Marrakech Airshow: Airbus seeks to strengthen its industrial roots in Morocco

Airbus intends to pursue its industrial footprint and its cooperation with Morocco, leaning notably on the development of research, technology, and supply chain capabilities, stated Airbus President for Africa and the Middle East, Gabriel Semelas.

We have now been present in the Moroccan market for 75 years,” emphasized Mr. Semelas in an interview with MAP on the sidelines of the 8th edition of the Marrakech Airshow, highlighting the depth of the group’s industrial roots in the Kingdom.

Airbus notably produces aerostructures and composites in Morocco through three companies established in the country since 1951, he specified.

Evoking the recently finalized acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, the Airbus executive indicated that the group had integrated into its activities the work previously carried out by Spirit, particularly in composites, complex structures, as well as electronic installations for aircraft.

As of today, there are approximately 1,200 employees working directly for Airbus, with an ecosystem of more than 100 local suppliers in Morocco,” he noted, adding that this ecosystem “creates more than 10,000 skilled jobs.”

For Mr. Semelas, the next step in this cooperation lies particularly in strengthening technological and research capabilities in Morocco.

In this context, Airbus intends to continue its work with universities and develop partnerships in the fields of research and development, innovation, and youth training.

He noted that the signing of the consortium agreement related to the Africa Center of Manufacturing Excellence (ACME) constitutes a significant step forward in research and technology.

According to the executive, this agreement will allow Airbus to put its expertise at the service of developing the capabilities of the Moroccan ecosystem and its supply chain.

He further pointed out that this cooperation comes as the group undergoes a production ramp-up across several of its programs, notably the A220, A350, and A330.

For that, we need suppliers and we need to have capabilities like the ones we have here in Morocco,” Mr. Semelas explained.

The partnership in research and technology thus constitutes, according to him, “an important milestone” to continue developing the relationship between Airbus and Morocco and to strengthen supply chain capabilities.

Regarding the importance of the Marrakech Airshow for Airbus, Mr. Semelas emphasized the event’s role as a meeting platform for the various stakeholders in the aviation industry.

This is a very important Airshow for us,” he affirmed, noting the presence at the exhibition of Airbus teams working in the region, as well as the number of clients and suppliers gathered for the occasion.

For the Airbus official, the trade show brings together the different players of the ecosystem in one place and fosters cooperation on future projects both in Morocco and across the entire region.

It is a meeting point for the industry,” he concluded, highlighting the value of this platform for both clients and suppliers.