A New Airbus Deal Strengthens Morocco’s Position in the Aerospace Industry
In a new move that further reinforces Morocco’s standing in the global aerospace sector, European company Airbus announced the acquisition of several sites from American firm Spirit AeroSystems, including a plant in Casablanca. This facility plays a pivotal role in producing components for the A321 and A220 aircraft.
The acquisition is part of a global deal announced by Airbus on July 1st, aimed at securing vital supply chains for its commercial programs. Notably, Airbus managed to complete the transaction ahead of schedule, underscoring its strategic importance.
The deal includes major sites such as the Kinston plant in North Carolina, the Saint-Nazaire facility in France, as well as the Casablanca plant, which is central to manufacturing parts for the A321 and A220. Other facilities in the United States, Northern Ireland, and Scotland were also part of the transaction.
In an interesting twist, Airbus did not pay any amount for the acquisition; instead, it received $439 million in compensation due to Spirit AeroSystems’ financial difficulties. Airbus also committed to providing $200 million in credit lines to support the American company.
This step is part of Airbus’ broader strategy to secure its supply chains, particularly in light of the growing demand for aircraft, with the transaction expected to be officially completed by the third quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, Boeing is working to recover the remainder of Spirit AeroSystems’ activities through a share swap, raising the overall value of the deal to approximately $8.3 billion.
This acquisition also highlights Morocco’s significant progress in developing its aerospace industry, which has seen remarkable growth thanks to international partnerships with major companies. The Casablanca plant stands as a testament to these efforts, benefiting from Morocco’s advanced infrastructure and skilled workforce.
These developments are expected to further strengthen the national economy by creating new job opportunities, enhancing training programs, and promoting greater industrial integration.
