Zahira Bouaouda, Morocco’s First Female Aerospace Leader Takes Helm at Safran

Zahira Bouaouda has been named the Managing Director of Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco, marking another significant milestone in her career and for women in Morocco’s aerospace industry.

Rabat – Zahira Bouaouda has been named the Managing Director of Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco, marking another significant milestone in her career and for women in Morocco’s aerospace industry.

Bouaouda takes the helm of the subsidiary, which specializes in the maintenance of CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and Royal Air Maroc.

Based at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, the company plays a critical role in supporting the aviation industry’s operational demands.

Bouaouda brings over 17 years of experience in finance and leadership, most recently serving as President of Matis Aerospace, a joint venture between Safran Electrical & Power and Boeing, which focuses on electrical harnesses for aircraft.

She is the first woman in Morocco to lead an aerospace company, a significant achievement in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Her journey is a remarkable one. Trained as a chartered accountant, Bouaouda entered the aerospace sector without a technical background, yet quickly made her mark.

After joining Matis Aerospace as CFO in 2006, she rose through the ranks to become Chief Operating Officer in 2017 and President by 2020.

Throughout her leadership, she has navigated the company through challenging periods, including cost-cutting measures amid the COVID-19 crisis, all while striving to protect the workforce. Despite efforts to limit impact, the workforce was reduced from 1,100 to 700 employees.

Bouaouda’s leadership extends beyond the boardroom. She’s a strong advocate for women’s education in Morocco, particularly in rural areas, where girls often face significant barriers to academic opportunities.

Her own career trajectory, from a finance professional to the top of the aerospace industry, stands as an inspiration to many young women in the country.

Bouaouda holds dual degrees in Business Administration and Chartered Accountancy from the Institut Supérieur de Commerce et d’Administration des Entreprises in Morocco.