Sabena Engineering announced the launch of construction works for a maintenance and repair facility in Benslimane,near Casablanca,that will handle heavy servicing and modernization of F-16 fighter jets and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
The project is spearheaded by Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM),a subsidiary of Sabena Engineering and Maintenance Aeronautic Assets (MAA).
The new hangar,located on the Benslimane aerospace industry zone,is designed to become a regional hub for military aircraft maintenance,repair,and overhaul (MRO).
“This is a major milestone for Sabena Engineering and for Morocco’s aerospace ambitions,” MAM said in a LinkedIn post,highlighting its commitment to strengthening technical capabilities and positioning the country as a regional leader in aircraft maintenance.
The initiative is backed by a strategic partnership between Sabena Engineering (part of the Orizio group),MedZ (CDG group),and Lockheed Martin,aiming to transform Benslimane into a center of excellence for military aircraft servicing.
“This project represents a strategic partnership that will serve other countries in the Mediterranean region,” said Stéphane Burton,CEO of Sabena Engineering. “It’s not just infrastructure—it’s the realization of a shared ambition and mutual trust.”
Lockheed Martin echoed that sentiment. “This collaboration goes beyond building industrial capacity,” said Ray Piselli,vice president for international business. “It creates highly skilled jobs,drives industrial growth in Morocco,and strengthens ties between our nations.”
The center is expected to be operational in the second half of 2026,enabling MAM to perform heavy maintenance and technological upgrades on C-130 and F-16 aircraft while creating jobs for a highly qualified workforce.
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