Rabat – Morocco’s flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), and China Eastern Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen air connectivity between China and Africa.
Signed by the CEOs of both airlines, Hamid Addou of Royal Air Maroc and Wang Zhiqing of China Eastern Airlines, the agreement also seeks to support the growing economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Morocco and China, according to a joint press release. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both companies.
The partnership includes the implementation of a codeshare agreement on key flight routes and the Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) to enhance cooperation between their respective flight networks.
These agreements will allow passengers from both airlines to benefit from a wider network of destinations, smoother flight connections, and an improved travel experience between the two regions, added the statement.
The two companies also plan to expand their collaboration to other areas within the aviation industry, with a shared vision of providing high-quality services and improving operational and commercial integration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines, said “the strong friendship and close cooperation between China and Morocco have laid a solid foundation for our aviation collaboration.”
“With the strategic role of Shanghai as a hub and Royal Air Maroc’s strong presence in Africa, we can easily strengthen our network,” he stated.
Zhiqing added that China Eastern is committed to deepening its strategic cooperation with RAM to further develop the air transport market between China and Africa through a “comprehensive and sustainable partnership.”
Meanwhile, Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, said the partnership is part of Morocco’s ongoing efforts – in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI – and continues the momentum launched by the royal visit to China in 2016. The goal, Addou says, is to give new impetus to bilateral relations and build a strong model of South-South cooperation.
Addou recalled that RAM made history by launching the first-ever direct flight between Morocco and China, connecting Casablanca and Beijing.
“With this partnership, we continue to strengthen air connections and build human, economic, cultural, and tourism bridges between the two nations,” he added.
Royal Air Maroc resumed its direct Casablanca–Beijing flights in January 2025, operating three times a week. Around the same time, Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern, launched a route linking Shanghai and Casablanca via Marseille, also with three weekly flights.
