1. CURRENT LOCATION

Beni Mellal Aerodrome , located at 8 km North-West city side on a state property of approximately 113 hectares, has the following infrastructures:

• A 1200 m length and 23 m take-off runway as flexible structure;
• A 2400 m² parking space allowing the simultaneous stationing of four light aircraft of maximum  9m wingspan;
• A 200 m length and 15 m connection strap width;
• Various administrative buildings of approximately 200 m2 overall surface;
• An 800 m² hangar used as shelter for gliders and tugs.

This aerodrome geographical position promotes the practice of certain aeronautic  sport activities such as: gliding, parachuting, etc. In addition to the private aviation and the Kingdom flying-clubs’ aircraft movements.

During 2006 Béni Mellal processed 9.847 passengers and 2.249 aircraft compared to 7.681 passengers and 1.436 aircraft in 2005, an increase in the range of 28% and 57% which is due to interest given to the mountains and outdoors activities.

2. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Local authorities expressed the wish to develop Beni Mellal aerodrome for the two following reasons:

• The first lies in the central role which the aerodrome can play in the event of possible natural disaster, because it is situated long way out of town, compared to the main airports and the access difficulties;
• The second, completely legitimate, results in an ambition to develop in the future an international commercial traffic with European countries accommodating a strong RME population originating from Béni Mellal area.

The following development program was stopped:

• Lengthening, widening and strengthning the take-off runway by bringing its length to 1600 m and its width to 30 m which then would allow the processing of short-haull flight, type ATR 42, Beechcraft belonging to Regional Air Line companies and the Hercules aircraft C 130 for the Kingdom’s main cities connections without load restriction;
• Apron construction allowing simultaneous processing of C130 and a ATR42 as well as take-off runway’s connection strap  widening and strengthning;
• VOR/DME equipment installation for en route aircraft guidance;
• Welcoming building of approximately 350 m² installation;
• Perimeter fence construction.

Furthermore, in order to allow future aerodrome development , a constraints release plan  worked out for a 2600 m length runway will be transmitted to Wilaya in order to safeguard future extensions potentialities.