Safran announced a major expansion of its industrial presence in Morocco, including the start of construction for a new LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and the establishment of a new LEAP-1A assembly line. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding to secure renewable energy for most of its Moroccan sites.
The launch ceremony for the Safran Aircraft Engine Services Casablanca MRO facility was attended by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Safran Chairman Ross McInnes, and CEO Olivier Andriès. The new MRO site, located near Casablanca airport, will service CFM International’s LEAP engines, which power Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Covering 25,000 square meters, the facility will handle up to 150 engines annually. Operations are expected to begin in 2027, creating around 600 jobs by 2030. The project represents an investment of approximately €120 million.
Safran also confirmed Morocco as the location for its new LEAP-1A engine assembly line for Airbus aircraft. The 13,000 square-meter site will complement Safran’s Villaroche facility in France and support a planned production increase by CFM International, targeting around 2,500 LEAP engines per year by 2028. The Moroccan plant will assemble up to 350 engines annually and employ about 300 people. The investment totals €200 million, with operations set to begin by the end of 2027.
The new complex will include a single test bench for both new and serviced engines.
As part of its goal to cut carbon emissions from operations by 50 percent by 2030 compared with 2018 levels, Safran signed an agreement ensuring renewable energy supply for most of its Moroccan sites starting 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 expanding three of its existing Moroccan facilities: Safran Aerosystems – Tiflet, Safran Electronics & Defense – Casablanca and Safran Electrical & Power – Ain Atiq. These sites will enter operation between 2026 and 2027.
In total, Safran is investing more than €350 million in Morocco across the two new LEAP facilities and ongoing site extensions. The company plans to hire over 2,000 employees within the next five years.
Safran has been present in Morocco for 26 years and currently employs more than 4,800 people across 10 sites. The group is a major contributor to the Moroccan aerospace sector, maintaining partnerships with local suppliers, government institutions, and training centers.