MEBAA Show Morocco, the first business aviation show in North Africa, opens today with African companies such as Air Ocean Maroc, AfricAir and Waga Engineering & Distribution exhibiting alongside key business aviation players such as Bombardier and Gulfstream.

The two-day event features a static display area, around 50 exhibitors and 25 aircraft and is being held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, at the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.

The MEBAA Show Morocco is organised by F&E Aerospace on behalf of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA),  and is described as a must attend event for anyone involved in chartering, leasing, selling, purchasing, operating and servicing business and VIP jets.  

Attendees at the event will also be able to see business aircraft on display including a Gulfstream G550 and a Bombardier Global 6000. 

The event is exclusively for business aviation suppliers, providers and buyers to network and establish new relationships in North Africa.

Demand for business travel in Africa has expanded in line with the region’s growth in trade and business opportunities, according to Investec, who cite the fact that business aircraft is a necessary tool for those who do business in Africa. 

While market statistics state that Africa’s business jet fleet has more than doubled in the last 10 years, Bombardier’s Market Forecast predicts further growth in regional business jet deliveries, with a fleet compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 per cent between 2014 and 2033.

Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA, says: “We are pleased to have such a cross section of the industry represented here at MEBAA Show Morocco. With around 50 per cent of the region’s business aviation activity based here, it is the ideal location for this event to take place.”

MEBAA is the official representative of the business aviation industry in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and is a member of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC).

Established in 2006, MEBAA is a non-profit association with the mission to provide a platform for members of the business aviation industry in the Mena region to gather, understand and communicate the needs and benefits of the industry.

As part of its current growth strategy, MEBAA seeks to implement operational safety and efficiency by providing best in-practice training, lectures and conferences, establishing codes of conduct, and providing industry data. 

Today, MEBAA represents over 240 companies within the MENA region and provides a number of products and services to its members, including the MAIS (MEBAA Aviation Insurance Scheme) insurance scheme for operators. In addition to various networking events, MEBAA hosts the MEBAA Show in Dubai, UAE, which ranks as the third largest business aviation show in the world.