Air-to-air pilot VX4 flight from the first airport. Credit: Instagram @verticalaerospace
Morocco is stepping into the fast-growing aviation taxi market, hoping to join forces with Spain and the UK to produce the next generation of electric aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL).
With the proposed partnership, British companies, vertical aerospace and Spanish air-tellers, Ashituri Aviation Structure will work with Moroccan industry to build structural components for the VX4 model, a zero-emission aircraft designed for short city and regional flights.
According to Atalayar, Morocco’s move is part of a broader industrial modernization strategy that has been underway since King Mohammed VI came to power. The country has already established itself as Africa’s leading aerospace hub, with over 150 companies operating their factories in soil.
From Malaga to Marbella in Giffy
The Vertical Aerospace VX4 has four passengers and one pilot, with a range of over 150 km and a cruising speed of 240 km/h.
Spanish plans allow you to see the operating routes of air taxis such as Malaga – Marbella, Ronda, and even Ceuta and Merila. Under the proposed deal, Aciturri will design and supply all major structural components, but the role of Morocco will be strengthened by the acquisition of Aciturri of Casablanca-based GoaM Industrie, an expert in high-precision aircraft engine parts.
As Eplaneai reports, “Morocco’s involvement in this project has been further strengthened by the acquisition of Aciturri’s Goam Industrie, ensuring that Morocco is actively participating in the rapidly expanding market of short-distance on-demand flights.”
The aviation taxi industry has attracted worldwide attention as a potential game changer for urban mobility, offering a quieter and cleaner alternative to helicopters for short trips. Morocco hopes to grab that moment and become a key player in Africa and beyond.
However, there are still challenges. The EVTOL market remains facing regulatory uncertainty, and governments need to set standards for safety, certification and airspace management. “The regulatory framework for the operation of air taxis remains underdeveloped,” Eplaneai pointed out, adding that integrating advanced technologies in multiple countries adds complexity.
Competition is also intensifying. The US-based Joby Aviation and other international players are expanding rapidly, potentially putting pressure on Moroccan ambitions.
If successful, the project could dramatically change the way people travel between cities. Is the air taxi a future for commuting or another exaggerated technology dream?
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