King Mohammed VI’s forward-looking vision has made the aeronautical industry a success story, enabling Morocco to transform into a leading international platform in the aerospace industry, in partnership with major global companies, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said on Wednesday in Marrakech.
King Mohammed VI pays great attention to the aeronautical industry, stressed Akhannouch during the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of the Marrakech Air Show 2024 (MAS 2024), emphasizing that Morocco has also become the main exporter of aircraft components and parts in Africa.
“The vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to position Morocco as a key player in the global aerospace industry serves as a strong incentive for advancing this sector and enhancing the Kingdom's appeal for aerospace manufacturing investments,” the Head of Government added.
"The success we are experiencing today in this sector began in the late 1990s, when Royal Air Maroc and the Safran Group launched a joint venture for engine maintenance and repair. This partnership greatly strengthened the Kingdom's capacity to build expertise and foster a high-performing, skilled workforce," he said
Since 2000, Akhannouch said, Morocco has been producing electrical wiring for the aerospace industry, establishing itself as a prominent global player in aerospace manufacturing and a prime destination for the handling sector in this industry.
The sector's positive trajectory has transformed Morocco’s aerospace industry into a rapidly growing hub distinguished by its commitment to innovation and competitiveness, Akhannouch stressed, adding that this momentum has positioned Morocco as a leading aerospace manufacturing platform in Africa, reflected in its rise from 36th place globally in 2012 to 26th in 2023.
"The rapid development of the aerospace industry in our country has significantly boosted national exports, with the sector's export volume exceeding 23 billion dirhams last year while its value tripled between 2013 and 2023. This year, the sector has seen record growth in exports, with a 21% increase reported by the end of August 2024," he stressed.
In terms of job creation, Akhannouch added, the aerospace sector has doubled its workforce, reaching 24,000 jobs in 2023, a growth which is particularly noteworthy as Morocco strives to promote high-level skills and offer training programs that align with the best international standards.
"In line with the High Royal Directives, the Moroccan aerospace industry is preparing for greater integration into the new industrial era,” the Head of Government said.
"Today, new and increasingly complex sectors are emerging, with a focus on specialized professions, particularly those related to aircraft interiors, dismantling, maintenance, repair, and the conversion of commercial aircrafts into cargo planes. This growth is driven by partnerships between major international firms and local stakeholders," he noted.
In light of all these positive changes within the sector, and to keep pace with the significant transformations taking place in the global aerospace industry, the Kingdom is meticulously planning to enter increasingly complex industries, with a special focus on advanced digital manufacturing technologies 4.0, innovation, research, and development, Akhannouch concluded.
