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Marrakech – Vertical Aerospace has announced a strategic partnership with Aciturri Aerostructures, which operates a production facility in Morocco, to manufacture airframes for its revolutionary VX4 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The British aerospace company revealed on Monday that Aciturri will supply the entire airframe for its VX4 aircraft. This includes the wing, empennage, pylons, and fuselage for both pre-production models and certified versions that will enter commercial service pending certification.
Aciturri, which established its presence in Morocco in September 2023 through the acquisition of GOAM Industrie near Casablanca, brings nearly 50 years of experience in commercial aircraft programs.
The Spanish aerospace manufacturer, founded in 1977, has previously worked on major components for Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Embraer KC-390 aircraft.
The partnership is part of Vertical’s “Flightpath 2030” strategy, which focuses on securing long-term parts supply and strengthening strategic industrial collaborations.
It follows Vertical’s expanded partnership with Honeywell to supply flight control and aircraft management systems for the VX4 and builds on Vertical’s recent milestone of completing its first airport-to-airport flights.
Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson stressed the importance of the partnership. “As we accelerate toward commercialization, the VX4 demands an airframe built specifically for the unique challenges of eVTOL and the highest levels of safety certification,” he stated.
Manuel Gonzalez Relaño, CEO at Aciturri Aerostructures, noted that both companies share “a strong commitment to advancing the future of air mobility by redefining urban transport with sustainable electric flight.”
Aciturri’s production facility in the Midparc industrial zone in Nouaceur, Casablanca, could potentially be involved in certain production stages of the VX4’s airframe. The Spanish manufacturer currently employs over 3,100 workers across facilities in Spain, Portugal, Brazil, France, and Morocco, with an annual turnover of around €500 million.
Read also: Boeing, Alphavest Capital to Establish Five Aerospace Centers in Morocco
Vertical Aerospace has secured approximately 1,500 pre-orders for its VX4 aircraft from customers across four continents, including major airlines such as American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow. The company aims to deliver a zero-emissions aircraft that provides a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel.
The VX4 represents a new generation of electric aircraft designed for urban mobility, capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet evolving market needs.
Vertical Aerospace, headquartered in Bristol, UK, combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell, and Leonardo, while developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology.
The company’s leadership team comes from top-tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo, with experience certifying and supporting over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
This partnership marks another step forward for Morocco’s growing aerospace industry, which continues to attract international manufacturers expanding their global production capabilities.
The industry registered MAD 14.13 billion ($1.41 billion) in exports during the first half of 2025, an 8.8% increase compared to the same period last year, with total exports reaching MAD 26.44 billion ($2.64 billion) in 2024.
Morocco’s aerospace sector has more than tripled its export value over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 13%. The country’s aerospace industry now encompasses 150 companies generating an annual revenue of €2.5 billion and employing 26,000 workers full-time.
