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Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Fleet Expansion Plan: Royal Air Maroc Receives 2 New Boeing 737 MAX 8
Rabat – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) received two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on Thursday as part of the carrier's fleet expansion plan. In a report today, Moroccan news outlet Le360 quoted Royal Air Maroc's head of the Prospective, Strategy and Fleet Department, as emphasizing the importance of the new fleet batch for the company. 'This is a big day for us,' Fadwa Mahamma said, adding that the two aircraft mark a 'significant acceleration in the expansion of our fleet, fully aligned with our company's ambitions supported by the State.' She revealed that Royal Air Maroc has been receiving 'nearly one aircraft every two weeks, meaning that by the end of the year, around ten aircraft will join our fleet.' Mehdi El Yaalaoui, RAM's Director of Strategy and Innovation, echoed Mahamma's remarks, noting that these planes will allow the company to renew its fleet and to improve the onboard experience for its customers. El Yaaloui said the fleet will also reduce its carbon footprint by 15%, citing next-generation engines. 'Each new delivery symbolizes our collective commitment to achieving the goals of our development plan and to being ready for major events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, two key moments for our country and continent,' he added. In June, RAM's CEO Hamid Addou expressed frustration over Boeing's delays in submitting ordered aircraft. 'You have to offer your customers what they're paying for. And in the economy… You have to offer the kind of service they're expecting. So we need to invest in the product, and we are already doing it,' Addou told CNN. 'One feels frustrated when you have 15 to 18 months of late deliveries,' Addou said, but acknowledged that all executives and airlines face the same and that promises have been made and steps have been taken for things to evolve in the 'right direction.' Tags: Royal Air MarocRoyal Air Maroc (RAM)
Morocco World
18-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc Expands Fleet with New Boeing 737 MAX 8 Deliveries
Marrakech – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) received a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 on Wednesday, strengthening its fleet as part of an ambitious expansion plan. The delivery flight from Seattle to Casablanca was piloted by Commander Naoual Ait Hammou Ennaji, who had the honor of flying the aircraft on her birthday, July 15. 'My most beautiful birthday gift? Being at the controls and bringing home a brand new B737 MAX, just delivered by Boeing for Royal Air Maroc. Proud to see our fleet grow and our flag fly ever higher in the sky,' she wrote on her Facebook account. A second aircraft of the same type is expected to join the national carrier's fleet before the end of July. With these additions, RAM's fleet will reach 57 aircraft. In late May, the national airline received three new B-737 Max 8 aircraft, including two leased from Dubai-based company EDA. This information was confirmed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, during a recent presentation to the infrastructure, energy, mining, and environment committee of the House of Representatives. During his parliamentary address, the minister also announced that in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), RAM plans to acquire ten new aircraft in 2025 (including the three units delivered at the end of May) and ten more in 2026. According to sources close to the matter, all deliveries scheduled for 2025 involve B-737 Max 8 aircraft. The order planned for 2026 includes eight Boeing 737 Max 8 and two B-787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The same sources indicate that RAM's top management has successfully convinced Boeing to deliver two units from the 2026 order ahead of schedule, this year. Despite delays, RAM continues its fleet expansion This fleet modernization strategy is driven by an important increase in demand, particularly in anticipation of major events such as the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, for which Morocco is positioning itself as a key destination. RAM is counting on these new aircraft to improve its energy performance, reduce its environmental footprint, and optimize passenger comfort. The Boeing 737 Max 8, known for its low fuel consumption and increased range, allows the company to develop new routes, particularly to Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The fleet expansion plan aims to position Casablanca as a major aviation hub connecting Africa to the world. In summer 2025, more than 6.6 million seats will be offered, a record for RAM, across 95 destinations, with new flights to São Paulo, Beijing, Toronto, and Catania. Despite these positive developments, RAM CEO Hamid Addou expressed frustration last month over Boeing delivery delays in an interview with CNN. 'Of course, one feels frustrated when you have 15 to 18 months late deliveries,' Addou said, while acknowledging that all airlines face the same issue. He noted that the situation is improving: 'Things are evolving in the right direction. We just received three MAX's this week.' Addou added that RAM is set to receive seven more aircraft by the end of December and that 'the rhythm of production is increasing, which is a good sign.' 200 aircraft by 2037 According to converging reports, RAM is in the final stages of a major aircraft deal with Boeing, alongside a smaller agreement with Airbus. The Boeing order could be delayed, potentially pending a high-level meeting between King Mohammed VI and US President Donald Trump. In July 2023, the national carrier committed in its program contract signed with the state to quadruple its fleet to reach 200 aircraft by 2037. About two-thirds of this order will be for small-capacity aircraft, intended to strengthen regional and continental service. The remaining third will be for wide-body aircraft with more than 350 seats, intended for long-haul flights. This far-reaching plan continues despite efforts by European manufacturer Airbus to gain ground in this market historically dominated by the American manufacturer. During his CNN interview, Addou announced that the company was evaluating offers from Boeing, Airbus, and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer to meet this goal. Addou also stressed RAM's strengths, noting that while Gulf airlines focus more on Asia, RAM has a stronger presence on the south-north route between Africa and Europe. 