Casablanca, November 6 - Royal Air Maroc's ambitious 200-aircraft tender marks a transformative chapter in African aviation, positioning the Moroccan flag carrier as a pivotal hub for transcontinental travel. Launched in April 2024, this landmark procurement initiative aims to quadruple the airline's current fleet of around 50 planes by 2037, with deliveries kicking off in 2028 to fuel Morocco's booming tourism sector and global connectivity. CEO Abdelhamid Addou recently confirmed that Royal Air Maroc is meticulously evaluating bids from industry titans, including Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer, blending cutting-edge narrow-body and wide-body jets to modernize operations. This strategic fleet expansion, estimated to inject billions into Morocco's economy, underscores the airline's vision to dominate routes linking Africa, Europe, and the Americas, all while prioritizing sustainability through fuel-efficient models that slash emissions and enhance passenger comfort.
At the heart of the Royal Air Maroc aircraft order lies a balanced mix: approximately 25% wide-body giants for long-haul prowess across the Atlantic and beyond, complemented by 75% nimble narrow-body aircraft to supercharge regional and intra-continental flights. With an anticipated influx of 15 new planes annually starting in 2028, the tender addresses the airline's urgent need to replace aging models while accommodating explosive demand, passenger traffic has surged 20% year-over-year, driven by Morocco's cultural allure and business opportunities. This phased rollout aligns seamlessly with national goals, including bolstering Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport as a premier gateway, where expanded capacity could handle millions more travelers without compromising efficiency or safety standards.
To bridge the gap until 2028, Royal Air Maroc is astutely leasing up to 13 aircraft per year, a pragmatic move that enables immediate route launches to underserved markets like sub-Saharan Africa and emerging Asian destinations. This interim strategy not only sustains growth momentum but also tests operational synergies with potential tender winners, ensuring a smooth transition to owned assets. Environmentally conscious choices, such as advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials in the prospective fleet, promise to reduce carbon footprints by up to 20%, appealing to eco-aware globetrotters and aligning with global aviation pacts. For frequent flyers eyeing Morocco flights, this heralds shorter wait times, upgraded in-flight experiences, and a network poised to rival Europe's busiest carriers.
Ultimately, Royal Air Maroc's 200 aircraft tender isn't just about numbers; it's a bold bet on Morocco's aviation future, timed perfectly ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup co-hosting with Spain and Portugal. By empowering seamless Morocco travel from New York to Nairobi, the initiative could generate thousands of jobs in aerospace and hospitality, while cementing the kingdom's role in the skies. As bids crystallize into contracts, aviation enthusiasts worldwide watch eagerly, knowing this fleet renewal will redefine accessibility and luxury across continents for years to come.