Safran builds $332M Morocco plant to accelerate Airbus A320 production.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Safran will invest $332 million in a new Morocco facility by 2029; the site will produce landing gear to support the Airbus A320 production ramp-up.
Key Takeaways
- •Safran is investing $332 million in a new 26,000-square-meter facility in Casablanca.
- •The plant will manufacture landing gear and hydraulic systems for the Airbus A320 family.
- •Operations are scheduled to begin in 2029, creating 500 new high-skilled jobs.
- •The facility will run on 100% decarbonized energy to meet sustainability goals.
French aerospace leader Safran is making a major move in North Africa. The company will spend $332 million (€280 million) on a new factory. This facility will be in Casablanca, Morocco. It will focus on making landing gear for the Airbus A320 family.
This project is a big step for the aviation industry. It helps Airbus build more planes every month. The new site will sit in the Midparc industrial zone. This area is right next to the Casablanca airport. Construction is part of a long-term plan for the region.
Boosting the Airbus A320 Supply Chain
The new plant will make critical parts for narrowbody jets. It will produce landing gear modules and hydraulic systems. These parts are vital for safe flight operations. Airbus is currently trying to reach record production levels. They want to build 75 A320neo planes per month by 2027.
Safran's new facility will support this high demand. Although it opens in 2029, it ensures long-term supply stability. Industry data from IATA shows that global air travel is growing fast. Airlines need new, efficient planes to meet this growth. This factory helps make those planes a reality.
A Strategic Hub in Casablanca
Morocco is becoming a top spot for aerospace work. The country has a skilled workforce and good infrastructure. Safran has already worked in Morocco for over 25 years. They have 10 different sites across the country. This new investment is their largest one yet in the region.
Key features of the new facility include:
- A massive 26,000-square-meter production space.
- Use of 100% decarbonized energy for operations.
- Advanced machining and assembly for high-precision parts.
- Proximity to European final assembly lines.
Sustainable Manufacturing and Jobs
This project will create nearly 500 new jobs in Casablanca. Safran plans to start a special training program. This will help local workers learn complex aviation skills. The factory will also be very eco-friendly. It will use renewable power to reduce its carbon footprint.
This move follows other recent Safran projects in Morocco. In late 2025, the company launched a new engine complex. That site handles LEAP-1A engine assembly and maintenance. By adding landing gear, Safran is making Morocco a dual-capability hub. This means they can build both engines and landing systems in one place.
Why This Matters for Global Aviation
Supply chain issues have slowed down plane deliveries recently. This new factory helps solve that problem. It makes the supply chain more resilient and agile. For airlines, this means they might get their new planes on time. For passengers, it means more modern and reliable aircraft in the sky.
Morocco's aerospace sector now has over 140 companies. It employs more than 25,000 people. This new $332 million investment proves that the region is a global leader. It shows that the future of aviation manufacturing is becoming more international.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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