Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Royal Air Maroc Expands Global Connectivity with Avolon Lease of Boeing 737-8 MAX, Boosting Morocco’s Tourism and African Aviation Growth
Published on October 14, 2025
Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national airline, has secured a major milestone in its growth strategy by leasing six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft from Avolon, a global aviation finance company. This agreement marks the airline’s first collaboration with Avolon and is set to significantly boost the airline’s international reach. The addition of these state-of-the-art aircraft will help Royal Air Maroc strengthen its global presence, contributing to the country’s burgeoning tourism industry and connecting Morocco to new international markets.
The six new aircraft, with deliveries scheduled over the next two years, will be key to Royal Air Maroc’s expansion as the airline transitions from a regional player to a global connector. The aircraft will primarily serve medium-haul routes connecting Africa with Europe, the Middle East, and other key markets. As the airline grows, this move is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing tourism connectivity and offering passengers increased convenience and comfort.
A Major Step for Tourism Connectivity
For Morocco, the lease agreement is more than just an aviation deal—it represents a major leap forward in the country’s tourism infrastructure. With the addition of the Boeing 737-8 MAX, Royal Air Maroc will be able to expand its international network, providing direct flights to key destinations across the globe. This increased connectivity will encourage more tourists to visit Morocco, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.
These new narrow-body jets are designed to be more fuel-efficient, offering improved performance while reducing operating costs. This makes them an ideal choice for medium-demand routes that may have been unprofitable for larger, wide-body aircraft. The Boeing 737-8 MAX will allow Royal Air Maroc to offer more direct flights at competitive prices, making it easier for travelers to access Morocco’s many attractions.
Strengthening Morocco’s Global Position
The Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, which are known for their advanced technology and improved fuel efficiency, will enable Royal Air Maroc to support its ambitious goals of becoming a global connector. Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, explained that these new aircraft will play a vital role in the airline’s 10-year growth program. As Royal Air Maroc aims to serve 32 million passengers annually by 2037, this fleet expansion is a critical step in making Morocco a more accessible destination for global travelers.
Africa’s Growing Aviation Market
The African aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades, with passenger traffic set to increase by over 6% annually until 2044. This growth will be driven by expanding tourism and business travel across the continent. Royal Air Maroc is strategically positioning itself to take advantage of this boom in African aviation by increasing its fleet and expanding its route network to key markets in North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
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Tourism Growth and Economic Impact
The partnership with Avolon is expected to have a profound impact on both Morocco’s economy and its tourism sector. By offering more direct flights to and from key international destinations, Royal Air Maroc will help promote Morocco as a premier travel destination for tourists looking to explore the country’s rich culture and landscapes. With the new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, the airline is not only increasing its capacity but also enhancing the quality of service for international travelers.
As tourism becomes an increasingly important contributor to Morocco’s GDP, these new aircraft will help attract more visitors to the country, further promoting its vibrant tourism economy. The improved global connectivity will support the growing demand for tourism services, ranging from luxury accommodations to cultural experiences and local hospitality, benefiting the entire Moroccan tourism ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Moroccan Tourism
Looking to the future, Royal Air Maroc’s fleet expansion is part of a broader strategy to make Morocco a leading player in global tourism. The addition of six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft will enhance the airline’s ability to serve both tourists and business travelers, offering convenient, efficient, and cost-effective travel options. As Royal Air Maroc continues to grow its network and increase passenger capacity, Morocco is poised to see significant benefits in terms of tourism growth and economic development.
The partnership between Avolon and Royal Air Maroc represents a key moment in the evolution of Moroccan aviation and tourism. With its new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, Royal Air Maroc is ready to strengthen its role as a global connector, offering more opportunities for tourists to visit Morocco and explore its many attractions. As the airline continues to expand its network and improve its services, Morocco’s tourism industry will continue to flourish, attracting visitors from around the world.
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