Royal Air Maroc (AT, Casablanca Mohamed V) must accelerate the implementation of its strategy to increase its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, according to a parliamentary committee report urging the government to reassess the national carrier’s management and economic model, highlighting that current air connectivity is not in line with the national tourism strategy.
The report, as reported by local media including Canal 13 Maroc, Rabat Today, Hespress and Assahifa, noted that Morocco’s limited domestic aviation network and insufficient aircraft fleet are hindering tourism growth. Despite having three domestic and international airlines, more than 85% of passenger traffic is concentrated at just five airports. The report also noted that outdated airport infrastructure and limited air routes, especially to new markets such as China, further hinder tourism.
The report stresses that air transport is crucial to advancing the national tourism strategy and Morocco’s global presence, especially in Africa. The report calls for a review of Royal Air Maroc’s model to increase international competitiveness, ensure long-haul connectivity and support tourism. Recommendations include rapidly expanding RAM’s fleet of aircraft, considering aircraft leasing, increasing domestic competition from low-cost carriers, and improving airport infrastructure and logistics. The goal is to strengthen air connectivity and further support Morocco’s tourism and economic ambitions.
Royal Air Maroc launched a long-awaited tender for new aircraft in April, but no details were made public. The airline had previously planned to publish a request for proposal (RFP) by the end of 2023, but later postponed it to January 2024. CEO Abdelhamid Ado previously told ch-aviation that the tender would cover all 200 aircraft, covering both aircraft replacement and future growth. The tender would include a combination of firm orders with options, outright acquisitions and dry leases, he said.
