Morocco Strategic Shift Toward Tech Business Tourism
Safran Project Puts Morocco on the Global Map for Aircraft Landing System Manufacturing
On February 13, 2026, the Kingdom of Morocco marked a significant milestone in its industrial development with the official announcement of the launch of the aircraft landing system manufacturing plant belonging to the French giant Safran Group in the heart of Casablanca. This event is not just another investment deal; it is a landmark that redefines Morocco's position on the global industrial map, transforming it from a mere assembly plant for aircraft components to a key player in manufacturing the most sophisticated and complex aircraft components. This project, with an investment exceeding €500 million over five years, not only strengthens the industrial sector but also opens up vast opportunities for what is now known as "technical business tourism," making Morocco a strategic meeting point for experts and engineers from around the world.
Towards the Pinnacle of the Aerospace Industry
Morocco has long been known for its competitiveness in sectors such as tourism, phosphates, manufacturing, and automotive. However, its strong entry into the aircraft landing systems manufacturing sector represents a qualitative shift towards a "high-value knowledge economy." The choice of Morocco by Safran Group, one of the world's largest aerospace and defense companies, as the location for this vital project was not arbitrary. It is the culmination of eight years of proactive policies adopted by the Kingdom to strengthen the business environment, improve logistical infrastructure, and align university education with the job market.
This project comes at a time when major economic powers are vying to restructure global supply chains in pursuit of political stability and operational efficiency. In this context, Morocco stands out as an ideal solution, combining geographical proximity to Europe, security stability, and a highly skilled workforce. The establishment of this factory not only places Morocco on the global aerospace industry map for the first time in its history but also lays the foundation for a new development model that combines heavy industry with high-level technical services.
Technical Depth: The Complexities and Paramount Importance of Landing Systems
To understand the magnitude of this achievement, one must delve into the technology behind the product itself. Aircraft landing gear systems are not simply wheels and brakes, as one might easily assume; they are complex engineering marvels comprised of thousands of precision parts that work in perfect harmony under extreme conditions.
1. The Heart of Flight Safety
Landing gear systems are among the most mechanically and thermally stressed components of an aircraft. They bear the immense weight of the aircraft at the moment of impact and withstand landing shocks that can be several times the aircraft's weight. Furthermore, these systems must operate effectively in temperatures ranging from freezing over oceans to scorching heat in desert airports. Even a minor malfunction in the hydraulic brakes or the metal structure can lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, manufacturing precision in this sector is not just a quality standard; it is a matter of life and death for hundreds of passengers on every flight.
2. Safran and Global Standards
The Safran Group is the primary supplier of landing gear systems to the two giants of the aviation industry: Boeing and Airbus. Securing the right to manufacture these components means that the Moroccan product will meet extremely stringent quality standards imposed by these airlines and global regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This certification is a "quality seal" that opens doors for other Moroccan factories to become certified suppliers in other global supply chains.
Strategic and Economic Dimensions: A Look at the Numbers
The project represents a significant investment of €500 million, but its true economic impact extends far beyond this direct figure.
1. Job Creation and Labor Market Modernization
The project is expected to create more than 3,000 direct jobs, and it's important to note the nature of these jobs. We're not talking about traditional, low-skilled assembly jobs, but rather high-tech engineering positions requiring expertise in precision mechanics, industrial software, and quality control. In addition, the project will create approximately 10,000 indirect jobs, including subcontracting, logistics, transportation, and catering.
This growing demand for skilled workers will push Moroccan universities and engineering schools to update their curricula to align with industry needs, raising the scientific qualifications of national talent and creating a pool of economic and social capital capable of consumption and saving, thus benefiting the overall economy.
2. The Geopolitical Dimension: Confidence in Stability
Safran’s choice of Morocco amidst the turmoil in other parts of the world reflects growing international confidence in Morocco’s advanced industrial capabilities and the region’s relative political stability. Multinational corporations are always looking for “safe havens” for their long-term investments, and Morocco has proven to possess the rare combination: a stable environment, a skilled workforce, and investment-friendly legislation.
The Rise of "Tech Business Tourism": A New Tourism Model
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of this project is its ability to create a parallel and sustainable tourism sector, known as "Tech Business Tourism." This type of tourism differs radically from traditional tourism (beaches, history), and is characterized by superior economic advantages.
1. Influx of Global Experts
Once the factory begins operations, engineers, specialized technicians, and executives from France, Germany, the United States, and Asia will flock to Casablanca and surrounding cities. These travelers come for specific purposes: overseeing production lines, technology transfer, training local staff, and quality control. These visits are not fleeting; experts often stay for weeks or months, ensuring consistent occupancy of high-end hotels and furnished apartments, far removed from the typical tourist season.
2. High Spending and Added Value
Business tourism is characterized by individual spending that far exceeds that of ordinary tourists. An engineer or manager coming to work in Morocco isn't just looking for comfortable accommodation; they also require high-speed internet access, world-class restaurants, luxury car rentals, and leisure facilities that match their standard of living. This influx of money contributes to raising the level of services in the city and compels hotels and service companies to raise their standards to meet international requirements.
3. Infrastructure and Logistics Development
To serve this type of tourism, Morocco will have to radically develop its infrastructure. This includes not only roads and airports but also technical services, such as conference centers equipped with high-definition video conferencing technology, secure digital networks, and fast and efficient transportation to and from industrial zones. This development primarily serves local residents and other investors, creating a more modern and comfortable urban environment.
The African and Middle Eastern Industrial Landscape
This project positions Morocco as a regional leader. While most African and Middle Eastern countries are still focused on simple extractive or assembly industries, Morocco is making significant strides toward high value-added manufacturing. This makes the Kingdom an attractive hub for other technology investments and may encourage other global aerospace companies (such as Bombardier, Embraer, or even Lockheed Martin) to consider Morocco as a regional base for aircraft maintenance and spare parts manufacturing.
This project also reinforces the concept of "industrial security" for Europeans; having a vital manufacturing base on the southern shore of the Mediterranean ensures Europe's continued supply of essential parts even if Asian supply chains are disrupted by geopolitical crises or pandemics.
Challenges and the Future
Despite its remarkable success, the project faces challenges that must be addressed to ensure its sustainability. The most significant of these is maintaining the level of efficiency and productivity that Safran demands, especially with the factory's expansion. This requires continued training and upskilling programs for Moroccan workers and ensuring that skilled talent does not leave for competing markets.
In the future, this factory could serve as a gateway for Morocco to more advanced industries, such as manufacturing jet engine components or even navigation and autopilot systems. The success in manufacturing landing gear systems—among the heaviest and most complex aircraft components—is strong evidence of the ability to manufacture anything else in an aircraft.
A Winning Bet on the Future
In conclusion, the launch of Safran’s aircraft landing gear manufacturing plant in Casablanca in February 2026 is not merely a fleeting economic event, but rather the culmination of a wise strategic vision. The Kingdom of Morocco recognized that the future lies in advanced technology and equitable global partnerships. This project reinforces Morocco’s position as a global industrial and tourism player, making it a preferred destination for “tech business tourism” in Africa and the Middle East.
The thousands of direct and indirect jobs the project will create, the continuous influx of international experts, and the upgrading of infrastructure and services all guarantee substantial returns on investment that will last for decades. Morocco has firmly established itself on the global aerospace industry map, and the path ahead for this kingdom of one million inhabitants is no longer a conventional one, but a road paved with innovation, quality, and ambition to reach the top.
