Morocco's Commitment to Advancing Civil Aviation
On April 14, 2026, Morocco took significant steps to elevate its civil aviation standards during the Global Civil Aviation Symposium (GISS 2026) held in Marrakech. In a formal ceremony, the Moroccan government, represented by Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar signed two pivotal agreements aimed at enhancing aviation inspector training and airport security protocols. These initiatives are designed to position Morocco as a key player in the regional aviation sector, particularly in providing training programs for ICAO member states, with an emphasis on developing nations.
Details of the Training and Security Agreements
The first agreement focuses on the establishment of an international training program for civil aviation inspectors. Morocco has pledged to host approximately 100 inspectors annually over the next three years, covering essential areas such as air operations, aircraft safety, aviation security, accident investigation, and air transport. The training sessions will be delivered in both French and English, utilizing in-person and hybrid formats to accommodate a diverse range of participants.
Under this framework, the ICAO will manage administrative responsibilities, including communication with candidate states, processing applications, and awarding scholarships, while Morocco will provide necessary funding and infrastructure. This collaborative structure not only underscores Morocco's commitment to aviation training but also solidifies its role as a regional training hub.
The second agreement is more technical, aiming to bolster Morocco's airport facilitation and security capabilities through expert-led initiatives from the ICAO. This includes enhancing passenger processing at airport borders, refining risk assessment procedures for specific traveler categories, and ensuring the protection of sensitive cargo and high-risk goods. Additionally, the agreement emphasizes the growing importance of cybersecurity within national civil aviation systems, particularly as airport infrastructures become increasingly digitized.
These initiatives come at a time when Morocco boasts an impressive compliance rate of 87% with ICAO security standards, as per the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP). The GISS 2026 continues in Marrakech with a series of thematic panels addressing key topics such as air connectivity, sector financing, and human resources development.
As reported by telquel.ma.
