The National Airports Office (ONDA) is preparing to launch a series of international calls for tenders for the award of lots for the second phase of the Casablanca Mohammed V airport. This is a land reserve of 20 ha, which will be added to the first phase (200 ha). The project targets the aeronautical industry and companies specializing in aeronautical services.
The Office called on White Stone, an international firm specializing in strategy and investment banking. In its conclusions, the consulting bank suggested the development of an economically viable center of life both for ONDA and for the entire region. This includes three components: hotels, a shopping center with restaurant areas and offices.
Interested bidders will therefore have to invest in the completion of these three categories of projects. Among the criteria that will be required in the calls for tenders concerning the second tranche of the aéropôle, include the experience of the bidders as well as their references. Lots of land with a minimum surface area of 1,500 m2 will be offered for long-term rental under “incentive” conditions. This prevents investors from tying up large amounts of capital for the acquisition of land.
The Casablanca Mohammed V airport offers several advantages, including intermodality of air, road and rail transport. The ONCF should also soon launch construction work on a new station in Nouaceur. It is also necessary to point out the proximity of training centers specializing in aeronautics, the airport, the availability of labor, hotel units, etc. In total, this second phase should generate between 2,000 and 3,000 new jobs, without forgetting the impact on the entire region. The Casablanca airport was inaugurated in 1992. The first phase is structured around six distinct activity centers.
The aeronautics industry is 100% export oriented. In 2016, exports reached 9.2 billion dirhams, compared to 8.2 billion the previous year. Or 4.5% of Moroccan exports compared to 1% 15 years ago. The sector currently has 115 companies and employs 11,000 people.
source: leconomiste
