Strengthening trade links: Royal Air Maroc's new route connects Morocco, China, and Brazil

Thursday 06 March 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Strengthening trade links: Royal Air Maroc's new route connects Morocco, China, and Brazil

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) Cargo has revitalized a key trade route linking Morocco and China, essential for the movement of goods between China and Africa, while also establishing a direct connection to Brazil.

The Moroccan airline has introduced a Boeing 787-9 aircraft operating three flights per week between Casablanca and Beijing's Daxing International Airport, the largest in China. The inaugural flight launched on January 20, carrying approximately 30 tonnes of cargo each way weekly.

Yassine Berrada, Vice President of Cargo at Royal Air Maroc, emphasized Morocco's strategic position as an ideal gateway for trade with Africa and Europe. "At Royal Air Maroc, we are proud to go even further, building Casablanca up as a true air bridge between Asia, Africa, and the Americas," Berrada stated.

This new service not only streamlines the transport of Chinese goods to Africa but also facilitates a direct route to Brazil, thanks to the newly established São Paulo connection. The demand for cargo, particularly from Beijing, is rising as China's interest in African exports grows.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Royal Air Maroc maintained regular flights to China and is now keen to reinstate these vital services. “Reinstating Chinese services was an obvious and natural decision as goods exchange is important,” Berrada remarked.

Earlier this year, RAM CEO Hamid Addou expressed his satisfaction with the route's relaunch, describing it as a "long-awaited route" crucial for Moroccan tourism. He highlighted that 80% of the traffic on this route is anticipated to comprise foreign tourists, enhancing both trade and tourism.

In addition to transporting Chinese goods such as electronics, furniture, and clothing to Morocco, many of these items will be directly shipped to Brazil. Royal Air Maroc has partnered with Globe Air Cargo China, a subsidiary of ECS Group, to oversee these operations. Adrien Thominet, Executive Chairman of ECS Group, voiced pride in supporting the Moroccan airline's mission to bolster connections between China, Morocco, and Brazil.