“Launching a New Era: Maintenance Aéro Maroc Unveils State-of-the-Art Hangar for Aerospace Sovereignty and Regional Excellence”
Benslimane, October 15, 2025
Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM), an affiliate of Sabena Engineering, along with Maintenance Aeronautic Assets (MAA) today commemorated the groundbreaking of an advanced hangar at the Benslimane aeronautical site. This establishment will focus on essential maintenance for both C-130 Hercules and F-16 aircraft, signifying a significant advancement in Morocco’s aerospace abilities and establishing the nation as a regional center for military aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul).
This achievement embodies a strategic objective to cultivate autonomous capabilities in aerospace maintenance, while promoting industrial advancement and the generation of highly proficient jobs. The initiative is bolstered by a robust alliance among Sabena Engineering (Orizio Group), MEDZ (CDG Group), and Lockheed Martin, highlighting the collaboration between Moroccan, Belgian, and American proficiency.
In the presence of prominent Moroccan officials, delegates from Lockheed Martin, Sabena Engineering, the National Defense Administration, and the Royal Air Forces, the event highlighted a unified vision: to create a regional center of excellence for technical training and aircraft maintenance.
The hangar, covering more than 8,000 m² and constructed to the highest global standards, will allow MAM to conduct heavy maintenance (PDM) and platform modernization for both C-130 and F-16 aircraft. This dual capability enhances operational adaptability and strengthens Morocco’s technological independence within the aerospace domain.
This undertaking marks the initial phase of a larger developmental initiative that includes future enhancements for helicopter platforms and various aircraft models. It forms part of a sustainable investment framework aimed at:
- Creating highly skilled job opportunities,
- Facilitating knowledge transfer,
- Reinforcing Morocco’s industrial sovereignty.
“This venture represents a strategic objective for Sabena Engineering. It will evolve into a hub capable of servicing other nations within the Mediterranean. This construction exceeds mere infrastructure: it symbolizes a collective aspiration and shared trust among partners devoted to the future of aircraft maintenance,” emphasized Stéphane Burton, CEO of Sabena Engineering.
The hangar is anticipated to commence operations in the latter half of 2026, heralding a new era for aircraft maintenance in Morocco and North Africa.
“This partnership transcends merely enhancing capability. It is fostering high-skilled employment and stimulating industrial growth within Morocco, solidifying our alliance with Orizio Group (Sabena Engineering), and bolstering American manufacturing, showcasing that genuine collaboration yields lasting security and shared prosperity for all our nations,” stated Ray Piselli, Vice President, International Business, Lockheed Martin.
About Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM)
Maintenance Aéro Maroc is a joint endeavor established through the alliance between Sabena Engineering (Orizio Group) and MEDZ (CDG Group). Situated at the Benslimane platform, MAM specializes in essential maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules and F-16 aircraft. Its ambition is to become a regional center of excellence in military and civilian aircraft maintenance, with intentions to expand to additional platforms and markets.
