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Economy

Royal Air Maroc nears major Boeing deal with Airbus entry after 25 years

Thursday 12 June 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

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Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is preparing to modernize and expand its fleet through a substantial deal with Boeing and a smaller order with Airbus, marking a transformative step for Morocco's national carrier.

Boeing leads negotiations; Airbus returns after decades

According to industry sources cited by Reuters, RAM is close to finalizing an agreement with Boeing for dozens of aircraft, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. Talks have been ongoing for over a year, with Boeing remaining the airline's primary supplier. However, Airbus is poised to re-enter the Moroccan market with a potential order for 20 A220 jets, its first deal with RAM in nearly 25 years.

Although discussions are confidential, this dual agreement reflects RAM’s strategy to diversify its fleet while maintaining its historical ties to Boeing.

Strengthening ties with the US and France

The anticipated deal follows growing diplomatic and economic relations between Morocco and the US, as well as France. Industry insiders suggest that the Boeing deal may be finalized during a potential high-level meeting between His Majesty King Mohammed VI and former US President Donald Trump, reinforcing Morocco's partnership with Washington.

At the same time, Airbus’s involvement aligns with enhanced Morocco-France ties, particularly after France recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara last year.

RAM's ambitious expansion plan

Royal Air Maroc’s fleet expansion is pivotal to Morocco’s broader goals for tourism and economic growth. The airline plans to increase its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft over the next 15 years. The program supports Morocco's ambition to attract 65 million tourists annually by 2037, building on its achievement of welcoming over 17.4 million visitors in 2024.

Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh recently announced that RAM has already added five Boeing aircraft this year, including three 787 Dreamliners in early June. The carrier is set to acquire 10 more planes by year-end and another 10 in 2026.

As Morocco positions itself as a global hub for tourism and aviation, the upcoming Boeing-Airbus deals represent a significant milestone in the country's development strategy.