Marrakech Welcomes the GISS 2026 Conference
The city of Marrakech has proudly hosted the fifth edition of the Global Conference on Implementation Support (GISS 2026), organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This significant international event underscores Morocco's growing presence in the civil aviation sector, both regionally and globally. The conference took place under the esteemed patronage of King Mohammed VI, highlighting the strategic importance that the Kingdom places on developing air transport and reinforcing its role as an active partner in the international aviation system.
In his opening speech, the Minister of Transport and Logistics expressed Morocco's pride in hosting this global event, praising the vital role ICAO plays in advancing the sector. He specifically acknowledged initiatives like “No Country Left Behind,” which aims to empower nations with best practices and international standards in aviation. The selection of Morocco to host this milestone conference reflects the international community's confidence in its organizational capabilities and its advanced standing within the civil aviation framework.
Thematic Focus and Future Prospects
This edition of the conference is centered around the theme “Regional Solutions for a Global Impact,” which signifies an international commitment to enhancing cooperation and integration among countries to tackle the escalating challenges in the sector, including aviation safety, infrastructure development, and digital transformation. The 2026 iteration is expected to witness record participation, indicating a growing global interest in supporting implementation and achieving sustainable development within aviation.
The Minister's address highlighted the dynamic evolution of the air transport sector worldwide, projecting an increase in passenger numbers to 14 billion by 2050, driven by the growth of emerging economies and improvements in infrastructure. On a national scale, Moroccan airports recorded over 36 million passengers in 2025, facilitating approximately 270,000 flight operations, while Morocco is connected to more than 170 international destinations through over 70 airlines, backed by a network of 18 international airports.
To keep pace with this growth, Morocco is actively modernizing its infrastructure and accelerating digital transformation, particularly in anticipation of major upcoming events, including the 2030 World Cup. The sector's development is anchored in the “Airports 2030” strategy, which aims to boost capacity to 80 million passengers annually, alongside modernizing the air transport fleet and enhancing international connectivity.
Morocco has also not overlooked the industrial side, as the aviation manufacturing sector now comprises around 150 companies, providing over 25,000 jobs and generating a turnover of nearly 26 billion dirhams, thereby enhancing the integration of the national economy into global value chains. In addressing environmental challenges, the Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable aviation by investing in renewable energy and green hydrogen, while also contributing to the development of low-carbon aviation fuels, aligning with carbon neutrality goals by 2050.
The Minister emphasized that the human element remains central to the sector's development, announcing the launch of a training program to enhance skills in civil aviation and promote the exchange of expertise among countries. In conclusion, he underscored that the GISS 2026 conference serves as a platform for dialogue and collaborative action, presenting an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, contributing to the establishment of a safer and more sustainable aviation system, and solidifying Morocco's position as a key player in this vital field.
As reported by machahid.info.
