The seventh edition of the Marrakech Air Show opened with excitement as visitors were treated to dazzling aerial performances, setting the stage for what has become a premier event in the aviation industry. Held every two years since 2008, the show has established itself as a significant event for aviation enthusiasts, industry professionals, and investors from around the world.
This year’s edition sees a vast array of civil and military aircraft on display, giving attendees the chance to explore the latest models and cutting-edge technology in the aviation sector.
Morocco has positioned itself as a growing hub in the aerospace industry, with the sector playing a critical role in the country’s economy. According to Ryad Mezzour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, the aerospace industry employs over 24,000 professionals in the country and exports over $2.3 billion worth of goods each year. “Our aim, our objective, is to double this figure in the coming years,” Mezzour shared, underscoring the government’s commitment to further developing this dynamic sector. Impressively, more than 42% of a plane’s spare parts are now produced within Morocco, reflecting the country’s growing capabilities and contributions to the global aviation supply chain.
The trade fair, which hosts over 200 exhibitors, has drawn thousands of visitors eager to experience the latest advancements in aerospace technology. The show provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders, investors, and clients to connect, share ideas, and explore emerging trends. Companies from around the world are showcasing innovations designed to improve air operations, with exhibits featuring everything from autonomous flight systems to the latest sensor technologies used in drones.
Morocco’s appeal to major investors in the aviation sector is steadily growing, particularly as the African market expands. Badr Slaoui, a sales manager at the French company Crouzet, emphasized the continent’s potential. “The African market is emerging. In recent years, we have seen a particular attraction from major investors and major clients in the aeronautics sector who are starting to set up in Morocco. We are also part of these investors. We have been in Morocco since 1995. And recently, we are really trying to cover the African market because we see that there is a growing need. And Africa is the future, that the world knows,” Slaoui remarked. Crouzet’s participation underscores the company’s commitment to serving this rapidly expanding market.
One of the highlights of this year’s Marrakech Air Show is the emphasis on sustainable aviation. Environmental solutions are a core theme, with companies unveiling new technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of air travel. Pierre Bettini, global aerospace market manager at Crouzet, spoke about his company’s approach to sustainable development. “There are two aspects to our sustainable development approach. The first is to help our customers, the people who manufacture the aircraft, to succeed in their electrification. We develop electrical and electronic components so that the aircraft consumes less fuel, or even no fuel at all,” Bettini explained. “And the second thing concerns our factories. Insulating our buildings, reducing our waste, allows us to have a more sustainable factory.” These initiatives align with the global push towards greener, more eco-friendly aviation practices.
The focus on sustainability reflects a broader commitment within the aerospace industry to address environmental challenges. The technologies showcased at the air show represent significant advancements in fuel efficiency, with innovations designed to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions. Companies like Crouzet are actively contributing to this movement by developing components and systems that support electrification, a promising shift that could lead to more energy-efficient aircraft in the near future.
The air show’s wide array of exhibitions and dynamic performances create an immersive experience for attendees, highlighting Morocco’s role as an increasingly prominent player in the aviation industry. The combination of investment, innovation, and sustainability points to a bright future for aerospace in Morocco and Africa as a whole. As the Marrakech Air Show continues, it stands not only as a showcase of technological progress but also as a testament to Morocco’s commitment to shaping the future of aviation in Africa and beyond.
