Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), emphasized the vital role of Morocco’s aviation sector in driving economic growth during his remarks at the Worldwide Aviation Safety Conference (WSOC) on Tuesday. The conference, which runs until October 3, is being held in Marrakech.
Walsh highlighted the ambitious development plans of Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and the National Airports Office (ONDA), stating that these initiatives are crucial for establishing Morocco as a central hub connecting Africa with Europe and North America.
“The country’s forward-looking strategies are setting the stage for a prosperous future in aviation,” Walsh noted, adding that Morocco is poised to serve as a key link between continents. He also underscored the significant role aviation will play in Morocco’s preparations for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, calling for investments in efficient infrastructure and smart regulatory frameworks to support this growth.
Sustainability emerged as a central theme in Walsh’s address, with Morocco’s commitment to eco-friendly practices being a cornerstone of its aviation strategy. He pointed to Royal Air Maroc’s expansion of international environmental assessments, which now includes its subsidiaries, RAM Handling and RAM Express, as well as its involvement in the IATA CO2 Connect program. These efforts align with the global aviation industry’s aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Walsh also highlighted Morocco’s potential to become a major producer of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources, particularly green hydrogen, which is crucial for decarbonizing air transport.
The WSOC 2024 conference gathers aviation professionals to discuss critical issues, including artificial intelligence, geopolitical risks, turbulence management, and energy efficiency. It will also cover safety topics related to flight operations, cabin safety, maintenance, and crisis management.
The event aims to foster collaborations between aviation leaders and policymakers to enhance safety and sustainability efforts in the industry.
