Royal Air Maroc’s ambitious Royal Air Maroc 200 aircraft tender will begin delivering new planes from 2028, the carrier’s CEO confirmed in recent interviews, a dramatic acceleration of the Moroccan flag carrier’s fleet renewal and growth plan. According to reporting by Business Insider and Reuters, RAM aims to acquire up to 200 aircraft by 2037, with roughly a quarter of those expected to be wide-body jets to support intercontinental services.
The tender, launched in April 2024, is part of a wider national strategy to expand Morocco’s air connectivity and airport capacity. RAM plans to receive about 15 new aircraft per year from 2028 onward, while temporarily increasing fleet size through leases in the near term. Company comments and industry reporting describe active conversations with Boeing, Airbus and Embraer as the carrier evaluates offers.
What RAM announced and why it matters
- Who: Royal Air Maroc (CEO Abdelhamid Addou) and participating manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus, Embraer).
- What: A procurement program targeting up to 200 aircraft to be delivered between 2028 and 2037 (with ~25% widebodies).
- Where: Casablanca Mohammed V and Morocco’s national airport network, supporting expansion of the Casablanca hub.
- When: Tender launched April 2024; CEO confirms first deliveries begin 2028; plan extends through 2037.
- Why: Scale capacity for tourism growth, strengthen transcontinental links (Europe, Africa, Americas), and prepare for major events and long-term demand.
Timeline & immediate impacts
- 2024: Tender launched (public).
- 2025-2027: Interim leasing to bolster capacity (RAM may lease up to 13 aircraft per year before 2028).
- 2028: First tender deliveries begin; target ramp to ~15 deliveries/year.
- By 2037: Target fleet size up to 200 aircraft to support wider route network and passenger growth.
Key near-term impacts for market players
- Manufacturers (Boeing, Airbus, Embraer) win crucial production slots and long-term revenue streams if selected.
- Lessors may secure lease partnerships as RAM temporarily fills gaps pre-delivery.
- Casablanca hub: increased passenger throughput and higher connectivity across Africa-Europe-Americas corridors.
Policy, infrastructure & regulatory context
The RAM plan ties into Morocco’s broader aviation infrastructure goals, including airport capacity expansion projects reported by national airport authorities, and reflects wider African aviation trends where carriers and governments aim to link regional markets more effectively. Any large procurement must navigate slot availability, certification, financing, and bilateral traffic rights. Aviation bodies such as IATA and regulators set the framework for safety, traffic rights, and bilateral negotiations that shape where and how carriers deploy new aircraft.
Statistics & background
- RAM current fleet size: industry trackers list ~50–70 aircraft in active service depending on recent leases and deliveries (varies by source such as Planespotters / Airfleets). Use airline fleet page and ch-aviation for the latest exact count.
- Tender launch and program scope: originally announced April 2024; CEO confirmed 2028 deliveries in recent interviews.
What’s next? Industry outlook
- Short term (12-36 months): expect additional lease announcements, supplier negotiations, and formal manufacturer bids. Watch press statements from RAM and any OEM deal announcements.
- Medium term (2028 onward): first scheduled deliveries will test RAM’s ability to scale operations, recruit/retain crew, and expand maintenance and ground infrastructure. Airport capacity projects in Morocco will need to keep pace.
- Long term (to 2037): if realized, the plan could reposition RAM as a major African hub and alter competition patterns on African-European and African-American routes, but execution risk (financing, production slots, traffic rights) remains significant.
Sources
- Business Insider Africa, “Royal Air Maroc’s 200 aircraft tender to kick off deliveries in 2028.”
- Reuters reporting, “Royal Air Maroc to receive first aircraft from 2028, CEO says.”
- Reuters (April 2024), “Royal Air Maroc tenders for new planes, CEO says.”
- ch-aviation coverage of RAM fleet and deals.
- Planespotters / Airfleets (fleet trackers) for current fleet context.
- IATA airline entry for legal / membership context.
