Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), is poised to undergo a major transformation as it sets out to become a global carrier. With a strategic vision focused on fleet expansion and operational realignment, RAM aims to increase its fleet size to 200 aircraft by 2037, significantly boosting passenger capacity from 7.3 million to 31.6 million. This ambitious plan will rely on government support to ensure adequate funding.
In a significant development, RAM signed a new contractual framework with the government in Rabat on July 11, marking the beginning of a substantial transformation for the airline, according to Le Matin. Guided by a bold strategy, RAM aims to achieve remarkable growth through fleet expansion and operational adjustments.
To position itself as a global carrier, RAM plans to gradually increase its fleet from the current 60 aircraft to 200. This expansion will go hand in hand with a significant increase in passenger capacity, enabling the airline to offer transcontinental connections and reinforce its transnational network.
To ensure the financing of new aircraft acquisitions, Royal Air Maroc relies on an annual contribution from the state, which will be adjusted based on financial requirements. A monitoring committee appointed by the head of government will assess the need for capital increases on an annual basis, ensuring precise planning, financial stability, and the success of RAM’s transformation.
A new era of growth for Royal Air Maroc. July 11, 2023, in Rabat, marked a historical moment for our company. The Head of Government and our CEO signed a Program Contract, paving the way for a visionary development plan over the next fifteen years. pic.twitter.com/4y4kWNdq7t
— Royal Air Maroc (@RAM_Maroc) July 14, 2023
Furthermore, RAM aims to open new routes and achieve controlled growth in the short and medium term. In the short term, the airline plans to strengthen its offerings on existing routes while developing medium and long-haul connections. RAM is committed to opening new long-haul routes in tourism and ethnic transport. Planned route openings for 2027 include European destinations such as Manchester, Munich, Zurich, Naples, as well as African cities like Tripoli, Ndjamena, Abuja, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and the island of Sal in Cape Verde.
In the medium term, RAM envisions a complete transformation into a global carrier, necessitating fleet expansion and doubling its current size. The company plans to open medium and long-haul routes on four continents. By 2037, RAM intends to introduce new destinations, including Warsaw, Budapest, Dublin, Lille, Copenhagen, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Oslo, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Prague, Vienna, Stockholm, Birmingham, and Bucharest in Europe. In Southern Europe, destinations like Athens, Catania, Florence, Faro, Alicante, Bilbao, and Palma de Mallorca are on the agenda. RAM also aims to connect cities in Africa, the Middle East, America, and Asia.
Morocco’s decision to expand RAM’s fleet and increase its air transport capacity aligns with the nation’s tourism objectives. The country aims to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026, a significant rise from the 11 million recorded last year. With tourism revenue surpassing 2019 levels and reaching 91 billion dirhams in 2022, Morocco has set an ambitious target of attracting 67 million visitors by 2037. The government’s vision is to elevate Casablanca as one of the top three air transport hubs in Africa.
As Royal Air Maroc embarks on this transformative journey, it aims to strengthen its position as a key player in the aviation industry, catering to the growing travel demand and positioning Morocco as a leading tourist destination in the region.
