Moroccan CFM56 Joint Venture Plans Further Capacity, Workforce Growth

A Moroccan engine MRO joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and Royal Air Maroc is planning facility and workforce growth to expand capacity for CFM International CFM56 engine services.

Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco (SAESM) inaugurated a 1,500 m² (approximately 16,145 ft.²) expansion of its Noaceur plant near Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport on April 19. The company began the expansion in 2023.

During the ceremony, Safran Aircraft Engines and Royal Air Maroc also signed a memorandum of understanding to continue SAESM’s growth. This will include adding 21,500 ft.² more capacity, which Safran says will enable SAESM to increase shop visits from 70 to 100 a year by 2026. SAESM is also installing solar panels on the building’s roof and parking lot shade structures, through which it hopes to achieve 30% renewable energy share by 2025.

SAESM plans to hire around 100 people to support the expansion, which would bring its total staff at the plant to 350. Safran says SAESM will leverage local academic partnerships to develop MRO expertise in Morocco. For instance, a spokesperson for Safran tells Aviation Week the joint venture has signed partnerships with local aerospace and engineering schools such as the Moroccan Institute of Administrators, Mohammed VI International Academy of Civil Aviation, Ecole Centrale Casablanca and Mohammadia School of Engineering.

Established 25 years ago, SAESM specializes in CFM56 MRO services. Safran expects heavy shop visits for CFM56 engines to peak as early as 2025. Aviation Week Network’s 2024 Commercial Fleet and MRO Forecast projects 3,058 engine overhaul events for CFM56 family engines in 2025, dominated by -7Bs, which are expected to see 2,446 engine events next year. The forecast predicts 2,994 engine overhaul events for CFM56 family engines in 2026.