Casablanca – During its weekly session on Thursday 18 April 2024, the Moroccan government greenlit a new legislative decree, No. 2.23.681, concerning the design, production, and maintenance of civil aviation aircraft. The decree’s primary objective is to establish precise technical standards and criteria for accrediting individuals engaged in these activities while aligning national legislation with the provisions outlined in the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

This newly introduced decree meticulously outlines the technical specifications that aspiring individuals must adhere to when seeking accreditation from the civil aviation authority. It encompasses those involved in aircraft design, production, and maintenance in Morocco, ensuring compliance with international standards and safety protocols.

Furthermore, the decree delineates the necessary technical criteria for obtaining various documents certifying an aircraft’s airworthiness. It also elucidates the procedures for governmental aviation authorities to conduct rigorous oversight to guarantee adherence to legislative and regulatory frameworks by all stakeholders involved in aircraft-related activities.

In terms of aircraft design, production, and maintenance, the decree sets forth a comprehensive set of provisions. It mandates that self-employed or recognized individuals must meet stringent technical requirements aligned with international standards applicable to this domain.

According to the decree, aircraft design and production processes must ensure the efficient and safe functioning of all components under anticipated operational conditions. Moreover, these processes must adhere to effective and secure methodologies, validated through rigorous testing, research, or a combination thereof.

The decree further stipulates that materials utilized in aircraft components must conform to specified technical requisites outlined in relevant legislative and regulatory texts. Aircraft production methodologies must facilitate the attainment of a consistent and durable structure, ensuring safety and reliability throughout the aircraft’s operational lifespan.

With regard to aircraft maintenance and airworthiness management, accreditation is mandated by the government’s aviation authority. This accreditation is bestowed upon self-employed or recognized individuals who meet stringent financial, technical, and regulatory prerequisites, in line with international standards governing the sector.

The decree also necessitates that applicants for aircraft design, production, and maintenance facilitate comprehensive assessments of their capacities across various domains by relevant authorities. Any anticipated changes affecting the conditions under which accreditation was granted must be promptly communicated to the government aviation authority.

In cases where inspection reveals non-compliance with accreditation conditions, suspension of accreditation for up to six months is permissible to rectify identified issues. Similarly, persistent refusal to undergo inspection may result in accreditation revocation, ensuring stringent adherence to safety and regulatory standards within Morocco’s aviation sector.