Rabat – To accommodate an unprecedented surge in air travel at year-end with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ongoing across Morocco, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has temporarily expanded its fleet by chartering four Airbus A320 aircraft. The move is a first for the airline, which has historically relied on Boeing planes.
According to Le360, the aircraft were leased from two specialized operators, Avion Express Malta and Heston Airlines, and came with their own flight crews, as RAM pilots are not yet certified on Airbus models.
RAM’s own cabin crew were assigned to ensure service quality and hospitality remained consistent, while streamlining operations during this peak period.
The planes, delivered in mid-December, were quickly deployed across key routes to meet the holiday travel rush.
One aircraft, registered 9H-AMM, operates from RAM’s main hub in Casablanca to several destinations in France, Belgium, and Italy.
LY-VUT mainly links Marrakech with French and Belgian cities. A third plane serves flights between Agadir and France, with additional rotations between Oujda and Paris, while the fourth aircraft connects Tanger and Nador with Paris.
This temporary Airbus deployment comes as RAM’s current fleet, about 60 aircraft, is largely composed of Boeing jets, supplemented by a few Embraer and ATR planes.
The move reflects a broader strategic rethink: in April 2024, RAM issued a tender to modernize its fleet with up to 200 aircraft by 2037, reviewing offers from Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer.
The airline’s visit to Airbus facilities in Toulouse last year further showed its interest in the European manufacturer.
The fleet reinforcement coincides with record-breaking traffic at Moroccan airports. Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport recently welcomed over 11 million passengers for the first time. This upsurge is largely driven by arrivals linked to AFCON 2025, including fans, official delegations, and visitors.
