The aviation sector constitutes an essential engine of economic growth in Morocco, said Tuesday in Marrakech, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh.
Mr. Walsh, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the World Aviation Safety Conference (WSOC), whose work continues until October 3, noted that the ambitious growth plans of Royal Air Maroc and the National Airports Office (ONDA) promise a “brilliant” future for aviation in Morocco.
These plans have the potential to play a key role in connecting Africa to Europe and North America, he argued.
Recalling that aviation will play a crucial role in the organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a joint edition between Morocco, Spain and Portugal, Mr. Walsh insisted on the need for investment in cost-effective infrastructure, smart regulation and policies supporting the goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2050.
Read also ｜ Civil aviation: Environmental sustainability at the heart of the debates in Marrakech
In terms of sustainability, he noted that it is at the forefront of Moroccan aviation strategy, recalling that Royal Air Maroc has expanded its international environmental assessment program to include RAM Handling subsidiaries. and RAM Express, as well as participation in IATA’s CO2 Connect program, which is nearing completion.
Furthermore, Mr. Walsh stressed that Morocco is particularly well placed to become a major producer of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), taking advantage of its renewable energy potential, notably green hydrogen, considered a key technology in the global effort to decarbonize air transport.
Organized by IATA, under the aegis of Royal Air Maroc, WSOC 2024 will be an opportunity to debate current topics linked in particular to artificial intelligence (AI), geopolitical risks, turbulence management and to energy efficiency.
This meeting will address all aspects of safety, including flight operations, cabin operations, maintenance and crisis management (emergency response planning and aircraft recovery).
It will also offer the opportunity to develop partnerships with aviation professionals and decision-makers.
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