Organisers of the MEBAA Show Morocco hailed the quality of visitors who attended the opening day of the event, which is now in its second edition.

The two-day show is being held in Marrakech and was inaugurated by Mohammed Sajid, the Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Crafts and Social Economy.

On opening the event, the minister toured some of the exhibitor stands with Ali Al Naqbi, Founding & Executive Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the event’s organiser. 

Among the exhibits that they viewed were Bombardier, Bell Helicopter and Swissport Executive Aviation. 

Zouhair El Aoufir, CEO of Office National des Aeroports (ONDA), said: “We are proud to celebrate the collaboration between ONDA and MEBAA to encourage business aviation to flourish in the region.”

Morocco’s reputation in the business aviation industry continues to grow as major industry players recognise the opportunities it offers. 

As a strategic location with easy access to Europe, the Middle East and the rest of Africa, Morocco has become a popular destination for corporations such as Boeing looking to expand internationally, and the aerospace industry in the country benefits from ardent government backing. In addition, reports state that the country’s 2020 aerospace goals include bringing in 100 new investors, creating 23,000 new jobs and generating $1.6 billion in new revenue. 

Business aviation fleet size in the region has doubled over the past ten years.  Africa is forecast to receive aircraft deliveries to a value of $7 billion over the next ten years with over 80 per cent of these predicted to be in the light or medium categories, according to the Bombardier Business Aircraft Market Forecast 2016 – 2025. The same report predicts compound annual fleet growth of 3.2 per cent.

“We are thrilled with the first day of the MEBAA Show Morocco,” said Al Naqbi. “The quality of the visitors and the engagement that they have achieved with the exhibitors has demonstrated that the market demand for this event is growing in line with the industry.”

The MEBAA Show Morocco is held at Marrakech Menara Airport under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and in partnership with ONDA. 

The show continues today.