Morocco, ICAO Sign Strategic Agreements to Enhance Aviation Training, Safety and Security

Fez, The Gulf Observer: Morocco has signed two major strategic agreements with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), outlining a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen training capacity, regulatory oversight, and aviation security, according to official details released on Tuesday.

The first agreement establishes a structured international training programme for civil aviation inspectors, led by Morocco’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics in partnership with ICAO. The initiative, set to begin in 2026 and run over a three-year period, is designed primarily for ICAO member states—particularly developing countries—and aims to train approximately 100 inspectors annually.

The programme will focus on enhancing oversight performance and raising global aviation safety standards, covering key technical areas such as flight operations, airworthiness, aviation security, air navigation, accident investigation, and air transport regulation. Training sessions will be conducted in Morocco through both in-person and hybrid formats, delivered in French and English.

Under the agreement, ICAO will oversee international coordination, including communication with member states, scholarship management, and candidate selection, while the Moroccan government will provide financial support along with the necessary infrastructure and technical resources. The initiative positions Morocco as a regional hub for capacity building and technical expertise in civil aviation.

The second agreement focuses on strengthening Morocco’s domestic aviation system, particularly in the areas of facilitation and security in line with international standards. It introduces measures to streamline passenger processing and border management, including the use of risk-based assessment tools for specific traveller categories, such as inadmissible passengers, to enhance efficiency without disrupting air traffic flow.

Additionally, the agreement outlines enhanced security protocols, including improved screening procedures for individuals with special status, such as diplomats, in accordance with international conventions. It also предусматри reinforced controls on high-risk cargo and the development of advanced cybersecurity systems to safeguard aviation infrastructure and sensitive data.

Implementation of these measures will involve expert-led evaluations and coordinated efforts across aviation stakeholders, with the objective of building sustainable institutional capacity and reinforcing Morocco’s long-term aviation strategy.

The agreements reflect Morocco’s dual approach of expanding its role in international aviation training while strengthening the resilience, safety, and operational efficiency of its national aviation system.