Airbus Invests in Research and Technology to Strengthen Its Industrial Ecosystem in Morocco
The Airbus group is aiming to deepen its industrial partnership with Morocco by further investing in research, development, and innovation, while strengthening the capabilities of local suppliers. This direction is intended to support the increase in production rates of several global programs of the manufacturer and to enhance the skills developed by the Kingdom in the aerospace industry.
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, views Morocco as an important partner for the group. The goal is now to evolve this cooperation into new areas, particularly in technological development, scientific research, and strengthening the local supply chain.
In an interview with MAP on the sidelines of the eighth edition of the International Aerospace and Space Salon in Marrakech, the official recalled that Airbus has been present in Morocco for approximately 75 years. The group’s industrial activities in the Kingdom include the manufacture of aeronautical structures and composite materials, through three companies established since 1951.
Following the recent integration of Spirit AeroSystems, Airbus has also expanded its industrial scope, particularly in the fields of composite materials, complex structures, and electronic equipment for aircraft.
The group’s ecosystem in Morocco relies on significant industrial presence. Airbus directly employs about 1,200 people in the Kingdom and relies on a network of over 100 local suppliers, who together contribute to creating more than 10,000 skilled jobs.
To support the next phase of its development, the group intends to enhance technological skills, intensify research and development activities, and continue collaborating with Moroccan universities. Training young people, fostering innovation, and upskilling talent are also among the priority areas.
In this context, the signing of the consortium agreement related to the Africa Center of Manufacturing Excellence (ACME) marks an important step for the development of industrial and technological skills in Morocco. This partnership aims to strengthen the capacities of the national industry and improve the performance of local suppliers.
These ambitions come as Airbus continues to develop several major programs, including the A220, A350, and A330, which require qualified suppliers and production capabilities that can meet the demands of the global aerospace industry.
The International Aerospace and Space Salon in Marrakech serves as a platform for meetings among manufacturers, clients, suppliers, and other sector stakeholders. The participation of Airbus teams alongside its industrial and commercial partners fosters discussions on future projects and the development of new collaborations.
Through this strategy, Airbus aims to strengthen its presence in Morocco by relying more on research, innovation, and local skills, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s integration into the global aerospace supply chains.