'Where it's complicated for us to compete is against low-cost carriers,' he said, adding that Morocco has over 40 competitors that will require a new model and a new market. Read also: Boeing Partners with Casablanca Aéronautique to Produce Parts for 737 MAX
Morocco World
18-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc CEO Frustrated Over Boeing Delivery Delays, Says Situation Is Improving
Rabat – Hamid Addou, CEO of Morocco's national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM), shared the company's ambitions, plan, as well as frustration over the delay in submitting ordered aircraft from Boeing. He made his remarks during a recent interview with CNN, in which he shared Royal Air Maroc's heavy investments, but also setbacks, as some aircraft arrive up to 18 months late. 'You have to offer your customers what they're paying for. And in the economy… You have to offer the kind of service they're expecting. So we need to invest in the product, and we are already doing it,' Addou said. He said that, of course, one feels frustrated when you have 15 to 18 months late deliveries. Addou acknowledged that all executives and airlines face the same issue, promising that 'things are evolving in the right direction. Well, we just received three MAX's this week.' RAM's CEO added that Royal Air Maroc is set to receive seven of its ordered fleet by the end of December, noting that things are 'getting better.' 'Based on my information, the rhythm of production is increasing, which is a good sign,' Addou noted, adding that the company trusts its partners. The remarks came just a few days before an agreement between Boeing and Casablanca's Aironautique, a subsidiary of France's Fiageac Aero Group. Under the deal, the two parties will produce parts for the 737 MAX. Earlier this month, converging reports indicated that Royal Air Maroc is in the final stages of a significant aircraft deal with Boeing, alongside a smaller agreement with Airbus. Bloomberg cited sources familiar with the matter as saying that the Boeing order could be delayed, potentially pending a high-level meeting between King Mohammed VI and US President Donald Trump. During his interview with CNN, Addou also shared Royal Air Maroc's point of strength, noting that while the GCC Airlines focus more on Asia, RAM has a stronger presence on the south-north route between Africa and Europe. 'Where it's complicated for us to compete is against low-cost carriers,' the CEO of Royal Air Maroc said, adding that Morocco has over 40 competitors that will need a new model and a new market. Addou also thanked RAM's teams for developing new markets to compete against companies like Wizz, EasyJet, and Ryanair. He pledged that Royal Air Maroc is developing a different market in Africa, citing the company's strategy to put different and special plans for customers, in line with Morocco's culture. ' I think that if you want to feel again the first experience of the country, the airline is the best way to start a good journey,' he said. Addou added that Royal Air Maroc is in the center geographically, which makes the company able to capitalize on what clients like the world diaspora can offer. Tags: Royal Air MarocRoyal Air Maroc (RAM)
Morocco World
16-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc's Summer 2025 Flight Program Offers 6.6 Million Seats
Rabat – Morocco's national carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), launched its summer 2025 flight program today, featuring a record offer of over 6.6 million seats. In a statement, RAM stressed that its summer program is aimed at supporting the massive return of Moroccans living abroad during the summer holidays. 'Royal Air Maroc is boosting its service and launching an unprecedented flight schedule,' the company said, noting that the number of seats deployed represents a record-breaking offer. The number represents a significant increase of 700,0000 seats compared to the 2024 summer flight program, the company added, noting that the airline will serve 95 destinations worldwide. Royal Air Maroc's goal, added the statement, is to meet the growing needs of a diverse clientele, including Moroccans, African diaspora, and international tourists. RAM's CEO Hamid Addou described the company's offer as 'exceptional, noting that the system the company put in place for this season is 'fully aligned with the airline's development strategy.' 'With an expanded offer, a modernized fleet, and operational innovations, we are reaffirming our commitment to our passengers and consolidating Morocco's position as a strategic air hub,' Addou said, noting that the efforts reflect the company's desire to offer ever-smoother and more enjoyable travel experiences.' For Addou, all teams are mobilized to ensure the success of the summer season, particularly for our citizens living abroad. The company's statement stressed its commitment to reinforce leadership in Africa, with two additional weekly flights to Nouakchott, bringing the total to nine weekly flights. Flights to Dakar will increase to two per day, or 14 flights per week. The four direct routes connecting Casablanca to Malaga, Valencia, Lisbon, and Porto will also be operated by medium-haul aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Embraer 190s. The company also announced that it will charter four aircraft from internationally renowned airlines, noting that those flights are next-generation models selected based on safety and comfort criteria. 