Strengthening Morocco's Aviation Industry
On July 21, 2026, Morocco officially signed a protocol agreement with the American company Curtiss-Wright Corporation, known for its high-performance technologies, particularly in the aviation manufacturing sector. This significant agreement took place during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held in Farnborough, located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of London. The primary objective of this agreement is to establish a branch of Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies within Morocco, aimed at enhancing the group's activities in the country.
The initiative seeks to develop local capabilities that will benefit stakeholders operating in the aviation industry within the Greater Casablanca area. This move marks an important step forward in reinforcing the national industrial framework in the aviation sector. Furthermore, it reflects the American group's ambition to expand its operations in Morocco by creating new industrial capacities with high technological value, in response to the growing demand observed in the aviation manufacturing industry.
Expanding Industrial Competence and Economic Growth
This ambitious project is designed not only to enhance national industrial competencies in specialized operations but also to support the evolution of the value chain within Morocco's aviation industry. It aims to establish the kingdom as a competitive industrial platform catering to major international aviation programs. Ray Lubock, the Senior Vice President and head of Metal Improvement Company at Curtiss-Wright Surface Technologies, expressed to the Moroccan News Agency that the signing of this agreement opens a promising new chapter in the collaboration between Morocco and the American corporation. He emphasized the company's eagerness to commence operations in Morocco, indicating that this initiative represents its first investment on the African continent through Morocco.
Lubock also noted the company’s future plans to expand its activities to other regions within Morocco, highlighting his admiration for the progress the kingdom has made in the aviation sector. The success that Morocco has achieved in this field is evident in the increasing number of global corporations investing in the country, thanks to its competitive advantages and investment opportunities.
Ali Sdiqi, the Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, reiterated that the signing of the protocol with Curtiss-Wright once again demonstrates the maturity of Morocco's industrial ecosystem in the aviation sector. He explained that partnering with a global leader in precision industrial operations underscores Morocco's capacity to produce a significant volume of high-value critical aviation components, showcasing the strength of the national system developed under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
This project also complements major initiatives launched under the King's guidance, particularly the Safran project concerning aircraft landing gear, which is expected to generate a substantial volume of critical components that Curtiss-Wright will process. Founded in 1929 through the merger of aviation pioneers the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss, Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a historic American industrial company active in the defense, aviation, energy, and industrial sectors. Based in North Carolina, the company reported revenues nearing $3.5 billion in 2025 and employs over 8,900 staff members.
Simultaneously, the Moroccan pavilion, overseen by the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development at the Farnborough Airshow, continues to host meetings between the Moroccan delegation and representatives from various international companies interested in investing in the kingdom. These meetings aim to showcase the potential of Morocco's industrial platform, explore new cooperation opportunities, and attract high-value investment projects, further integrating Morocco into future aviation, aerospace, and defense programs.
Morocco's participation in the Farnborough Airshow underscores its position as a leading global hub in the aviation industry, driven by the continuous dynamism of the sector, under the insightful vision of King Mohammed VI. This vision has established manufacturing, innovation, and skill development as fundamental pillars of economic transformation. Currently, the Moroccan aviation industry encompasses over 155 companies, creating more than 25,000 jobs, achieving exports exceeding $3 billion, with a local integration rate of 42 percent and an average annual growth rate approaching 17 percent. The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the most significant global events in the aviation sector, attracting over 1,400 exhibitors and 400 official delegations, providing a platform for strategic partnerships and showcasing the latest innovations in the industry.
As reported by maroc.ma.
