Casablanca – The National Airports Office (ONDA) has entered a new phase in the modernization of Morocco’s airport infrastructure with the launch of a comprehensive digital transformation and strategic development program. The initiative aims to enhance operational performance, cybersecurity, data governance, and the passenger experience, while simultaneously reinforcing the competitiveness of ground handling services across the country.

At the core of this effort is the ambition to turn Moroccan airports into smart, agile, and resilient platforms capable of meeting the technological, operational, and security challenges of the coming decade. ONDA’s strategy emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies and international best practices to support both operational efficiency and service excellence.

Digital transformation as a strategic priority

ONDA’s digital modernization plan is structured around three main pillars. The first focuses on cybersecurity, with a complete overhaul of existing IT and operational technology (OT) systems. The goal is to ensure end-to-end protection of airport operations and critical infrastructure against growing digital threats.

The second pillar centers on process digitalization and data governance. By establishing a clear enterprise architecture and implementing a robust Data & Analytics framework, ONDA seeks to improve real-time decision-making and strengthen overall organizational performance. This approach applies across support functions and operational teams, enabling more efficient management of information and coordinated execution of tasks.

The third pillar targets the passenger journey, with the aim of enhancing service quality and operational efficiency. Through the “Customer Experience” program, ONDA plans to streamline passenger flows, personalize interactions, and elevate service standards across all terminals. This includes leveraging digital tools to simplify check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and other stages of the travel experience.

To drive this transformation, ONDA has initiated the recruitment of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) responsible for leading the institution’s IT and digital strategy. The role requires a senior engineer or computer science doctorate with extensive experience managing complex systems. The appointment of the CIO is considered a key milestone in ensuring the successful implementation of ONDA’s digital vision.

Strategic modernization of ground handling services

In parallel with its digital transformation, ONDA is undertaking a major initiative to modernize the ground handling sector in Morocco. The authority is developing a national strategy to guide the development and regulation of airport support services for the period 2026–2035. This effort seeks to position Morocco as a leading regional air hub, offering airlines and passengers highly efficient, competitive, and internationally aligned ground services.

The strategic plan will cover all services defined under Moroccan regulations, including administrative support, passenger assistance, baggage handling, freight and postal services, ramp operations, aircraft cleaning, fueling, line maintenance, flight operations, crew administration, ground transportation, and catering. The initiative aims to improve service quality, competitiveness, and operational performance at Moroccan airports.

The modernization process is structured in three phases. The first involves a comprehensive diagnostic and international benchmarking study, covering at least five leading airports recognized for service excellence, including one in Asia and two in Europe. This analysis will assess regulatory frameworks, market structure, competitive intensity, service quality, operator performance, and governance practices.

The second phase will develop a national strategy for the development of ground handling services, defining sector evolution scenarios, performance levers, and service requirements for both third-party assistance and self-handling models. It will also address organizational structures, including human resources requirements at ONDA headquarters and airports, as well as updates to operational requirements and commercial development models.

The final phase will translate the strategy into a detailed implementation program, specifying priority projects, timelines, KPIs, governance structures, investment needs, and success conditions for the period 2026–2035. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure the effective execution of the strategy and sustained improvement in service quality and sector competitiveness.

Building a competitive and resilient airport sector

Through these initiatives, ONDA aims to consolidate Morocco’s position as a regional aviation hub while preparing its airports to meet the demands of growing passenger traffic and major international events. By combining digital transformation with a structured modernization of ground handling services, the authority seeks to create airports that are not only technologically advanced but also operationally efficient, safe, and highly competitive on the international stage.

This dual approach reflects ONDA’s broader mission to modernize the national aviation sector, reinforce economic performance, and ensure that Moroccan airports remain at the forefront of innovation and service quality in the coming decade.