Airbus, the global leader in aeronautics and space, reaffirmed on Wednesday at the Farnborough International Airshow in southern England its commitment to strengthening and expanding its presence in Morocco, highlighting the Kingdom’s advantages and the maturity of its aeronautics ecosystem.
“We have plans to expand our activities in Morocco. We are currently assessing ways to strengthen our operations following the acquisition of Spirit,” Gabriel Sémelas, President of Airbus Africa and the Middle East, said in an interview with MAP on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the world’s largest aeronautics exhibitions, held in Hampshire, about 100 kilometers southwest of London.
Sémelas said Airbus is also looking to expand its helicopter operations by establishing a regional hub in Morocco for maintenance, repair, training, and operational support. “This hub would also serve other markets across the African continent,” he noted.
According to the Airbus executive, Morocco occupies a strategic position in Airbus’ growth strategy. “We have been present in Morocco for 75 years. It is a strategic country thanks to the vision and leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” he said.
“The country’s stability, its reliable legal framework, its strategic geographic location, and the quality of its human capital are all strengths that we value at Airbus,” he said, highlighting the role of Moroccan universities and training institutions in developing the skilled workforce needed by the aeronautics industry.
Discussing Airbus’ industrial footprint in Morocco, Sémelas noted that the company currently employs about 1,300 people in the country and works with around 100 local suppliers, supporting nearly 1,000 indirect jobs.
He also underscored Morocco’s growing integration into Airbus’ global value chain. “Today, every one of our commercial aircraft includes components manufactured in Morocco,” Sémelas stated, pointing to the high level of integration achieved by the country’s aeronautics industry.
Asked what makes Morocco an attractive destination for industrial investment, the Airbus executive cited the country’s proximity to major markets, access to a highly skilled workforce, the availability of top-tier expertise in aeronautics, and the stability and attractiveness of its business environment.
“Morocco’s aeronautics industry has now reached a high level of maturity. It has a highly qualified workforce, and the products manufactured there meet the highest quality standards,” he said.
The Farnborough International Airshow brings together leading global players in commercial aviation, defense, space, and advanced technologies, serving as a premier platform for forging partnerships and showcasing the latest industry innovations.
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