For the past three years, the Moroccan airspace on the IVAO network was often described as a "quiet bridge", a vital transit point between Europe and Africa that lacked a local heart. While the "MA" prefix remained in the memory of veteran members, the division itself had faded into the background.
Today, that silence ends. Following months of rigorous coordination with IVAO HQ and a deep-rooted personal promise, the Morocco Division has officially been reactivated. Under the leadership of the Director Abdellah Chaaibi, the division isn't just reopening; it's undergoing a total cultural and technical transformation.
A Promise Kept: From "Walls Without People" to the Apex
Abdellah's journey to the Director's chair is one of pure dedication. Joining the network in 2023, he arrived at the tail end of the previous division's life.
"I remember asking for a Discord link and finding nothing but walls without people"
The division was effectively closed.
As a new member wanting to learn, Abdellah realised he couldn't get training in his own home country.
I made a promise to myself that day: I would be back to the Morocco Division one way or another
That promise has been fulfilled. While Abdellah admits to a touch of imposter syndrome taking the helm of such a storied airspace, the passion driving the reopening is undeniable. "It feels right to see this airspace belong to an active division again"
Rectifying the Past, Building the Future
Reopening a division isn't just about technical migration; it's about reputation. Abdellah is candid about the "baggage" left behind by the previous iteration of the division.
The previous downfall left a negative impression on many - For the last three months, we've worked hand in hand with the Executive Council, not just on infrastructure, but on behaviour.
"We are here to rectify that image and prove that the new Morocco Division is built on different values"
The biggest hurdle wasn't the paperwork, it was the people. The team spent months building a "pre-launch" community, convincing disillusioned former members that this time, the promises of training and events were real.
The "Moroccan Touch": Professionalism and Hospitality
So, what can pilots and controllers expect from the new MA Division?
- A Strategic Bridge: Positioned as the gateway between continents, the division has already established cooperation with neighbours in Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Tunisia and others...
- Multilingual Excellence: Reflecting Morocco's real world culture, the staff and community are fluent in the languages of their neighbours, fostering a unique international atmosphere.
- Ready for Departure: While the division is in its "launch phase", a full suite of Moroccan Tours is ready for publication, and training manuals are being adapted to the local context to ensure high quality, realistic ATC.
The airspace was almost dead for three years. Now, Morocco is here to stay.
"Pilots will experience a consistent, predictable and high standard ATC service, but with that unique "Moroccan Touch" that makes our controlling different"
The First 90 Days: Calling the Diaspora Home
Abdellah's primary goal for the first three months is simple: integration.
"Moroccans are everywhere on IVAO, scattered across different divisions"
Our number one priority is to bring our Moroccans back home Abdullah says to Virutal Sky
"We want them to have the training, the tours and the community they've missed."
Training is the power that makes or breaks a division. By building a standard today, we guarantee a healthy future where the next generation of Moroccan pilots and controllers can thrive.
A final message from Morocco to the network
To the international community, Morocco is more than just a flight path to the Canary Islands or a shortcut to Johannesburg. It is a destination of culture and hospitality.
"As Moroccans, one of our biggest joys is interacting with people from all over the world"
Abdellah calls calls upon his fellow countrymen
"To every Moroccan member "lost" on the network: We want to welcome you back home."
And adds to the international pilots:
"Come visit our beautiful coastline with cities like Rabat, the glitz and glamour from Casablanca or go deeper inland into the Atlas mountains to the cultural capital of Fez"
Virtual Sky and IVAO welcome (back) the Morocco Division!
