15th Latécoère-Aéropostale Air Rally Stops in Tarfaya Before Heading to Laâyoune

Launched by the Pierre-Georges Latécoère Aeroclub in partnership with the “Friends of Tarfaya” association, this year’s rally, held from September 13 to 27, brings together 11 teams representing France, Switzerland, Spain, and other countries.

Considered one of the longest air rallies in the world, it begins in Toulouse and follows a route through Alicante, Tangier, Agadir, Tarfaya, Laâyoune, Dakhla, and Saint-Louis in Senegal, with a technical stop planned in Nouakchott. In total, the aviators will cover nearly 10,000 kilometers at speeds ranging from 180 to 300 km/h, making stopovers in emblematic cities along this legendary line.

Some 11 aircraft and their crews, about 30 people in total, are reliving this unique aerial adventure in the footsteps of the pioneers of Aéropostale, said Thierry Roz, a member of the organizing committee, in a statement to MAP. Taking part for the eighth time, Roz also praised the warm welcome extended to the participants in Tarfaya and noted that solidarity initiatives are planned for the benefit of the local population.

For his part, Mrabih Rabou Shaibata, president of the “Friends of Tarfaya” association, recalled the special place Tarfaya holds in aviation history, citing the presence of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who served as station chief in the city in 1927. He expressed his delight at seeing Tarfaya’s airfield come back into service for the occasion, stressing that this rally celebrates the heritage of Aéropostale and the Latécoère routes dating back to 1925.

In a spirit of camaraderie and sharing, the Latécoère-Aéropostale Air Rally invites aviation enthusiasts to take part in an extraordinary human adventure. Tarfaya remains an emblematic stop along the legendary line traced by Pierre-Georges Latécoère from Toulouse, once traveled by aviation icons such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Jean Mermoz, Didier Daurat, and Henri Guillaumet.

Editorial team/le7tv