Airbus plans to strengthen its industrial presence in Morocco, particularly following its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, Gabriel Sémelas, the group's president for Africa and the Middle East, said on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow.
The European aerospace giant aims to make Morocco a regional hub for its helicopter activities, leveraging the country's existing aerospace ecosystem and skilled workforce. Sémelas highlighted Morocco's strategic location and its growing role in global supply chains.
The acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, announced earlier this year, is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The deal will expand Airbus's capabilities in aerostructures and potentially integrate Spirit's Moroccan operations into the company's broader strategy.
Airbus already has a significant presence in Morocco through its helicopter division, with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. The new hub would likely expand these services and potentially include assembly or component manufacturing.
The announcement comes as Airbus seeks to diversify its manufacturing footprint and tap into emerging markets, with Morocco offering competitive costs and proximity to European and African markets.
