Royal Air Maroc relaunches Casablanca-Beijing flights amid strategic expansion

Thursday 19 December 2024 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Royal Air Maroc relaunches Casablanca-Beijing flights amid strategic expansion

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will resume direct flights between Casablanca and Beijing on January 20, 2025. This marks a significant step in reconnecting Morocco and China after a hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The relaunch was announced during a ceremony in Beijing, where RAM signed 16 agreements with leading Chinese travel agencies.

Partnerships to strengthen ties and boost occupancy

The partnerships aim to ensure long-term seat allocations, strengthen ties with Chinese travel agencies, and maintain high occupancy rates for the Casablanca-Beijing route. RAM stated that these agreements follow extensive discussions with established and new partners, reflecting strong demand from Chinese travelers.

Abderrahman Brahimi, RAM’s director for Morocco, Maghreb, Middle East, and Asia, and Adil Khalloufi, the airline’s representative in China, formalized the agreements during the event.

Enhanced flight schedule and expansion plans

The Casablanca-Beijing route will operate three times a week, with departures from Casablanca on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 4:20 PM local time, arriving in Beijing the following day at 11:55 AM. Return flights will leave Beijing on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 1:55 PM local time, landing in Casablanca at 8:10 PM.

The flights will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which accommodate 302 passengers, including 26 in Business Class.

As part of RAM’s 2024–2037 strategic plan, the airline intends to increase flight frequency to Beijing from three to seven weekly flights. RAM also aims to expand its network to other key Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, which are identified as vital markets for passenger and cargo transport.

Strengthening Morocco-China ties

The Casablanca-Beijing route builds on bilateral agreements established during King Mohammed VI’s 2016 visit to China. These agreements introduced visa-free entry for Chinese citizens traveling to Morocco. The relaunch is expected to support growing economic, cultural, and commercial exchanges between the two nations.

During the ceremony, Morocco’s ambassador to China, Abdelkader El Ansari, highlighted the direct route’s role in fostering stronger ties.

The event concluded with a gala dinner attended by Moroccan and Chinese officials, journalists, and dignitaries. RAM representatives outlined their vision for enhancing tourism and strengthening connectivity between Morocco and China. They underscored the airline’s commitment to long-term collaboration.

This development positions Morocco as a gateway for Chinese travelers seeking diverse cultural and economic opportunities while advancing Morocco’s global connectivity.