18-07-2025
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
