The Moroccan aerospace industry has made significant strides in recent years to position itself as a lower cost base than nearby Europe. But this could be undermined if mounting political unrest in the north African country boils over into violence.

 The industry group here at the Paris Air Show (Hall B2 F93) comprises more than 90 aerospace companies employing more than 8,500. Annual growth is heading for 20 percent as a result of investment by companies such as Boeing, EADS, Snecma, Aircelle and Creuzet.

The sector is aiming to employ 15,000 by 2015 and 23,000 by 2020. Work recently began to renovate the MidParc Casablanca Free Zone. The country has also just opened an Aviation Trade Institute (IMA).

The Casablanca Free Zone accommodates up to 300 units in its 308-acre trade park. Not far from MidParc the IMA trains up to 400 aerospace students and is set to double in size by 2015. Besides technical training, the institute carries out training in purchasing, quality control, logistics, engineering and industrial management.