Safran Aircraft Engines Services Morocco (SAESM), celebrating its 25th anniversary, announced on Thursday that it will be expanding its Nouaceur plant located near Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, in partnership with Morocco’s Air carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), according to a company press release.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the plant’s footprint by 2,000 square meters, allowing for an increase in annual shop visits from 70 to 100 by 2026.
Key dignitaries, including Mohammed Abdejalil, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics; Hamid Addou, RAM’s Chairman and CEO; Jean-Paul ALARY, CEO of SAESM; and Abdallah Chatter, Governor of Nouaceur province, attended the signing ceremony.
This expansion is intended to solidify SAESM’s position as a center for maintenance for the CFM56 family of engines, according to a press release. CFM56 is a French-American family of high-bypass turbofan aviation engines, which are best-sellers throughout the world. The engine currently powers most Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, with over 33,000 engines delivered so far.
RAM’s Addou expressed delight with the partnership with Safran and commended the company’s contributions to Morocco’s aviation sector. “Royal Air Maroc is proud to work with Safran to develop Morocco’s aviation sector and enhance our country’s position in the global aerospace industry.”
Safran’s CEO highlighted the importance of this collaboration in developing Morocco’s aerospace industry while lowering carbon emissions. “We’re delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Royal Air Maroc and harnessing this ecosystem of high-level skills in Morocco,” Alary said. “Since it was created 25 years ago, SAESM has become a benchmark in our global MRO network in terms of operational excellence, innovation, and reduction of its carbon footprint.”
SAESM also plans to employ 100 additional staff members by 2026, bringing the total number of employees to 350. This will support the company’s expansion, while developing MRO expertise in Morocco through partnerships with local academic institutions.