Casablanca – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is modernizing its fleet with the acquisition of 12 new Boeing aircraft between the last quarter of this year and March next year. This includes two Boeing 787 Dreamliners and ten Boeing MAX planes. The expansion aims to enhance RAM’s capabilities and network, supporting Morocco’s major projects, including the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

According to “Asharq Business,” these transactions will improve RAM’s financial position, enabling it to secure bank financing for its significant investment program. This plan was established before RAM signed a contract with the government in July last year, aiming to increase its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft over the next fifteen years, with an estimated investment of over $25.77 billion.

Before 2019, RAM had a fleet of 60 aircraft but reduced this number by 10 and sold others after many years of service. In April last year, RAM launched an international tender to purchase new aircraft, reaching out to manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus.

RAM’s partnership with Boeing remains robust. Several new Boeing planes are expected to arrive at Moroccan airports in the coming months. CEO Abdelhamid Addou revealed the company will receive twelve additional aircraft. This includes both wide-body and single-aisle planes, with two Boeing 787 Dreamliners arriving between September and December, and ten Boeing MAX planes arriving between October this year and April next year. This will enable RAM to open new routes planned under its government contract, targeting destinations in Africa and Europe.

RAM plans to quadruple its fleet within ten years as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. This expansion is part of an ambitious development plan to meet increasing market demand. RAM currently connects around fifty African airports with a fleet of 52 aircraft, primarily Boeing.

Addou previously mentioned that RAM’s expansion plan contributes to Morocco’s goal of attracting 17.5 million tourists by 2026 and 26 million by 2030. Last year, Morocco saw a record 14.5 million tourist arrivals. In the summer of 2023, RAM signed a program contract with the government to quadruple its fleet over the next 15 years. This contract supports the strategic tourism roadmap 2023-2026, aiming to position Morocco among the world’s major tourist destinations, generating approximately $12.37 billion in foreign currency revenues and creating 80,000 direct and 120,000 indirect job opportunities.

RAM will also develop air routes in line with the strategic tourism roadmap by opening new international destinations, strengthening ties with the Moroccan diaspora, and improving domestic connectivity with 46 new routes. This expansion will enable Moroccan airports to connect with many new destinations. RAM aims to increase the number of tourists to Morocco to 21 million per year from 69 countries across four continents by 2037.