IATA: Morocco’s Aviation Sector Is Key Economic Driver

Doha – At the IATA World Safety and Operations Conference in Marrakech, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) commended the vital role of Morocco’s aviation industry in propelling the country’s economic growth.

The conference, which kicked off on October 1 in Marrakech, brings together stakeholders across the industry to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of safety and security.

At the event, IATA Director General Willie Walsh spoke to the necessity of smart regulation and cost-effective infrastructure to maximize the potential of Morocco’s aviation sector.

In a press statement, IATA announced that air travel to Morocco has surged by 68% over the past decade, with more than 12.4 million passengers in 2023.

The travel and tourism industry’s contribution to Morocco’s GDP reached $25.5 billion, representing 13.4% of the economy.

In the same year, aviation has facilitated the export of goods and services, accounting for nearly 44% of Morocco’s GDP, a remarkable 20 percentage point increase over the past 63 years.

Morocco’s aviation sector is poised for significant growth in the next two decades, with passenger numbers expected to rise by 50% in 2043 compared to 2024.

The industry will also be instrumental in the country’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Royal Air Maroc aims to quadruple its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, while Morocco’s airport capacity is projected to double, accommodating more than 90 million passengers by 2035.

“Aviation is a major driver of Morocco’s economy, facilitating travel, trade, and economic development,” said Walsh. “The ambitious growth plans of both Royal Air Maroc and the National Airports Office (ONDA) present a bright future for aviation in Morocco with the potential to play a key role in linking Africa to Europe and North America.”

To achieve success in aviation, Walsh stressed that the Moroccan government must prioritize cost-effective infrastructure investments, policies supporting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and a regulatory framework that fosters growth based on global standards.

IATA as a whole has commended the positive discussions with the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on developing a Passenger Rights Law that aligns with global best practices and industry standards.

Sustainability is a central focus of Morocco’s aviation strategy. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has expanded its International Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program and is finalizing its participation in IATA’s CO2 Connect.

In December 2023, RAM operated its first flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Morocco’s unique position allows it to become a significant SAF producer by harnessing its renewable energy potential, including green hydrogen.

As part of its ambitious national masterplan, Morocco is developing its airport infrastructure to accommodate the anticipated growth in the aviation sector.

IATA advocates for the development of sustainable infrastructure through collaborative planning with airlines, ensuring timely delivery, increased capacity, and maintaining cost-effectiveness and competitiveness, the airline association added in their statement.

To manage the expected rise in passenger numbers, IATA recommends incorporating facilitation technologies such as One ID and contactless processing into new infrastructure.

These technologies optimize terminal efficiency, streamline passenger journeys, and enhance the overall travel experience.

During the conference, Royal Air Maroc CEO Abdelhamid Addou and IATA’s Willie Walsh signed an agreement for a new aviation safety culture survey.

“Safety is a number one priority for the industry. We don’t take it for granted,” added Walsh at the event. “We are constantly investing significant amounts of money to ensure safe, secure operations and are constantly exploring new ways to enhance the industry.”

Walsh also noted that while passenger traffic has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, the industry still faces challenges such as ongoing disruptions to supply chains, high costs, and geopolitical instability, all of which have a significant impact on safe and efficient operations.

However, he emphasized that the industry must not compete or compromise on safety and security.