Airbus Helicopters strengthens African footprint

The new training centre, equipped with simulators, will train pilots from all over the world.

This project is an important step in the development of Airbus Helicopters in Africa. It is also expected to contribute significantly to the development of the Moroccan aviation industry.

Consequently, the plant will also handle MRO operations on Airbus helicopters currently in service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Royal Navy and the Royal Gendarmerie.

According to Mickael Bertrand, the future CEO and general manager of Airbus Helicopters Morocco, the decision to open the facility is due to Morocco’s strategic position and the Kingdom’s commitment to invest in the aeronautical sector and unleash its full potential. He also underlined the stable and long-term cooperation with the Moroccan Armed Forces.

The range of helicopters operated in the Kingdom, from the H225 heavy twin-engine to the recent H135, offers huge opportunities to the European manufacturer to expand and create jobs.

This project is another good omen for the aerospace industry which witnessed another landmark agreement involving Boeing, Airbus and Spirit AeroSystems.

The subsidiary will focus on customer service and the repair of Airbus A220 and A350 airframe sections. It will also enable Airbus to have a more balanced approach regarding its operational and financial aviation programmes, and work packages currently performed by Spirit AeroSystems.

The acquisition of Spirit’s assets will allow Airbus and Boeing to increase their market presence and consolidate their leading position in the aerospace industry.

Airbus will also be able to reduce its dependence on third parties and offer safer and more efficient commercial aircraft. Boeing's acquisition of Spirit will include substantially all its commercial and defence operations.

Airbus is pursuing its regional expansion through Airbus Helicopters, Southern Africa, which provides aircraft assembly, completions, maintenance, engineering and training.

There are more than 500 Airbus helicopters currently in service throughout Africa. They are involved in military and civil missions, including law enforcement, air ambulance search and rescue, anti-poaching, infrastructure inspection, corporate missions and tourism.