The eighth edition of the Marrakech International Airshow concluded on Saturday, October 11, 2026, at the Royal Armed Forces airbase in Marrakech, featuring an extraordinary aerial display that showcased precision, skill, and coordination. The event was marked by an awe-inspiring performance by the "Green March" aerobatic team, which drew a massive crowd eager to witness the exceptional maneuvers executed by these highly skilled pilots, whose reputation extends far beyond national borders.
The airshow highlighted the team's expertise, exhibiting a perfect blend of control and technical prowess. Among the standout performances was a breathtaking flight of six F-16 fighter jets flying at low altitude, followed by a display from four additional aircraft. Attendees were also treated to impressive demonstrations from combat helicopter pilots flying Apache models, recently acquired by the Royal Armed Forces, showcasing the operational capabilities and outstanding performance of these aircraft.
Internationally acclaimed aerobatic teams participated in the final day’s events, including the Royal Saudi Air Force's "Saudi Hawks," which captivated audiences with their precision maneuvers and impeccable coordination. The UAE's "Al Fursan" aerobatic team also stole the spotlight with their synchronized acrobatic movements, performed in formations that left spectators in awe. Seven Italian aircraft, specifically the Aermacchi MB-339, symbolizing the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, executed harmonious aerial movements that painted vibrant displays of the national flag across the sky.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, Toufik Mcharref, president of the Space, Aviation, and Defense Exhibitions Association, emphasized that the eighth edition of the airshow represents a significant turning point for the aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors in the kingdom. He noted that Marrakech transformed into a global hub for innovation over the four days of the event, featuring nearly 200 exhibitors from 27 countries and over 60 foreign delegations, including 27 African delegations.
Mcharref highlighted the substantial and strategic advancements achieved during the 2026 edition, reflecting the royal vision aimed at establishing sovereign independence and elevating the national industrial fabric and its foundations to new heights of added value. The event was characterized by the signing of major agreements aimed at enhancing local integration and strengthening the national aviation industry, diversifying advanced competencies, improving local supply chains, and fostering the development of national companies.
Additionally, the agreements signed during the event are expected to create jobs and generate wealth and value through the localization of new professions and enhanced integration into the industrial value chain. Notably, major industrial groups renewed their trust in Morocco as a destination, which will contribute to creating even greater added value within the kingdom.
Mcharref also mentioned that significant global companies joined the coalition established around the "African Manufacturing Excellence Center," hosted by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir, which brings together the state, the Office Chérifien des Phosphates, and major global groups like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Safran Nacelles.
He added that the industrial partnerships established, particularly in defense mobility, electronic systems integration, and complex aircraft manufacturing, reflect the kingdom's commitment to designing and assembling sovereign technologies on its soil. Furthermore, a crucial agreement was signed to establish a sovereign technological and industrial system through an integrated platform encompassing all stages, from research to engineering, assembly, and testing.
The Marrakech International Airshow 2026 welcomed over 17,000 professional visitors during the first three days, alongside approximately 25,000 general attendees, bringing the total number of visitors to around 40,000. The airshow, held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, served as an opportunity to highlight the progress made by the Moroccan aviation industry and to diversify its areas of activity.
This event was organized by the Space, Aviation, and Defense Exhibitions Association in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the National Defense Administration, the Royal Armed Forces, and the Royal Gendarmerie, with support from the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development, the National Airports Office, and Royal Air Maroc.
As reported by le12.ma.
