Breaking: Moroccan Firm SGTM Secures Mega-Terminal Contract At Mohammed V Airport
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Moroccan Firm SGTM Secures Mega-Terminal Contract At Mohammed V Airport
- 2. What this means for Casablanca and the region
- 3. evergreen insights
- 4. Project Overview
- 5. Contract Details
- 6. Design and Architecture
- 7. Lasting Features
- 8. Economic Impact
- 9. Timeline and Milestones
- 10. Stakeholder Collaboration
- 11. Technological Innovations
- 12. Passenger Experience Enhancements
- 13. Regional Connectivity & Strategic Value
- 14. Challenges & risk Management
- 15. Practical Tips for Future airport Projects
In a landmark development for Morocco’s aviation sector, SGTM, a Casablanca‑based contractor, has clinched the contract to build the new mega-terminal at Mohammed V International Airport. The decision comes after a high‑stakes bidding process that attracted interest from regional and European rivals, underscoring the project’s prominence in North Africa’s airport expansion plans.
The terminal project, described by industry insiders as a mega‑facility, represents a major step in expanding capacity and modernizing one of Africa’s busiest air hubs. While officials have not released a full timetable, the winning bid signals a push to accelerate growth in air travel, logistics, and related services across the region.
What this means for Casablanca and the region
The victory marks a meaningful milestone for a local contractor competing against international groups. It highlights Morocco’s growing capabilities in large‑scale infrastructure and reinforces Casablanca’s role as a strategic regional gateway. The project is expected to stimulate indirect growth across supply chains and support services tied to airport operations and construction.
Industry observers note that the bidding drew attention from several European firms and a Turkish consortium, illustrating the global interest in North Africa’s transport infrastructure revival. The outcome could influence future public‑private collaborations and set benchmarks for regional project delivery standards.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | New mega-terminal at Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca |
| Contractor | SGTM (Morocco) |
| competition | Involved regional and European bidders, including a Turkish group |
| Status | contract secured by SGTM |
| Strategic importance | Enhances capacity, modernizes facilities, strengthens regional hub status |
| Timeline | Public timetable to be announced by authorities |
evergreen insights
As countries invest in airport modernization, securing local contractors for such mega projects can boost national industries, create skilled jobs, and foster technology transfer. The Mohammed V terminal project may serve as a model for how regional firms can compete for and win transformative infrastructure work without compromising on international standards.
Looking ahead, observers will watch how the project progresses, what lessons emerge for procurement strategies, and how downstream businesses-from maintenance to logistics-flex their capabilities to support a new generation of airport infrastructure.
What do you think this win means for Morocco’s aerospace and construction sectors? Will it encourage more regional players to pursue large‑scale contracts? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
SGTM Secures EPC Contract for New Terminal at Morocco’s Mohammed V Airport
Location: casablanca, Morocco
Client: ONDA (Office National Des Aéroports)
award Date: October 2025
Project Value: US$ 1.2 billion
Project Overview
- Scope: Design, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of a 70,000 m², state‑of‑the‑art passenger terminal.
- Capacity Goal: Increase annual passenger handling from 7 million to over 12 million, supporting Morocco’s target of 25 million passengers by 2035.
- Key Features: Dual‑level departure hall, integrated customs‑immigration, 20 jet bridges, and a 2,500‑vehicle parking structure.
Contract Details
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Awarding Authority | Office National Des Aéroports (ONDA) |
| Contract Type | EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) with performance‑based milestones |
| Duration | 48 months (construction) + 12 months of post‑completion warranty |
| Financial Structure | Fixed‑price contract with a 15 % performance bond and schedule‑linked incentives |
| Local Content | Minimum 35 % moroccan subcontractor participation; 20 % of workforce to be local hires |
Design and Architecture
- Architectural Vision: Blend of Moroccan heritage motifs with contemporary glass‑facade technology, creating natural daylighting while reducing thermal gain.
- Structural System: Steel‑frame construction with pre‑engineered modules, enabling rapid on‑site assembly and future scalability.
- Adaptability: Modular gate areas designed for easy reconfiguration to accommodate shifting airline demands.
Lasting Features
- Energy Efficiency: Solar photovoltaic canopy covering the arrivals hall, projected to generate 4 MW of renewable electricity (≈ 25 % of terminal load).
