Safran Strengthens its Industrial Footprint in Morocco to Support Growth in Global Air Traffic

The launch ceremony for Safran’s new LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) shop took place today, attended by his Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco , Ross McInnes, Chairman of the Board of Safran, and Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive Officer of Safran. The future Safran Aircraft Engine Services Casablanca MRO shop, which was announced on October 28, 2024 during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Rabat, is located in the Casablanca airport zone. It will support the rapidly increasing demand for CFM International LEAP engines, which power the majority of new-generation single-aisle commercial jets — especially the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. Spanning 25,000 sq.m, the shop will be able to handle 150 engines a year. Operations are expected to begin in 2027, and some 600 new jobs will be created by 2030. The new facility represents an investment of around 120 million euros.

Furthermore, on the occasion of this ceremony, Safran announced that it has chosen Morocco for its new assembly line for LEAP-1A engines dedicated to Airbus aircraft. The new facility will complement production at Safran’s Villaroche site in France to support the significant ramp-up in production planned by CFM International — around 2,500 LEAP engines a year from 2028. Located on a 13,000 sq.m site, the plant will be operational by the end of 2027 and will have the capacity to assemble up to 350 engines per year. 200 million euros are being invested in the new facility, which will create 300 jobs. 

This industrial complex dedicated to new-generation aircraft engines will benefit from a single new test bench for both new and overhauled LEAP engines. 

In addition, as part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions from its operations by 50% by 2030, compared with 2018 levels, Safran also signed today a Memorandum of Understanding guaranteeing access to renewable energy for most of its facilities in Morocco, taking effect in 2026.

“We warmly thank the Moroccan government for supporting these major industrial projects. 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,” said Safran CEO Olivier Andriès.

Safran is also bolstering its presence in Morocco through the expansion of three existing sites: Safran Aerosystems – Tiflet, Safran Electronics & Defense – Casablanca, and Safran Electrical & Power – Ain Atiq. These newly-expanded facilities will begin operations between 2026 and 2027. 

Overall, Safran is investing more than 350 million euros in Morocco in the two new LEAP engine facilities and the extensions. Furthermore, to support this scaling-up of operations, Safran will be recruiting more than 2,000 people over the next five years. 

Safran has been present in Morocco for 26 years and employs over 4,800 people at 10 sites. The Group leads Morocco’s aerospace sector and maintains close partnerships with local companies and the country’s government institutions and training centers.