Marrakech, 31/10/2024 (MAP) – Morocco’s aeronautics ecosystem “stands as a true benchmark in Africa and beyond”, strengthened by free trade agreements with numerous global partners, making the Kingdom “an attractive industrial hub for aeronautics”, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said on Thursday in Marrakech.
In a speech read on his behalf by the ministry’s secretary general, Khalid Cherkaoui, at a conference on “the aeronautical system”, organized as part of the 7th Marrakech Air Show, the minister noted that leading players such as Boeing, Airbus and Safran have chosen Morocco to set up production units, thereby boosting the competitiveness of this national industry and encouraging an essential transfer of know-how.
The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) industry is a “pillar of our aeronautical ecosystem”, he pointed out, explaining that Morocco, with the presence of major players, has become “a regional hub for aircraft and component maintenance services, meeting the needs of regional airlines and the global market”.
He continued that this strategic activity generates skilled jobs and is a source of growth for local economy, noting that the French Civil Aviation Authority is working with industry and training institutes to continuously improve training curricula and conducting assessments to obtain the aeronautical titles and certificates qualifying personnel to work in various specialized positions.
“Our commitment to sustainable development is at the heart of our efforts”, Kayouh said, adding that Morocco is integrating practices aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting energy efficiency in all aspects of its aviation industry.
He also noted that “our solid legislative framework, embodied in the Civil Aviation Code, ensures a structured, secure and competitive environment, essential for attracting and sustaining investment,” explaining that this legal foundation includes safety, security, certification and environmental standards, and contributes to the stability and credibility of our aeronautical sector on the international stage.
The 7th Marrakech Air Show “testifies to our commitment to fostering cooperation in aeronautics, encouraging innovation and working for safe and environmentally-friendly air transport,” he said, concluding that “together, we can make of this edition a catalyst for partnerships and tangible progress in the aeronautics industry.”
For his part, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE) Ali Seddiki highlighted the dynamism of the Moroccan aeronautics system, stressing that this sector is at the service of major challenges facing the global aeronautics industry.
Morocco is relevant in several respects of this field, thanks to the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the High Solicitude the Sovereign gives to this sector, he pointed out, highlighting the foresight this industry offers the Kingdom, as well as Morocco’s ability to train talent in this field.
In this regard, the Kingdom has set to be a true partner in the aeronautics industry, he said, inviting various players and partners to “draw inspiration from those who believe in Morocco, and develop this strong local integration, as a guarantee of competitiveness, efficiency and success,” underlining the “certainty” that the Kingdom embodies in this sector.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Defense Administration and MEDZ, a subsidiary of CDG, this 7th edition (October 30 – November 02), with the United Arab Emirates as guest of honor, highlights Morocco’s growing importance on the global aeronautical scene.
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this year’s show boasts unprecedented participation, with 200 exhibitors, over 75 official delegations, spectacular aerial displays, a dynamic exhibition and a rich program of high-level conferences on emerging trends and current and future challenges in the sector.
