Royal Air Maroc Initiates Major Aircraft Purchase Tender Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has officially launched a significant tender to expand its aircraft fleet, a move aligned with the airline’s ambitious growth plans leading up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of the Moroccan national carrier, confirmed the launch of this long-anticipated tender on April 15, although details have not been publicly disclosed yet.

The tender process, originally set to be announced by the end of 2023 and later postponed to January 2024, was confirmed in discussions with ch-aviation. The procurement strategy aims to not only replace the existing fleet but also to add additional aircraft in anticipation of increased tourism demand. Morocco, along with Spain and Portugal, will be hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to significantly boost visitor numbers to the region.

In a strategic move to strengthen its operational capabilities, RAM plans to quadruple its fleet size by 2030. According to CEO Abdelhamid Addou, the tender will encompass the acquisition of 200 aircraft, with deliveries anticipated to accelerate post-2028. The airline is considering a mix of firm orders and options, including both outright purchases and dry leases, and is open to bids from all four major aircraft manufacturers.

This fleet expansion began last year with the wet-leasing of additional aircraft scheduled for delivery between April 2024 and January 2025, marking the start of a phased growth plan. This plan includes the introduction of new routes and the expansion of existing point-to-point services.

Royal Air Maroc’s current fleet, as noted by ch-aviation, includes a diverse mix of Boeing and Embraer aircraft, supplemented by wet-leased Airbus A320-200s. The airline also manages the Moroccan government’s fleet of VIP aircraft. Additionally, its subsidiary, Royal Air Maroc Express, operates several ATR72-600s.

This tender signifies a major step in RAM’s long-term strategy to enhance its global footprint and improve its service offerings in preparation for the upcoming global football event and the expected surge in international visitors.