Marrakech Air Show 2024
The Marrakech Air Show (MAS 2024) returned to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK/GMMX) from 30 October to 2 November 2024. Gathering global aerospace contractors, military delegations, and cutting-edge unmanned technology, the expo offered an extensive defense static park, precision flight demonstrations, and international pavilion showcases.
- Defense & Unmanned Focus: Heavy emphasis on tactical airlifters, attack UAVs (Baykar TB-3, Kizilelma), and precision munition systems.
- Flight Display Performer Lineup: RMAF F-16 Falcon, Canadair CL-415 water drop demos, La Marche Verte aerobatics, and Spain's Patrulla Águila.
- Global Pavilions: Major presence from UAE (Edge Group & Calidus), China (AVIC / Chengdu), Safran, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin.
Static Display
The static display was intensely defense and security oriented, showcasing frontline tactical transports, multirole helicopters, advanced trainers, and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
Static Aircraft Lineup
| Manufacturer | Aircraft & Systems Displayed |
|---|---|
| Airbus | H225 Super Puma, H135, H145, AS565 Panther |
| Lockheed Martin | C-130J Super Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon |
| Baykar Technologies | Bayraktar TB-3, Kizilelma Models |
| Boeing | KC-130 Stratotanker Aerial Refueler |
| Alenia | C-27J Spartan Tactical Airlifter |
| Bombardier / De Havilland | CL-415 Amphibious Water Bomber |
| Raytheon / Beechcraft | T-6C Texan II Advanced Military Trainer |
| Calidus & TATA | MCAV-014 Combat Vehicle, TATA WhAP 8x8 |
| Diamond Aircraft | DA-40 Diamond Star, DA-42 Twin Star |
Flight Display Highlights
The aerial flight display featured tight precision routines over Marrakech Menara, headlined by Morocco's elite aerobatic team and an international guest appearance from the Spanish Air Force:
| Country | Performing Team & Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Morocco | La Marche Verte (Cap-232 aerobatics), RMAF F-16C Block 52+ solo display, Bombardier CL-415 aerial water drop demonstration |
| Spain | Patrulla Águila (CASA C-101 Aviojet team display) |
RMAF Museum & Heritage Exhibit
The expo included a dedicated Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) museum celebrating Moroccan military aviation heritage, showcasing scale models, pilot flight equipment, and a real General Electric J85 turbojet engine from the Northrop F-5E Tiger II.
Industry Booths & Technology Pavilions
The exhibition halls hosted major global defense contractors and national aerospace clusters:
Royal Air Maroc Historical Showcase
National flag carrier Royal Air Maroc designed a museum-style pavilion featuring rare historical artifacts, a flight recorder exhibit, and detailed scale models of the Lockheed L-749A Constellation, Boeing 747-400, and 737 MAX 8.
UAE Pavilion (Edge Group & Calidus)
The United Arab Emirates pavilion featured a vast open showcase. Calidus presented its B-250 Bader light attack turboprop with interactive mission simulator booths, while Edge Group exhibited a wide portfolio of smart loitering munitions, precision glide bombs, and air-defense missiles.
AVIC China Pavilion
China's Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) presented an extensive lineup of manned fighters and heavy strategic transports, including the J-10 Vigorous Dragon fighter, the heavy Y-20 Kunpeng airlifter, and the MA-60 regional transport.
