Morocco (2014)

Morocco 2014

The Marrakech Air Show is getting more interesting for the aviation enthusiast and this edition was no exception. Read about our April 2014 tour in the following report.

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23 April 2014

In the afternoon of Wednesday 23 April 2014 4Aviation left for the Marrakech Air Show for third time. This biannual show attracted more and more participants in the previous episodes, mainly of the Moroccan Air Force. This outlook for the 2014 edition was therefore very promising. In the early afternoon, fifteen aviation enthusiasts and photographers from the Netherlands, Scotland and England checked in in time to our direct Transavia flight to Marrakech. The flight went smoothly and during the landing we saw a large collection of aircraft on the platforms. After customs a little money was pinned and two taxis took us to our hotel. These two taxis were to our disposal on the days to come. After checking in, we ate a local meal and had a drink before we went to our hotel room.

24 April 2014

On Thursday 24 April the airport would be open to trade visitors and accredited people at 09.00 am, but we were on the ramps already well ahead of that time, equipped with all required badges which had been all prepared for us. The static was drawn close together, but by the absence of the mass of people and help of exhibitors who moved a few signs and barriers here and there still a few aircraft were ok to photograph. As a result, we were done taking pictures soon and there was enough time for a good look around and talk with many very nice crews who were able to talk about their aircraft and units. In the afternoon, the air show would take place. From the fairgrounds this would be against the light, not desirable for photography. Therefore our taxis took us to a nice place on the other side of the airport. We were able to stand undisturbed and capture everything well. The air show included a demonstration of the Spanish team Patrulla Aguila, which after each manoeuvre seemed to lose an aircraft. Furthermore, the local Moroccan Air Force display team Marche Verte, a CL415 and a Bell 205, and some small civilian aircraft. The highlight was a fly-by a wide selection of the Air Force of Morocco. On this first day: 4 x T-6C, 4 x Alpha Jet, 4 x F -5E and 4 x Mirage F1. These formation fly-bys had a different composition every day. After the show we went to the hotel to freshen up and to eat in town as a group. Marrakech is a very beautiful city with lots of attractions and sights. Our hotel was just outside the city centre, reached easily by a short walk but also taxis brought you anywhere for a few Dirhams.

25 April 2014

Friday 25 April was almost a copy of the previous day. We were at the airport early. In the afternoon, most went back to the other side, some participants of the tour chose to try their luck at the airport. At the place across the street from the airport, we rang a doorbell and asked if we could stay at their rooftop. For a small fee that was no problem! By doing this, we were a little higher and we could take unobstructed pictures on the runway and even the taxiway. The air show was substantially the same as the day before, except that four F-16s were added which came in low and hard.

26 April 2014

Saturday (26 April) was the public day and there would be a larger show. The times of the show were different as advertised, we had already heard that in the morning. It was decided to sleep in a little bit and then go back again so that the civil interested could also see the many airliners and capture them. These flew regularly before and after the air show. On the roof of our permanent home we could see everything well. Today also two Pumas, four Bell 206s and four Gazelles of the Air Force flew. These were already on the ground all week. Added to the large formation were a KC-130H with two F-5Fs attached to it, two Mirage F1s and two F-16s! Very impressive! After the show, we went back to the airport to photograph the aircraft with the sun on the other side. Furthermore, we hoped that the static would be taken down and that the aircraft would be towed away. That happened so we could shoot quite a number of aircraft without fences. On Friday and Saturday, the tour guide also asked if there was an opportunity to be on the airport on Sunday We had heard from several pilots that many aircraft would leave that day. And photos of moving planes are much more fun than static ones. Access on Sunday was possible.

27 April 2014

On Sunday 27 April we went to the airport early. All aircraft were already on the flight line and there was plenty of activity. Just after nine o’clock a Beech 100 left, followed by two Alpha Jets and the F-5E. Then it became quiet. Moreover, someone from the security kindly asked us to leave the base. The sun had by now moved across the runway and we went to the other side of the field. There we left after the F- 16s and a few other aircraft had taken off.

We now had a few hours before Transavia would bring us home again. This time was spent in the city again. Some enjoyed a snack and a drink, others a tour of the city. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Our taxis took us to the airport for a last time. The flight left a little late but was ok. Everyone had enjoyed the hospitality of the Moroccans a lot, in the hotel, the city and the air base. We look forward to the 2016 edition of the Marrakech Air Show. Then the air force will celebrate 60 years and we will be there again.

Morocco 2014

Morocco 2014

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Morocco (2014)

Morocco 2014

Morocco 2014

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