Casablanca – In a significant move for intercontinental aviation, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and China Eastern Airlines have officially reinforced their strategic partnership, aiming to expand air connectivity between China, Morocco, and the broader African continent. The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Shanghai, represents a major step in consolidating the air bridge linking Africa and Asia, a corridor that has grown in importance amid shifting global economic dynamics.

The partnership focuses on improving network integration, operational cooperation, and passenger experience. Core initiatives include the implementation of a codeshare agreement across major routes, the extension of connecting flights beyond each airline’s primary hubs, and the establishment of a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA). These measures are designed to optimize flight routes and fares while increasing the complementarity of both airlines’ networks. The agreement ensures passengers have access to a wider selection of destinations, smoother connections, and an overall enhanced travel experience between the two regions.

Beyond network coordination, the partnership sets the stage for broader collaboration in the aviation sector. Both airlines intend to explore opportunities in technical exchanges, staff training, and shared maintenance programs. These initiatives aim to reinforce operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and generate commercial synergies that will strengthen the competitive positioning of both carriers.

This collaboration builds on the historical ties and longstanding cooperation between Morocco and China, which have steadily expanded over the past decade. Morocco has positioned itself as a strategic hub for African air travel, leveraging its geographic location, modern infrastructure, and growing network of domestic and international routes. The direct Casablanca–Beijing connection, relaunched in January 2025, represents the first direct air link between North Africa and mainland China, providing a critical bridge for economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges.

China Eastern Airlines, through its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines, has also developed air links to Morocco, operating a route between Shanghai and Casablanca via Marseille, with a fourth weekly frequency added in September 2025 as a direct flight. Plans are underway to progressively convert all flights on this route to direct operations, further enhancing convenience for passengers and streamlining connections to other African destinations served by RAM.

The partnership is expected to facilitate increased flows of trade, tourism, and investment between China and Africa. Casablanca’s strategic location and modern infrastructure, including Mohammed V Airport and the Tanger Med Port, position Morocco as a key transit platform linking Asia and Africa. Businesses and investors, particularly those in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and technology, are likely to benefit from faster, more reliable access to markets across both regions.

Tourism is another key area of potential growth. With Chinese travelers undertaking more than 120 million international trips annually, expanding direct air services between Shanghai, Beijing, and major African cities could significantly boost arrivals to Morocco and the wider North African region. This aligns with Morocco’s broader tourism strategy, which aims to increase international visitor numbers while strengthening the country’s status as a continental hub for cultural and leisure travel.

The complementarity of the two airlines’ networks is a notable feature of this partnership. China Eastern Airlines operates one of the largest international networks among Chinese carriers, with approximately 9,100 international flights per month, while Royal Air Maroc covers over 80 destinations across Africa. The combination of these networks provides significant potential for enhanced connectivity and growth in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two continents.

This strategic alliance reflects a broader geopolitical and economic context. China continues to deepen economic partnerships across Africa through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, while Morocco has sought to position itself as a central player in African development, leveraging its air, maritime, and logistics infrastructure. By reinforcing air connectivity between Casablanca and Shanghai, the partnership strengthens Morocco’s role as a continental hub and facilitates closer economic and cultural integration between Africa and Asia.

In practical terms, travelers on this corridor can expect improved scheduling flexibility, smoother transfer options, and a more integrated travel experience. Long-term plans also include technical cooperation, joint training programs, and coordinated maintenance operations, aimed at raising operational standards and passenger service quality.

As a result, this partnership is not only a commercial arrangement but also a strategic initiative that enhances Africa’s connectivity with Asia, supporting economic growth, tourism, and cross-continental collaboration. With enhanced direct flights and stronger operational ties, Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines are positioning themselves as central players in the emerging Africa–Asia aviation corridor, creating new opportunities for mobility, trade, and cultural exchange in the years to come.

This agreement underscores Morocco’s ambition to consolidate its status as a continental hub and China’s commitment to expanding air access to Africa, reflecting a shared vision of sustainable, long-term growth in intercontinental aviation.