The third Regional Conference on Innovation and Cybersecurity in Civil Aviation kicked off on Wednesday in Casablanca, drawing over 130 experts from 50 countries. This three-day event brings together international and regional organizations, industry companies, and specialists in aviation and cybersecurity to discuss crucial issues and share insights.
Organized by the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (OACA), the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the conference aims to bolster cooperation and knowledge exchange among Arab, European, and African countries. The goal is to provide a comprehensive view of the technological and security challenges facing the civil aviation sector.
According to the organizers, this gathering provides participants with a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences on enhancing cybersecurity and protecting civil aviation infrastructure from cyber threats.
In his opening remarks, Abdennebi Manar, Director General of OACA, emphasized that “cybersecurity in civil aviation is not merely a technical issue but an integral part of the overall security system. We live in an era where digital transformation and system interconnectivity make civil aviation vulnerable to complex and sophisticated cyberattacks.”
“It is crucial that we stay ahead of technological developments to protect ourselves from these risks,” Manar stressed, noting that cybersecurity in civil aviation involves not only protecting computer systems and networks but also safeguarding passenger and employee data, securing communication and ground systems, and ensuring the safety of air navigation systems.
Safae Raddaf, head of the Air Security and Facilitation Department at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, highlighted the importance of collaboration. “We are here to share knowledge, experiences, and strategies that will help us strengthen our defenses and advance innovation. Cooperation is key to success.”
Raddaf added, “By working together—governments, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts—we can develop solutions that not only address current threats but also anticipate and mitigate future risks.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hanan Achehboun, project leader for CASE II at ECAC, stated that the conference would focus on critical objectives, including assessing cybersecurity risks, developing effective mitigation strategies, analyzing the impact of innovations on aviation security, and exploring new technological advancements.
“This conclave offers a unique opportunity for meeting, sharing best practices, and collaborating. In the face of emerging challenges, a concerted approach is indispensable,” Achehboun remarked.
Jamel Dridi, representing AFCAC, also highlighted the importance of the Casablanca meeting. “This gathering is an opportunity to collectively address the growing cyber threats facing civil aviation,” Dridi said, emphasizing the goal of stimulating international cooperation to combat cyber threats and enhance security in the aviation sector.
The conference agenda includes multiple dialogue sessions covering themes such as utilizing technology to counter current and future threats, challenges faced by airports in implementing technological innovations and intelligent security systems, and promoting cooperation between governments, industry, and researchers to boost innovation in aviation security. Discussions will also focus on the cybersecurity of connected systems in airports, airlines, and air navigation services.
