Enhancing Africa-China connectivity: Royal Air Maroc and China Southern Airlines MoU

Wednesday 26 March 2025 - 11:38

By: Zahouani Ilham

Enhancing Africa-China connectivity: Royal Air Maroc and China Southern Airlines MoU

Royal Air Maroc and China Southern Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance connectivity between Africa and China, aiming to meet the increasing demand for travel between these regions.

Through this agreement, both airlines will expand their interline cooperation and establish a code-sharing partnership to improve their respective air networks. This collaboration seeks to provide travelers with more travel options to various Chinese and Asian destinations via China Southern’s extensive network, while also offering better access to Africa through Royal Air Maroc’s strong presence on the continent. Additionally, the airlines will explore opportunities for cooperation in passenger and freight transport, as well as other related services, to ensure smoother, simpler, and higher-quality travel experiences.

Qu Guangji, Executive Vice President of China Southern Airlines, commented, “Signing this MoU is a significant step in response to the Belt and Road Initiative. It marks a new beginning for cooperation between China Southern Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. We are proud to work together with Royal Air Maroc to fully leverage our strengths and explore new possibilities for cooperation, aiming to offer passengers seamless and exceptional travel experiences.”

Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, emphasized, “This partnership with China Southern Airlines is a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Africa and China. It will broaden travel options for our passengers while enhancing tourism and economic ties between our countries. By combining our strengths, we are committed to providing travel experiences that foster stronger links between Africa and China, while also easing access to Morocco for Chinese tourists from across the country.”

It is worth noting that Royal Air Maroc resumed the first direct flight between Morocco and China on January 20, 2025. The direct Casablanca-Beijing route is now operated by the national airline three times a week.