Boeing to Set Up an African Center for Manufacturing Excellence (ACME) for Aerospace in Morocco
During the Marrakech Air Show 2024, the Moroccan Ministry of Trade and Industry issued a press release regarding strengthening Morocco as an aerospace hub on 30 October 2024. In brief, Boeing and the Government of Morocco have reached an agreement to set up the aeronautical R&D and manufacturing plant in Nouaceur, Morocco. The plant will be the first of its kind in Africa and will be known the African Center for Manufacturing Excellence (ACME).
The Mohamed VI University (UMP6) will contribute to the capacity building and facilitate the transfer of technology for this strategic project. In particular, the university will be involved in the R&D of new materials, automation and industry 4.0.
Furthermore, a 100% Moroccan company NTS Technics has been selected as ‘Engineering Partners’ to Boeing which will nurture the company up to level-3 design capabilities and be an accredited supplier to the aircraft maker.
Since April 2024, Royal Air Maroc has floated an tender for 200 aircrafts. Airbus, Boeing and Embraer expressed interest in supplying the national airline of Morocco. This deal thus cements the ties between Boeing and Royal Air Maroc.
The agreement follows the visit of Moroccan Minister of Investment Mohcine Jazouli to Boeing’s facility in Everett north of Seattle in Washington State. The Everett factory is the world’s largest indoor factory with an area of 400,000 square meters and currently its assembly line is geared for the iconic Boeing 777.
On a related note, the Moroccan Government and Embraer also signed an MoU which covers both civilian and military aerospace applications. As part of the agreement, Embraer plans to inject up to USD 1 billion in a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Morocco. Analysts believe that puts Embraer in good steed to win a share of the 200-plane pie on order.
Royal Air Maroc and Safran Aircraft Engines Services also signed an agreement for a JV which will undertake aircraft engine maintenance. The engine maintenance facility will be sited at the Midparc Free Zone in Casablanca and will have the capabilities to service Safran‘s Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engine, used on the Airbus A320.
Over the years, Morocco has gone to great pains to foster an investment-friendly climate and to position the country as a hub in the aerospace industry in Africa. It is worth noting that Morocco has already developed a strong aeronautical supply chain with more than 140 companies employing some 20,000 people.