International symposium "Impact of the Open sky agreement on tourism and aerial transport in Morocco"

the 2nd of July 2008 – Hotel Novotel Casablanca

On the 2nd of July 2008, the Amadeus Institute hosted a symposium, aiming at estimating the impact of the recent open sky agreement between The European Union and The Kingdom of Morocco. Professionals, experts and decision makers from both north and south of the Mediterranean came to discuss this implemented reform. Daniel Caleja Crespo, Director for aerial transport at the European Commission namely represented the European side, while Karim Ghellab, Minister of Transport was representing the Moroccan government. Furthermore, the Director of the national bureau of airports (ONDA), Abdelhanine Benallou as well as companies such as Royal Air Maroc, Jet4you, Easyjet and public offices like the national Moroccan tourism office took part in the debate.

The Open Sky agreement, signed in December 2006, is the key accomplishment of the aerial transport liberalization which has started in 2004. Minister Karim Guellab estimated to 150 the number of new weekly flights which were created following this agreement. “Air traffic soared by a 17% last year which is the highest increase worldwide. The number of passengers doubled between 2003 and 2007 from 5.2 to 10.1 million,” emphasized the minister.

This agreement could indeed be considered as the most pragmatic step toward a tighter EU-Morocco integration in terms of freedom of circulation. Thus, it is a strategic element that comforts the Moroccan candidacy to an advanced status with the European Union. “This Open Sky agreement was the first concluded by the EU with a non-EU member country (even before the agreement with the USA). Creating a common aerial space might be the most significant proof that the partnership between Morocco and the EU is consolidating. Therefore it shows that “political will can overcome any types prejudices any judgments”, insisted M. Ghellab.

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