“Elevating Horizons: Aéro Maroc’s Cutting-Edge Hangar Redefines Aerospace Leadership and Regional Innovation”
Benslimane, October 15, 2025
Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM), a subsidiary of Sabena Engineering, in conjunction with Maintenance Aeronautic Assets (MAA), today celebrated the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hangar at the Benslimane aeronautical location. This facility will primarily concentrate on crucial maintenance for C-130 Hercules and F-16 fighter jets, representing a major evolution in Morocco’s aerospace capabilities and establishing the nation as a pivotal hub for military aircraft MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul).
This accomplishment embodies a strategic aim to develop self-sufficient capabilities in aerospace upkeep, while fostering industrial progress and the creation of highly skilled positions. The initiative is supported by a solid partnership amongst Sabena Engineering (Orizio Group), MEDZ (CDG Group), and Lockheed Martin, showcasing the cooperation between Moroccan, Belgian, and American expertise.
In the presence of distinguished Moroccan dignitaries, representatives from Lockheed Martin, Sabena Engineering, the National Defense Administration, and the Royal Air Forces, the event showcased a collective vision: to establish a regional hub of excellence for technical training and aircraft maintenance.
The hangar, spanning over 8,000 m² and constructed to the highest international standards, will enable MAM to perform heavy maintenance (PDM) and platform modernization for both C-130 and F-16 aircraft. This dual capability enhances operational flexibility and fortifies Morocco’s technological autonomy within the aerospace sector.
This project marks the first step of a broader developmental initiative that encompasses forthcoming enhancements for helicopter platforms and diverse aircraft models. It is part of a sustainable investment strategy aimed at:
- Creating high-demand job opportunities,
- Encouraging knowledge exchange,
- Reinforcing Morocco’s industrial independence.
“This initiative embodies a strategic ambition for Sabena Engineering. It will evolve into a center capable of servicing other nations within the Mediterranean region. This infrastructure is more than just a building: it symbolizes a unified aspiration and shared trust among partners committed to the future of aircraft maintenance,” emphasized Stéphane Burton, CEO of Sabena Engineering.
The hangar is expected to initiate operations in the latter half of 2026, signaling a transformative era for aircraft maintenance in Morocco and North Africa.
“This collaboration extends beyond simply enhancing capabilities. It is fostering high-skilled employment and driving industrial growth within Morocco, solidifying our partnership with Orizio Group (Sabena Engineering), and strengthening American manufacturing, demonstrating that authentic collaboration yields enduring security and mutual prosperity for all our nations,” stated Ray Piselli, Vice President, International Business, Lockheed Martin.
About Maintenance Aéro Maroc (MAM)
Maintenance Aéro Maroc is a collaborative effort formed through the alliance between Sabena Engineering (Orizio Group) and MEDZ (CDG Group). Located at the Benslimane facility, MAM specializes in vital maintenance and modernization of C-130 Hercules and F-16 jets. Its vision is to evolve into a regional center of excellence in both military and civilian aircraft maintenance, with plans to expand into additional platforms and markets.
