerged as a particular success story, with Morocco now hosting numerous international manufacturers and suppliers. The country’s aerospace exports have grown substantially in recent years, establishing the kingdom as a reliable partner for global aviation industry leaders.
Looking Ahead
With production scheduled to commence in 2029, the El-Nouaceur facility will position Morocco at the forefront of global aerospace manufacturing. The project represents more than economic development—it symbolizes Morocco’s successful integration into high-value global supply chains and its capacity to compete in technologically sophisticated industries.
As the first non-European nation to manufacture components for Airbus’s popular A320 Neo family, Morocco has demonstrated that emerging markets can achieve excellence in precision engineering when supported by strategic vision, infrastructure investment, and commitment to workforce development.
Ready to explore investment opportunities in Morocco’s booming aerospace sector? Contact the Moroccan Investment Development Agency to learn how your business can be part of this industrial transformation.
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