The 8th edition of the Marrakech Air Show (MAS 2026) took place from October 7 to 10 at the Royal Air Force base in Marrakech. The event brought together over 200 exhibitors from 19 countries, with a projected 2,000 B2B meetings. The MAS 2026 has established itself as a major platform for innovation in the aerospace, defense, and space sectors in Africa. The event has also become a showcase for Morocco's industrial excellence and competitiveness in the aerospace sector.
Several significant agreements were announced during the MAS 2026, including a partnership between Harmattan AI and the Moroccan government to produce a long-range strike drone, IRIFI, in Morocco. Safran also officially announced the establishment of its oil tank production plant in Nouaceur, with an investment of 120 million dirhams. Additionally, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Safran joined the Africa Center of Manufacturing Excellence (ACME), a research center for advanced manufacturing.
The MAS 2026 focused on strategic themes such as industrial sovereignty, high-tech defense systems, artificial intelligence, and satellite technologies. The event also highlighted Morocco's growing aerospace industry, which has become a major hub for the sector. The industry is supported by an ecosystem of over 150 companies employing more than 25,000 people.
Morocco's aerospace exports have been growing rapidly, with a 21.5% increase in exports to nearly 23 billion dirhams as of August 2026, according to the Office des changes. The sector's growth is driven by the expansion of the assembly and electrical wiring interconnection systems segments. Morocco's aerospace exports reached nearly $3.2 billion in 2025, representing a 10% annual increase.
The country's ambition to produce a "made in Morocco" aircraft by 2030 remains a priority. Safran has launched several projects in Morocco, including the construction of a maintenance and repair complex for LEAP engines and a production line for aircraft engines. The company has also announced plans to build a landing gear production plant in Nouaceur, which will create 300 high-skilled jobs by 2029.
The MAS 2026 also featured a significant defense component, with a focus on military aviation and defense systems. The event included demonstrations and presentations of advanced aircraft and technologies. The show also hosted strategic panels and discussions on topics such as industrial sovereignty, supply chain resilience, and digitalization.
The success of the MAS 2026 demonstrates Morocco's attractiveness to international aerospace players. Several companies, including Pratt & Whitney, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, and Trelleborg, have announced investments or established new facilities in Morocco. The event has solidified Morocco's position as a major player in the global aerospace industry.
Key points
- Morocco's aerospace industry has grown significantly, with exports reaching nearly $3.2 billion in 2025.
- The country aims to produce a "made in Morocco" aircraft by 2030.
- The MAS 2026 brought together over 200 exhibitors from 19 countries, with a projected 2,000 B2B meetings.
