--- eventsindex_id: "EI-07010" slug: marrakech-air-show title: "Marrakech Air Show" title_alt: ["MAS", "Marrakech Airshow", "Salon Aéronautique de Marrakech"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/marrakech-air-show.html" next_edition_year: 2026 date_start: "2026-10-07" date_end: "2026-10-10" venue: "Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base" city: "Marrakech" country: "Morocco" organiser: "Ministry of Industry and Trade / National Defence Administration / Royal Armed Forces / Royal Air Force / Royal Gendarmerie" organiser_url: "https://marrakechairshow2026.com" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, policy] format: [exhibition, airshow, conference] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, investment, innovation] geography_scope: [global] season: autumn meta_description: "Marrakech Air Show (MAS), 7-10 Oct 2026, Marrakech Air Force Base. Africa's premier biennial aerospace and defence airshow: 194 exhibitors, 30,000 visitors." editorial_take: "Africa's most credible aerospace-and-defence airshow, MAS is the gateway to a continent of fast-growing procurement budgets and Morocco's own booming aerospace industrial base of 150-plus companies." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 43/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # Marrakech Air Show (MAS) > *The Marrakech Air Show (MAS) is Africa's leading international biennial aerospace, defence, and space event, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco at the Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base. The 8th edition runs 7-10 October 2026, building on the 7th edition (2024) which recorded 194 exhibitors, 50 delegations, and 30,000 visitors.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **7-10 October 2026 (8th edition)** | **Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base** | **5 Moroccan government ministries** | **30,000 visitors (2024)** | | 4 days, biennial | Marrakech, Morocco | Government/multi-ministerial | 194 exhibitors, 50 delegations (2024) | --- ## Definition The Marrakech Air Show (MAS) is a biennial international aerospace, defence, and space exhibition and airshow held at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base in Marrakech. Organised jointly by five Moroccan governmental bodies -- the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Defence Administration, the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Gendarmerie -- under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, it is the largest aerospace and defence event on the African continent. The 8th edition takes place 7-10 October 2026. The event alternates between Marrakech and the off-year, with no competing African airshow at comparable scale. ## Origins and strategic context The Marrakech Air Show was first held in 2006 (some sources indicate the first edition as 2008; the 2024 edition was officially the 7th), positioned as a showcase for Morocco's growing aerospace and defence industrial base. Morocco launched a national aerospace strategy in the 2000s that attracted tier-one manufacturers (including Safran, Zodiac, and later Airbus suppliers) to establish manufacturing and MRO operations in the country. By 2026 Morocco's aerospace ecosystem numbered over 150 world-class companies. MAS was designed both to attract foreign investment and procurement interest and to demonstrate the "Made in Morocco" industrial capability to a global audience. Its biennial rhythm, held under royal patronage, gives the event high political visibility. ## The 2026 edition: industrial sovereignty and new technologies The 8th edition, running 7-10 October 2026, focuses on four strategic themes: industrial sovereignty, high-tech defence systems, artificial intelligence, and satellite technologies. The 2026 edition is described by organisers as marking "a new era for Morocco's aerospace ecosystem." The dual-track format -- outdoor static military and civilian aircraft display plus an indoor high-tech industrial exhibition -- continues from previous editions. Official partners include Morocco's investment promotion agency AMDIE, national carrier Royal Air Maroc, and the national airports authority ONDA. Gold partners include Vertex (formerly Lockheed Martin Aerojet MRO Morocco), Vermeg, and Orange Morocco. ## Where MAS sits in the defence calendar MAS occupies the October slot in even-numbered years, a relatively clear window in the global defence airshow calendar. It does not compete with Dubai Airshow (November, odd years) or Paris Air Show (June, odd years). It runs the same month as Euronaval (Paris, even years) but serves a different audience. For companies targeting the African and North African defence market, MAS is the primary dedicated aerospace platform -- the only African event at this scale and with this level of government endorsement. ## Who attends MAS Exhibitors include global prime contractors (Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Embraer, Leonardo, CATIC), European and North American supply-chain companies, Moroccan aerospace manufacturers and MRO providers, and space-sector firms. The visitor profile combines African defence ministry officials, air force representatives, commercial airline procurement teams, Moroccan industrial stakeholders, and international investors. The 50 delegations recorded in 2024 included multiple African governments. The UAE was the Country of Honour at the 2024 edition, presenting a pavilion of over 800 sqm. ## What the MAS format includes The show operates a dual-track structure: an outdoor airfield zone with static military and civilian aircraft displays and live flying demonstrations, and an indoor exhibition hall (12,500 sqm in 2024) hosting industrial exhibitors. B2B matchmaking meetings are facilitated between exhibitors and official delegations. A programme of conferences and roundtables on aerospace industry topics runs in parallel. The site at the Royal Air Force Base provides active runways suitable for large aircraft demonstrations. ## What MAS covers Themes include civil and military aviation, aerospace manufacturing, MRO and sustainment, space and satellite systems, defence electronics and avionics, AI in aerospace and defence, unmanned aerial systems, and Morocco's aerospace industrial value chain. The 2026 edition adds specific focus on industrial sovereignty strategies for African nations and advanced AI-driven aerospace systems. ## The 2024 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Edition | 7th (2024) | | Dates | 30 October -- 2 November 2024 | | Exhibitors | 194 | | Official delegations | 50 | | Visitors (total) | 30,000+ | | Exhibition area (indoor) | 12,500 sqm | | Country of Honour | United Arab Emirates | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Who organises MAS and is it a government event? MAS is a multi-ministerial government event jointly organised by five Moroccan state bodies: the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Defence Administration, the Royal Armed Forces, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Gendarmerie. It is held under the High Royal Patronage of King Mohammed VI, which confers strong institutional authority and ensures high-level governmental participation. ### Is MAS focused on defence or also commercial aviation? Both. MAS has consistently been a dual-sector event covering civil and military aerospace. Commercial airline procurement, MRO, and aviation manufacturing are as prominently represented as defence systems and military platforms. This breadth reflects Morocco's role as both a growing civil aviation hub and an emerging defence industry player. ### Has MAS ever been cancelled? No confirmed cancellation of MAS has been reported in publicly available sources. The biennial schedule has been maintained consistently since the inaugural edition. --- ## The venue: Marrakech Royal Moroccan Air Force Base The show takes place at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base adjacent to Marrakech Menara Airport (IATA: RAK). The site is in western Marrakech, approximately 6 km from the medina and Jemaa el-Fna square. Marrakech Menara Airport handles direct international connections from European capitals and Casablanca. The base's active runways accommodate all military and large civil aircraft types. Marrakech city offers extensive hotel capacity at all price points within a short taxi or transfer ride from the airshow site. ## The organiser: joint Moroccan government structure MAS is unique in being co-owned by five government ministries and agencies, reflecting Morocco's integrated approach to its aerospace industry. The Ministry of Industry and Trade drives industrial development and investment attraction goals. The National Defence Administration, Royal Armed Forces, Royal Air Force, and Royal Gendarmerie manage military participation, site logistics, and security. No single commercial organiser is involved; all event management is handled within the Moroccan state structure, supported by the Morocco Investment and Export Development Agency (AMDIE) as an official partner. --- ## Editorial take *Africa's most credible aerospace-and-defence airshow, MAS is the gateway to a continent of fast-growing procurement budgets and Morocco's own booming aerospace industrial base of 150-plus companies -- any prime contractor serious about the African market must be present.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Trade visitor passes are bookable via marrakechairshow2026.com (Book your pass). Exhibitor space bookings are managed via the same site (Book your space). Pass pricing is not publicly listed; contact details are available on the Contact page. For exhibitors, a downloadable brochure describes stand packages. As a Moroccan government-hosted event, access for foreign officials and delegations may require coordination through official channels or national pavilion organisers. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### What is the nearest airport? Marrakech Menara Airport (IATA: RAK) is located directly adjacent to the Royal Air Force Base where the show takes place. The airport is served by Royal Air Maroc (official MAS airline partner), Ryanair, easyJet, and several other European carriers. Direct connections from Paris, London, Madrid, Amsterdam, and other European cities are available. ### What visa do I need? Morocco operates a relatively open visa policy; many nationalities (EU, US, UK, and others) may enter visa-free. Visitors should verify requirements based on their passport on Morocco's official government portals. No special accreditation beyond trade visitor registration appears to be required for general show access. ### What is the climate in Marrakech in October? October is one of Marrakech's most pleasant months: temperatures typically range 20-28 degrees C during the day, dropping in the evenings. Outdoor static display visits are comfortable. Light layers for evenings are advisable. --- ## First time at Marrakech Air Show? How to prepare - **Book your pass and travel early.** Marrakech is a popular destination in October; hotel and flight prices increase significantly as the show approaches. Book once the official registration link opens on marrakechairshow2026.com. - **Plan time for the outdoor static display.** Military aircraft from the Royal Moroccan Air Force and visiting nations are a highlight; the outdoor zone can be extensive and warrants dedicated time separate from indoor hall visits. - **Engage with the B2B matchmaking programme.** The show facilitates structured meetings between exhibitors and African government delegations; these meetings are among the highest-value activities and should be requested through official channels before the show opens. - **Visit the "Made in Morocco" industrial zone.** Morocco's aerospace ecosystem of 150-plus companies has a prominent presence; understanding the local supply chain is useful for any company evaluating partnership or offshoring opportunities in Africa. - **Dress for a working military base.** Smart casual or business attire is appropriate in indoor halls; comfortable shoes are essential for the outdoor static display and taxi-way walks. Sun protection is recommended. - **Check the conference programme ahead of time.** Sessions on industrial sovereignty and AI in 2026 are likely to feature African defence ministers and industry CEOs; registering for high-value panels before they fill is worthwhile. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://marrakechairshow2026.com | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/marrakechairshowmorocco | | X | https://x.com/MAS_Airshow_ma | | Register | https://marrakechairshow2026.com/book-your-trade-pass/ | | Programme | https://marrakechairshow2026.com/program/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-08-10 **Notes:** 2026 dates (7-10 October) confirmed on official site marrakechairshow2026.com. 7th-edition 2024 figures (194 exhibitors, 50 delegations, 30,000 visitors, 12,500 sqm) sourced from official PR Newswire release and Moroccan Ministry of Industry press coverage, organiser-declared. 2026 focus themes and partner list verified via official site and Facebook/MICEPP posts. Edition numbering: the 2024 edition was described as the 7th, making 2026 the 8th; some aggregator sources describe the first edition differently but this numbering matches organiser communications. **Variables:** 43/58 **Concept definition:** applicable