'RAM reduced the number of charted aircraft thanks to the addition of eight new planes to its fleet,' the company stated, adding that the number includes Boeing 787-900 Dreamliners for long-haul flights and six Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft for medium-haul routes. The new summer system comes as Morocco launched earlier this month the Marhaba Operation, an annual campaign the country dedicates to facilitating the transit of Moroccans residing abroad during summer holidays. The company's pledges come as RAM has been under increasing scrutiny, following a series of troubling incidents, including expensive ticket prices, as well as frequent luggage handling disruption that causes significant delays and disruptions for travelers. Tags: Morocco summer timeRoyal Air Maroc
Morocco World
05-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Analysis: Morocco's Open Skies Deal Shows Path for African Aviation Growth
Doha – Morocco's bold experiment with aviation liberalization demonstrates how strategic reforms can transform air travel across Africa, where protectionist policies and high costs have long hindered connectivity. Marie-Noelle Nwokolo, an associate researcher at The Brenthurst Foundation, noted in a new analysis that Morocco was the first African country to sign an Open Skies agreement with the European Union in 2006, effectively opening its aviation market to competition from Europe. 'Skeptics feared the onslaught of European low-cost carriers would kill the national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM); it did not,' Nwokolo wrote in her report titled 'Soaring above the Aviation Blues: How Reforms can Transform Air Travel across Africa.' The results proved transformative for Morocco's economy and travel sector. Passenger volumes between Morocco and Europe grew approximately 18% annually in the four years following the deal, generating an additional €1 billion for Morocco's GDP by 2009 and creating an estimated 24,000 jobs. The researcher observed that tourist arrivals climbed steadily at around 6% per year while average fares dropped by roughly 7%, providing direct consumer benefits. Most significantly, despite predictions of its demise, Royal Air Maroc adapted to the new competitive landscape. 'Royal Air Maroc adapted and held its own – it remains the largest player in the market, even as it now competes with a dozen European carriers (including Ryanair and easyJet) that operate frequent-to-daily flights into Morocco,' explained Nwokolo. The agreement also sparked domestic aviation innovation. Air Arabia Maroc launched in 2009 to tap into the growing budget travel segment, further expanding options for travelers. Challenges amid success Despite its overall success, Morocco's experience also reveals important implementation challenges. Nwokolo cited RAM CEO Abdelhamid Addou's November 2024 comments describing a pronounced imbalance in the agreement's practical application. 'European airlines gained unfettered access to Moroccan and African markets, but when Morocco's Royal Air Maroc sought to expand into Europe, 'open skies and closed airports' became their reality,' Nwokolo noted, quoting Addou. According to Addou, securing landing slots at major European airports remained a persistent struggle, creating an asymmetry in market access that poses serious obstacles for Moroccan carriers. The research showed that liberalization requires continuous management rather than being a one-time policy decision. Moroccan and EU officials have had to navigate ongoing negotiations on various issues from security standards to airport slot allocations as market conditions evolved. 'In essence, Morocco learned that opening the skies is a journey of constant adjustment,' Nwokolo stated in her analysis. 'Still, the overarching lesson is clear: thoughtful liberalization and competitive readiness can yield dramatic benefits for African aviation.' Untapped opportunities The report contrasted Morocco's approach with widespread protectionism across Africa. Despite housing 18% of the world's population, Africa accounts for just 2% of global air passenger traffic – a situation Nwokolo described as 'not inevitable – it is self-imposed.' Continental efforts such as the 1999 Yamoussoukro Decision and the African Union's Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), launched in 2018, have faced implementation hurdles, limiting potential economic gains Nwokolo presented data that signals untapped opportunities with far-reaching implications for Africa. An African Union study in 2022 projected that full implementation of SAATM would boost Africa's GDP by $4.2 billion, create almost 600,000 new jobs, and reduce average airfares by 27%. The analysis pointed to real-world validation already seen in limited cases. When Kenya and South Africa liberalized flights between them in the early 2000s, passenger traffic surged 69%. Similarly, when South Africa allowed low-cost carriers into the South Africa-Zambia market, fares fell and traffic jumped 38%. 'The vision of a connected Africa, where an entrepreneur in Accra can easily hop a flight to meet a client in Lusaka, or a family in Dakar can vacation affordably in Cape Town, is within reach,' Nwokolo concluded. She added that achieving this vision 'will require bold leadership, relentless technical work, and yes, tough negotiations to reconcile interests.' Read also: Airbus Sees Morocco as Key Partner in Aviation Growth Tags: aviation in moroccoOpen skies agreement
