February 3, 2010 - DAHER-SOCATA displayed its TBM 850  turboprop business aircraft at the Aeroexpo Marrakech 2010, held at Marrakech Menara Airport. This very fast turboprop aircraft received a great deal of attention from participants attending the expo.    

The Aeroexpo Marrakech 2010 will continue until March 3rd and will be the meeting point of the aerospace industry in the African continent. The event is to highlight the aviation industry both commercial and military. The trade event showcased Morocco's role as a dynamic country in North Africa, where economic development and a growing tourism base has created the need for small, fast and highly efficient business aircraft. The first Aeroexpo Marrakech, was first held in 2008. 

DAHER-SOCATA's met that threshold with its TBM 850 Turboprop Aircraft by offering a range of 1,410 nautical miles at maximum cruising speed with six persons on board, linking Marrakech to such cities such as Paris, Geneva or Tunis without the need for a stopover. As a highly versatile aircraft, the TBM 850 also serves as a multi-mission platform, with its capability to be easily adapted for air ambulance service and outfitted for surveillance duties in government operations. 

Approximately 10 DAHER-SOCATA aircraft currently are in service in Morocco. This includes the TB 20 Trinidad fleet operated by flag carrier Royal Air Maroc and the Moroccan Royal Military Police's TB 21 Trinidad GT, which is flown for surveillance tasks. "In Northern Africa, the TBM 850 is an ideal aircraft for companies that require direct liaison flights for their executives or technicians to sites in remote areas, as well as to European countries," explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division. "The TBM 850's excellent quality-price ratio and low operating costs, along with the support of a comprehensive global service center network, are key points for Northern African customers." Chabbert said another operational plus for the IBM 850 is its ability to operate from airports with minimal infrastructure.  

DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier. In addition to aerospace, DAHER specializes in three other sectors: nuclear, defense and industries. DAHER is developing in three fields of expertise: manufacturing, services and transport, which enable it to offer a comprehensive package. DAHER-SOCATA is one of the world's leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM 850 high-speed turboprop aircraft, aerostructures for civil airliners, military transporters, business and regional jets and helicopters. 

DAHER-SOCATA is expanding its customer service activities to support its growing fleet of TBM?s and offers its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 19,000 LBS (8.6 metric tons) through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers.

Marrakech, known as the "Red City", is an important and former imperial city in Morocco. The city of Marrakech is the capital of the mid-southwestern economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Like many North African cities, the city of Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city and an adjacent modern city. It is served by M?nara International Airport. Marrakech has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.