Morocco begins construction of new C-130 and F-16 maintenance hangar in Benslimane

Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM), a subsidiary of Sabena Engineering, broke ground on its new hangar on Wednesday, October 15, at Benslimane Airport.

Dedicated to the heavy maintenance of C-130 Hercules and F-16 aircraft, the facility is developed in partnership with MEDZ Morocco (CDG) and U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, MAM and Sabena Engineering announced on Thursday.

«This construction is more than an infrastructure, it embodies a collective ambition and mutual trust among partners committed to the future of aircraft maintenance», Sabena Engineering CEO Stéphane Burton said.

Reacting to the announcement, Morocco’s ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, said the strategic project «consolidates Morocco’s leadership in the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) sector and underscores our shared commitment to innovation, training, and industrial excellence». He added that it marks «a new chapter in Morocco–U.S. aerospace cooperation».

A new chapter in Morocco –US aerospace cooperation. Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM), the Moroccan branch of Sabena Engineering, has launched construction of a state-of-the-art hangar at #Benslimane Airport, dedicated to the heavy maintenance of C-130 Hercules and F-16 aircraft.… pic.twitter.com/kgYsPAk65f

— Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) October 16, 2025

Set to become operational in 2026, the new 8,000 m² hangar aims to enhance technological autonomy, foster knowledge transfer, and create skilled jobs within Morocco’s growing aerospace industry.