On Tuesday, the Fez-Meknes region and the airline Air Arabia Maroc, one of the leaders in low cost air travel, signed a partnership agreement for better air connectivity of the region both nationally and internationally.

The agreement, signed by the president of the region, Mohand Laensar, and the general manager of the Air Arabia company, Leila Mechbal, aims to develop both tourism and air traffic to and from the Fez-Meknes region.

Spread over a three year period, it will increase the number of flights to Fez-Saiss Airport, and will promote both Morocco generally, and the Fez-Meknes region particularly, as a tourism destination.

The partnership agreement will also encourage the creation of direct and indirect jobs and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, in addition to dedicated support for people with reduced mobility, offering them tariff advantages and travel assistance.
Under this agreement, both parties are committed to promoting the region in the various countries served, highlighting its cultural and environmental assets.

The introduction of new airlines from Fez-Saiss Airport will also make it easier for operators in the Fez-Meknes region (both economic and touristic) to access new markets more easily than before, according to the signatories.

In a press statement, Mohand Laensar highlighted the large number of tourists who visit the spiritual city, and emphasized that this agreement aims to launch new European services from the airport.

"This partnership agreement will serve the interests of the Fez-Meknes region and those of operators in the region", he said, adding that it will also boost the tourism sector.

In a similar statement, Leila Mechbal stressed that the goal is to make Fez-Saiss Airport the destination of choice, adding that this agreement intends to improve the flow of commercial traffic and tourists.

Recalling that passenger traffic at Fez-Saiss Airport increased by 25% in 2017 compared to 2016, the agreement particularly emphasized preferential tariff treatment for people with special needs.

The signing ceremony of this partnership agreement took place in the presence of the Wali of the Fez-Meknes region, the governor of the prefecture of Fez, Said Zniber, elected representatives, economic operators and tourism professionals.

In June 2017, Air Arabia Maroc has upgraded its facilities at Fez-Saiss, and currently operates 28 weekly flights from the airport.

Air Arabia Morocco is a member of the Air Arabia group. Based at Mohammed V airport in Casablanca, the airline was launched in April 2009.