Safran has announced a major industrial project in Casablanca that will redraw the map of engine production and maintenance in the Mediterranean region. More than just an investment, this is a direct response to tensions in the aeronautical supply chain, and a strong signal for European competitiveness in a context of high worldwide demand for single-aisle jets.
Safran sets up an assembly line and MRO center in Casablanca
According to Flywest, the French group will build an industrial complex on the Nouaceur airport site, including a maintenance, repair and overhaul workshop. (MRO) and a new assembly line dedicated to the LEAP-1A engine. The future site will include a 25,000 m² MRO workshop capable of servicing up to 150 engines a year, and an assembly capacity announced at 350 engines a year. These facilities are due to come on stream progressively by 2027, and should complement Safran's existing industrial ecosystem in Morocco.
A strategic choice to streamline global LEAP production
The decision to locate an assembly line in Morocco meets concrete industrial challenges. The engine LEAPwhich equips the family on a massive scale A320neois at the heart of delivery constraints for new aircraft. By multiplying assembly lines and deploying additional MRO capacity, Safran aims to reduce bottlenecks in the supply chain and accelerate engine availability for aircraft manufacturers and airlines.
Strengthening supply chain resilience
The new location aims to diversify production and maintenance sites, reducing vulnerability to logistical risks and delays. By bringing assembly and MRO capacities closer to an African hub such as CasablancaSafran facilitates access to European, African and Middle Eastern markets. This more decentralized organization can also improve responsiveness to parts requirements and planned maintenance operations.
Spin-offs for manufacturers and airlines
For manufacturers, higher engine delivery rates mean a more stable production schedule, and the possibility of reducing customer waiting lists. For airlines, increased MRO capacity means shorter aircraft downtime and optimized fleet operational availability, a key point in a market where demand for long- and medium-haul aircraft remains buoyant.
Economic and social impact: jobs, investment and skills transfer
According to Flywest, total investment in the project will amount to several hundred million euros. The MRO component is expected to create around 600 direct jobs by 2030, while the new assembly line will add almost 300 additional jobs, for a total of almost 900 direct positions. Beyond jobs, the project will have a knock-on effect on local subcontractors, technical training and airport services.
The development of advanced industrial skills in Morocco is accompanied by opportunities for technology transfer. Safran already has facilities in the Kingdom, and will be able to draw on a pool of skilled workers to accelerate the site's ramp-up. For the French industry, this reinforcement contributes to maintaining a strategic industrial position on a European scale, while optimizing global supply chains.
Environmental and industrial issues
Relocating part of our production is also part of our drive for industrial efficiency. By streamlining flows and deploying modern processes, Safran can reduce its logistics footprint and improve the energy performance of operations. In addition, the increased availability of MRO capacity promotes better engine life-cycle management, extending equipment uptime while contributing to operational safety.
Key information
Location: Nouaceur airport zone, Casablanca.
MRO capabilities : 25,000 m² workshop, capacity announced up to 150 engines per year.
Assembly capacity : line designed to produce up to 350 LEAP-1A engines a year.
Calendar : Gradual commissioning expected from 2027, with ramp-up in subsequent years.
Jobs and investment : creation of around 600 direct jobs for the MRO, and 300 for the assembly line, with a combined investment of several hundred million euros according to Flywest.
Industrial objective : boost global production of LEAPsupport the delivery rate of A320neo and improve the resilience of the aeronautical supply chain.
Source : according to Flywest.
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