Royal Air Maroc and Air Senegal Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Connectivity
In a significant development for aviation in Africa, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Air Senegal have entered into a strategic partnership, marking a new era of enhanced connectivity between Morocco and Senegal. This collaboration comes to life through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in late September, initiating a codeshare agreement alongside other synergistic initiatives aimed at fostering long-term cooperation between the two flag carriers.
The partnership is a reflection of the shared ambition to bolster economic, social, and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Senegal, underpinning the already strong bilateral relations between the two nations. Through the codeshare agreement, passengers will enjoy the flexibility of purchasing tickets from either airline and flying on the combined fleet, enhancing travel options and accessibility.
Beyond passenger services, the collaboration extends to several operational areas, including aircraft maintenance, charter services, and handling. Both airlines are set to benefit from increased synergies in personnel training, covering both technical and managerial aspects, as well as pooling resources in communication and the digitalization of services. This comprehensive approach is designed to elevate the operational efficiency and service offerings of both carriers.
Hamid Addou, RAM’s Chairman and CEO, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with the excellent diplomatic relations between Morocco and Senegal, highlighting the mutual commitment to forging a strategic and enduring alliance. Similarly, Alioune Badara Fall, CEO of Air Senegal, acknowledged the partnership as a realization of the highest authorities’ desire in both countries to develop a robust air bridge for the mutual benefit of passengers and cargo operations.
The announcement of this partnership comes at a time when RAM is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan, aiming to quadruple its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037. The plan includes a mix of narrowbody and widebody aircraft to cater to the growing demand for air travel. RAM’s current fleet predominantly comprises Boeing models, whereas Air Senegal’s fleet is primarily Airbus, including the modern A330-900 widebodies and the A220-300, among others.
This strategic partnership between Royal Air Maroc and Air Senegal signifies a milestone in the aviation sector’s efforts to enhance interconnectivity within Africa and beyond, promising improved services for passengers and contributing to the economic growth and cultural exchange between Morocco and Senegal.