Safran bolsters its MRO network with a new shop in Casablanca

This deal is part of an an investment plan of over €1 billion by Safran Aircraft Engines to strengthen its global MRO network and support the growing fleet of LEAP engines. 

These latest investments will enable the engine manufacturer to handle 1,200 shop visits per year by 2028. This capital outlay will cover the construction of an additional 120,000 square metres of industrial facilities dedicated to LEAP repair and maintenance. The investment plan also encompasses the development of the company’s global engine part repairs network.  

The new 25,000 square metres shop to be built in the airport zone of Casablanca will create around 600 direct jobs by 2030. It will benefit from strategic training partnerships to ensure the development of the skills required. Once complete, the new MRO shop will have the capacity to handle 150 engines per year, allowing it to meet fast-growing demand for LEAP shop visits, especially from airlines based in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.  

The MOU was signed during the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Rabat. The ceremony was attended by his Majesty Mohammed VI. The agreement was signed by M. Ryad Mezzour, Minister for Trade and Industry, Karim Zidane, Deputy Minister for Investment, Convergence, and Assessment of Public Policies, and Ross McInnes, Chairman of Safran’s Board.

“The expansion of our global LEAP MRO network is in response to the tremendous success of this engine, which has been chosen by some 180 airlines around the world,” said Jean-Paul Alary, Chief Executive Officer of Safran Aircraft Engines.

Established in 1999, Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco (SAESM) was the first aerospace company to set up in Morocco. Since it has become a major centre of excellence for CFM56 engine maintenance. SAESM is strengthening its position within Safran’s global MRO network, offering airlines a complete range of services covering the entire MRO process, from diagnosis to performance guarantee at the test bench.

Last April, Royal Air Maroc and Safran also strengthened their partnership in aircraft engine maintenance. The two partners signed an agreement for the unit’s continued growth, including 2,000 square metres (21,500 sq. ft) of added capacity, enabling it to increase the number of shop visits from 70 to 100 a year by 2026.