Royal Air Maroc Plans to Acquire About 20 Airbus A220 Aircraft

Royal Air Maroc Plans to Acquire About 20 Airbus A220 Aircraft

Strategic Fleet Expansion Amid Market Competition

Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s national carrier, is poised to announce significant aircraft orders at the upcoming Paris Air Show, according to sources cited by Reuters. The airline is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to acquire approximately 20 Airbus A220 jets, complementing its ongoing plans to expand its existing Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner fleets. This potential acquisition represents a strategic shift for RAM, which currently operates a diverse fleet of 54 aircraft, including four Embraer E190s, 32 Boeing 737s, 11 Boeing 787s, one Boeing 767 freighter, and six ATR 72 turboprops.

The move toward the Airbus A220 signals a notable development for RAM, particularly given its status as an existing Embraer E-Jet customer. The prospective order is viewed as a setback for Embraer, as it suggests a transition away from the E190s in favor of the newer A220 model. This decision aligns with RAM’s broader ambition to expand its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, a target driven in part by preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain.

Market Dynamics and Operational Considerations

The anticipated Airbus deal has been the subject of industry speculation for several weeks, especially following reports in the French newspaper La Tribune about RAM’s intention to place a substantial commercial aircraft order. The acquisition comes at a time of intensifying competition in the narrowbody aircraft market. Airlines such as Air Niugini are also increasing their A220 orders, heightening demand for delivery slots and potentially affecting pricing and availability. This surge in interest may encourage other carriers to pursue similar fleet expansion strategies, further intensifying competition in this segment.

Integrating a new aircraft type like the A220 presents operational challenges that RAM will need to address. Recent experiences from airlines such as Croatia Airlines illustrate the complexities involved in fleet transitions, including logistical coordination and crew training. Moreover, operational incidents—such as Delta Air Lines’ encounter with pigeons entering an A220 cabin—highlight the necessity for comprehensive operational planning and adaptability when introducing new aircraft models.

As Royal Air Maroc advances its fleet renewal and expansion efforts, the airline must carefully navigate these competitive pressures and operational demands. The outcome of its negotiations with Airbus and Boeing will not only influence RAM’s growth trajectory but may also have broader implications for trends in the global narrowbody aircraft market.