Morocco will host the fifth session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium on April 13 in Marrakesh, underscoring the kingdom’s growing role in global aviation governance, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said.
Morocco was selected following a competitive process involving nearly 90 candidate countries, citing the country’s improved performance in civil aviation oversight, Kayouh told le360.
Morocco’s compliance rate with international aviation safety standards has risen from 67% to nearly 87%, he said.
The summit is expected to bring together around 1,500 participants, including about 50 transport ministers, as well as aviation experts, aircraft manufacturers and industry executives.
Discussions will focus on the energy transition in air transport, including alternatives to conventional jet fuel as part of efforts to decarbonize the sector.
Morocco is exploring options such as sustainable aviation fuels, green hydrogen and green ammonia, Kayouh said.
The event comes as Morocco ramps up its aviation infrastructure and fleet expansion strategy. Under the country’s Airports 2030 policy, airport capacity is set to double to 80 million passengers by 2030, from about 40 million currently, positioning Morocco as a regional hub linking Africa, Europe and the Americas.
National carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is pursuing a parallel expansion plan in partnership with the state, aiming to grow its fleet to around 200 aircraft. In July 2023, RAM signed a program contract with the government targeting a fourfold increase in fleet size by 2037. The airline has since launched a tender for 188 aircraft, with results expected soon.
Separately, Kayouh said the government has allocated 648 million dirhams ($65 million) in direct support to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the professional transport sector. The aid is set to benefit owners of more than 216,000 vehicles, covering freight transport, taxis, urban and intercity buses, tourist transport, rural mixed transport, employee transport, roadside assistance and school transport.