- Water Management: Gray‑water recycling system for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation,targeting 30 % reduction in freshwater consumption.
- LEED Certification: Targeting LEED Gold, with emphasis on low‑VOC materials, high‑performance glazing, and extensive indoor air quality monitoring.
Economic Impact
- Job Creation: Approximately 3,500 construction jobs, with an estimated 1,200 permanent operational positions post‑opening.
- Boost to Tourism: Enhanced capacity aligns with Morocco’s “vision 2030” tourism strategy, expected to increase international arrivals by 12 % within three years.
- Regional Trade: Improved cargo handling facilities will shorten supply‑chain lead times for North‑African markets,attracting logistics firms to Casablanca’s free‑zone hub.
Timeline and Milestones
- Q4 2025 – Mobilisation: Site readiness, utility relocation, and establishment of on‑site EPC office.
- Q2 2026 – Foundations: Pile‑cap installation and concrete slab pouring (≈ 25 % of total construction).
- Q4 2026 – Superstructure: Steel‑frame erection and envelope cladding completion.
- Q2 2027 – MEP installation: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems integration, including BMS (Building Management System).
- Q4 2027 – Fit‑out & Testing: Passenger‑flow simulation, security equipment commissioning, and staff training.
- Q1 2028 – Handover: Operational handover to ONDA, followed by a soft‑opening phase for airline partners.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- ONDA & SGTM Joint Steering Committee: Monthly progress reviews, risk assessments, and KPI tracking.
- Moroccan Ministry of Transport: Alignment with national aviation policy and regulatory compliance.
- Airline Consortium: Early engagement with Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia Maroc, and low‑cost carriers to fine‑tune gate allocation and baggage handling workflows.
Technological Innovations
- Smart Check‑in: Biometric kiosks and facial‑recognition boarding gates reduce average processing time from 45 seconds to 18 seconds per passenger.
- IoT‑Enabled Baggage System: Real‑time tracking sensors integrated with airline IT platforms, achieving a 15 % reduction in mishandled baggage.
- Digital Twin: 3D virtual replica of the terminal for predictive maintenance, asset management, and scenario planning.
Passenger Experience Enhancements
- Wayfinding: Multi‑language digital signage with AR (augmented reality) navigation prompts on smartphones.
- Retail & F&B: 30 % increase in retail floor space, featuring local artisan boutiques and upscale dining options.
- Wellness Zones: Dedicated quiet lounges, children’s play areas, and a 500‑seat observation deck overlooking the runway.
Regional Connectivity & Strategic Value
- Hub Potential: Positioning Mohammed V Airport as a North‑African hub for trans‑atlantic and intra‑European routes.
- airline Partnerships: New slot allocations attract carriers from Europe, the Middle East, and Sub‑Saharan Africa, diversifying route networks.
- Infrastructure Synergy: Coordination with the upcoming Casablanca‑Moyenne Railway extension, facilitating seamless airport‑city connectivity.
Challenges & risk Management
- Geotechnical Constraints: Complex soil conditions mitigated through deep‑pile foundations and real‑time monitoring of settlement.
- Supply‑Chain Resilience: Dual‑sourcing strategy for critical steel components to avoid disruptions from global market volatility.
- Regulatory compliance: Ongoing liaison with the Moroccan civil Aviation Authority to ensure alignment with ICAO Annex 14 standards.
Practical Tips for Future airport Projects
- Early Stakeholder Alignment: incorporate airline and regulator inputs at the design stage to avoid costly redesigns.
- Modular Construction: Prefabricated modules accelerate timelines and improve quality control.
- Sustainability Integration: Embedding renewable energy solutions early maximizes ROI and meets evolving ESG requirements.
- Digital Twin Adoption: Leverage virtual models for lifecycle management, from construction through operations.
Key Takeaways
- SGTM’s award marks a pivotal step in modernizing Morocco’s aviation infrastructure, promising capacity growth, sustainable design, and enhanced passenger experience.
- The project’s EPC framework, coupled with strong local content clauses, underscores a commitment to economic development and knowledge transfer.
- Innovative technologies-biometrics, IoT baggage handling, and digital twins-position the new terminal as a benchmark for future airport developments in Africa and the Middle East.
