Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Safran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Casablanca on Thursday to further solidify their partnership in aircraft engine maintenance. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohammed Abdeljalil. Signed by RAM CEO Hamid Addou and Safran Aircraft Engines President JeanPaul Alary, the MoU paves the way for significant growth at the existing Safran Aircraft Engines Services Maroc (SAESM) site. This includes an additional 2,000 m2 of capacity at a cost of 30 million dirhams (MDH). This expansion will allow SAESM to increase the number of aircraft engine maintenance operations from 70 to 100 shop visits per year by 2026, while also creating 100 new jobs. RAM CEO Hamid Addou welcomed the collaboration, highlighting its contribution to developing Morocco's aeronautical industry and strengthening the country's position in the global aerospace sector. Developed by Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace as part of their joint venture, CFM56 engines are the workhorses of the aviation industry, powering most Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 family aircraft with over 33,000 delivered worldwide. The MoU provides a clear roadmap for the future, with a projected rise in annual shop visits from 70 to 100. Additionally, this collaboration will position Morocco to leverage new-generation engines developed by Safran, further solidifying the country's strategic role in the aerospace industry. To support this growth, SAESM plans to recruit around 100 people by 2026, bringing the total workforce to 350. The company will rely on establishing strong local academic partnerships, supported by both RAM and Safran Aircraft Engines, to cultivate the necessary expertise. For his part, Alary acknowledged the high-level skillset available in Morocco's workforce, praising its suitability for the demanding technical requirements of CFM56 maintenance. Committed to environmental responsibility, the SAESM site is investing in the installation of photovoltaic panels on its roof and shading systems for the parking lot, aiming to achieve a 30% renewable energy usage by 2025.
