Casablanca – Morocco is using the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow to accelerate the development of its aerospace industry, unveiling new investment initiatives and promoting its industrial capabilities as the country seeks to move into higher-value manufacturing activities and strengthen its position within global aviation supply chains.

The Kingdom’s participation at one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions reflects a broader strategy to attract advanced industrial projects, particularly in specialized aerospace technologies, while expanding local production capacity and increasing the level of industrial integration across the sector.

A central development announced during the exhibition was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE) and U.S.-based Curtiss-Wright Corporation. The agreement provides for the establishment of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies Morocco, marking the company’s first investment in Africa and adding a new international supplier to Morocco’s growing aerospace ecosystem.

The project is expected to establish specialized industrial capabilities serving aerospace manufacturers operating in Morocco, particularly around the Greater Casablanca industrial zone. It will focus on advanced surface treatment and precision engineering processes used in the production of critical aircraft components, helping strengthen local supply chains while supporting manufacturers serving international aerospace programs.

The investment also reflects increasing international confidence in Morocco’s aerospace sector, which has expanded steadily over the past two decades from basic manufacturing operations to more sophisticated industrial activities.

Moroccan officials attending the Farnborough Airshow emphasized that the country is now entering a new phase of aerospace development by targeting projects involving aircraft engines, landing gear systems and other high-value aerospace components rather than focusing solely on traditional assembly operations.

According to officials, Morocco’s industrial strategy is designed to position the country as a competitive production base capable of supporting major global aircraft manufacturers while responding to growing demand for diversified and resilient supply chains.

The Moroccan pavilion at Farnborough brings together representatives from AMDIE, the Moroccan Aerospace Industries Group (GIMAS), the Institute for Aeronautics Professions (IMA), established manufacturers and technology startups. The exhibition is intended to showcase the country’s industrial infrastructure, skilled workforce and integrated aerospace ecosystem to international investors and manufacturers.

During the event, Moroccan officials are holding a series of meetings with aerospace companies and institutional partners to present investment opportunities across different segments of the aviation industry. The discussions focus on attracting projects that involve advanced manufacturing technologies and specialized engineering capabilities while encouraging long-term industrial partnerships.

Officials said Morocco’s objective is to increase its participation in future international aerospace, defense and space programs by expanding domestic industrial expertise and strengthening its role within global production networks.

The agreement with Curtiss-Wright represents an important step toward that objective. The American engineering company specializes in high-performance technologies serving the aerospace, defense, energy and industrial sectors. Its planned Moroccan operation will introduce advanced surface technologies that are used to improve the durability, reliability and performance of critical aircraft components.

Company representatives described the investment as the beginning of a long-term partnership and indicated that Morocco was selected for the group’s first African operation because of the country’s expanding aerospace industry, competitive manufacturing environment and favorable investment conditions.

The company also expressed interest in expanding its activities within Morocco as the local aerospace sector continues to grow.

Industry officials noted that the arrival of companies specializing in precision industrial processes reflects the increasing complexity of aerospace manufacturing taking place in Morocco. As more critical aircraft components are produced domestically, demand is also increasing for specialized treatment, testing and finishing services that add value to the manufacturing process.

The new investment also complements larger industrial projects already announced in Morocco’s aerospace sector, including the expansion of aircraft engine manufacturing activities linked to Safran’s LEAP engine program and new industrial facilities dedicated to aircraft landing gear production.

These projects are expected to deepen local industrial integration by increasing the number of manufacturing stages completed within Morocco rather than relying on imported intermediate services.

Over the past twenty years, Morocco has gradually developed an integrated aerospace industry covering a broad range of activities, including precision machining, aircraft maintenance, composite materials manufacturing, electrical wiring systems, sheet metal fabrication and surface treatment technologies.

Today, the sector includes more than 155 companies operating across different aerospace specialties. It employs more than 25,000 people and generates annual exports exceeding $3 billion. Local integration has reached approximately 42%, while the industry has maintained average annual growth of around 17%, placing it among the faster-growing aerospace manufacturing platforms worldwide.

Officials also noted that annual industry revenues have recently been increasing by more than 20%, reflecting continued investment and expanding production capacity despite challenges affecting the global aerospace industry.

The presence of nearly 160 international companies in Morocco further illustrates the sector’s growing international profile. Global manufacturers have increasingly selected Morocco as a production base because of its industrial infrastructure, geographic proximity to European markets, competitive operating costs, skilled workforce and established supplier network.

Industry representatives participating at Farnborough also highlighted Morocco’s technical training capabilities through institutions such as the Institute for Aeronautics Professions, which prepares engineers, technicians and specialized workers to meet the evolving requirements of aerospace manufacturers.

The country’s strategy increasingly focuses on moving beyond labor-intensive manufacturing toward technology-intensive production capable of generating higher added value and supporting more complex aerospace programs.

Morocco’s participation at the Farnborough International Airshow is therefore aimed not only at attracting new investors but also at strengthening relationships with existing industrial partners and identifying opportunities for future cooperation in advanced aerospace technologies.

With more than 1,400 exhibitors and approximately 400 official delegations attending the exhibition, the Farnborough International Airshow provides Morocco with an opportunity to present its industrial achievements to leading aircraft manufacturers, suppliers and investors from around the world.

As international aerospace companies continue to diversify production networks and strengthen supply chain resilience, Morocco is seeking to position itself as a long-term industrial partner capable of supporting advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology-driven projects. Through continued investment, expanded industrial capabilities and the attraction of specialized international companies such as Curtiss-Wright, the country aims to reinforce its role as one of the leading aerospace manufacturing hubs serving Europe, Africa and global aviation markets.