The Moroccan Government signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Embraer to launch potential joint projects in the Moroccan aerospace industry, across areas in commercial aviation, defence, and urban air mobility.
The MOU likewise acknowledges the mutual desire to strengthen and expand cooperation and investment between the Federal Republic of Brazil and the Kingdom of Morocco, around forging increased Atlantic cooperation across two role models of the Global South.
The agreement was signed by industry and trade minister Ryad Mezzour; minister-delegate to the head of government in charge of investment, convergence and evaluation of public policies Karim Zidane; Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency managing director Ali Seddiki; and Embraer’s president and CEO for commercial aviation Arjan Meijer.
A strategic collaboration
Mezzour said of the understanding: “This collaboration not only highlights the strength of our Moroccan ecosystem but also positions us as a key player in the global aerospace industry. It marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our aeronautics industry, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and attracting strategic investments from global industry leaders. The agreement will catalyse a deeper synergy between Morocco and the major industry leader, Embraer, accelerating our shared ambitions and unlocking potential for groundbreaking achievements in aerospace”.
Meijer responded by saying: “This is an exciting opportunity for Embraer to develop a long-term relationship with the strong and thriving Moroccan aerospace industry. It’s particularly pleasing that our new partners in Rabat put the same emphasis on skills and training as we do at Embraer. Education, skills and development for young people is the basis for any strong industry, and a common value for all parties. We look forward to making a difference together, growing the industry and maximising the benefits for all.”
Understanding current opportunities
The parties identified business opportunities, with excellent potential to bring mutual benefits in the short and long term to both Embraer and Morocco.
As such, the agreement covers opportunities in commercial aviation, defence, and urban air mobility, providing a framework around which to build an integrated sourcing ecosystem in Morocco, fostering innovation and economic growth and contributing to job creation and the development of local skills.
This project of cooperation will also consider an important range of fields in incremental phases by developing training and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Other fields to be explored for potential collaborations include: R&T especially in decarbonization, clean mobility, sustainable aviation, sustainable aviation fuel.