Marrakech Airshow: Morocco and EUROCONTROL sign Comprehensive Agreement

The Agreement was signed by  Zouhair Mohammed El Aoufir, (pictured left) Director General of ONDA (Office National Des Aéroports), and Mr Frank Brenner, Director General of Eurocontrol at the Airshow which ended on Saturday.
In his speech for this event, El Aoufir said “With the signature and entry in force of this agreement, it is not only that our country achieves a global first – in that Eurocontrol has never before signed such an agreement with a country outside Europe – but it also recognises the performance of the Moroccan air traffic management services and is consolidating a mutually desired and beneficial partnership between ONDA and Eurocontrol”.
Brenner explained that the European agency had been working closely with the Morocco for many years, “We are delighted that this excellent working relationship is now being strengthened through the signing of a comprehensive agreement,” he said. “With over 850 flights a day moving between Europe and Morocco’s airspace, it is a logical step for us to increase our level of integration and cooperation for the benefit of the airlines and the travelling public.” 
The agreement is a clear sign of Morocco moving closer to Europe and becoming part of the European aviation system. “It means that Morocco will participate from now on to the working structures of E Eurocontrol and that it will be able to benefit from all services that the Agency provides,” Brenner added. 
Morocco and the EU had previously signed an Open Skies agreement which opens the two air traffic markets for unlimited access. “Therefore it is logical and obvious that bigger volumes of air traffic need to be catered for. For these technical provisions, common airspace design and common air traffic procedures are prerequisites. Eurocontrol is about ensuring that an effective and efficient network is available” Bremmer (pictured below) said.