Business aviation took a step forward in North Africa this week, with the second edition of the MEBAA Morocco trade show taking place for the first time in Marrakech. The Moroccan government has thrown its weight behind the industry, with tourism minister Mohammed Sajid officially opening the show on Tuesday, organized by the Dubai-based Middle East Business Aviation Association.

Swissport Executive Aviation officials told AIN that all four FBOs it has won licenses for in Morocco would “open by October 2018.” Jetex Flight Support said a total of 11,000 movements a year countrywide justified its decision to set up five FBOs in Morocco, which are set to open soon.

“The hotel industry is also key. There are 4,000 movements in Marrakech, and there is a very sound [organization] here to support the general aviation business: hotels, logistics, infrastructure and restaurants. For FBOs in Dubai and Marrakech, the infrastructure is very strong,” said Jetex CEO Adel Mardini.

Marrakech is Morocco's main business aviation hub, ahead of Casablanca, the nation’s economic capital, where the first MEBAA Morocco Show took place in 2015.