French aerospace major Safran Group has announced the launch of a new aircraft engine assembly line in Morocco. This would be Africa’s first aircraft engine assembly system.
Safran’s €350 million investment
The French aerospace company announced an overall investment of €350 million into two new LEAP engine facilities and the extension of its existing facilities in Morocco earlier this week.
Safran Group’s upcoming “Aircraft Engines” industrial and technological complex in Morocco will hold a final assembly plant for LEAP-1A aircraft engines. The complex would be located within the Midparc Integrated Industrial Zone. These engines power Airbus aircraft. This new facility would be an addition to the group’s existing Villaroche site in France to support the significant ramp-up in production planned by CFM International. The company expects to increase production to around 2,500 LEAP engines a year from 2028. The plan is expected to be operational by the end of 2027 and is expected to have the capacity to assemble up to 350 engines a year. Safran Group will invest €200 million in this new plant.
The group has also begun construction of a new maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) centre for the CFM International LEAP engines in Casablanca. These engines power many notable jets, including the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. The group will invest €120 million into the facility, which is expected to manage around 150 engines a year. Operations are expected to begin in 2027.
Safran CEO Olivier Andriès said:
“By strengthening its presence here, Safran demonstrates its strong commitment to developing the Moroccan aerospace industry and boosting the local economy. These two new facilities will showcase both Safran and Morocco’s industrial excellence.”
Safran Group’s history in Morocco
The French aerospace company will also be scaling up its three existing sites in Morocco- Safran Aerosystems – Tiflet, Safran Electronics & Defense – Casablanca, and Safran Electrical & Power – Ain Atiq. These scaled-up facilities are expected to begin operations between 2026 and 2027.
The Group has been present in Morocco for over 25 years and has around 4800 employees across ten sites.
What do you think of this new expansion? Can the new facility help in ramping up production and cope up with production and delivery lags? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
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