logo
Royal Air Maroc Set to Place Major Boeing, Airbus Aircraft Order

Royal Air Maroc Set to Place Major Boeing, Airbus Aircraft Order

Bloomberg11-06-2025
By , Siddharth Vikram Philip, and Julie Johnsson
Save
Royal Air Maroc is in the final stages of a major order from Boeing Co. and a smaller deal for Airbus SE jets as part of the North African carrier's expansion plans, according to people familiar with the matter.
The state-owned airline is considering about two dozen Boeing 787 Dreamliners for its long-haul fleet and as many as 50 Boeing 737s for short-haul destinations, said the people, asking not to be identified as the discussions are confidential. The carrier is also looking at purchasing about 20 Airbus A220s for regional travel, they said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UN Lays Out Survival Plan as Trump Threatens to Slash Funding
UN Lays Out Survival Plan as Trump Threatens to Slash Funding

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

UN Lays Out Survival Plan as Trump Threatens to Slash Funding

(Bloomberg) -- Secretary General Antonio Guterres is slashing more than $700 million in spending and laying plans to overhaul the United Nations as its largest sponsor, the US, pulls back support. We Should All Be Biking Along the Beach Seeking Relief From Heat and Smog, Cities Follow the Wind Chicago Curbs Hiring, Travel to Tackle $1 Billion Budget Hole NYC Mayor Adams Gives Bally's Bronx Casino Plan a Second Chance Boston's Dumpsters Overflow as Trash-Strike Summer Drags On Guterres's plan calls for 20% cuts in expenditures and employment, which would bring its budget, now $3.7 billion, to the lowest since 2018. About 3,000 jobs would be cut. Officially, the reform program is pegged to the UN's 80th anniversary, not the new US administration. But the scale of the reductions reflects the threat to US support, which traditionally accounts for 22% of the organization's budget. President Donald Trump has suspended that funding and pulled out of several UN bodies already, with a broader review expected to lead to further cuts. 'We're not going to be part of organizations that pursue policies that hamper the United States,' Deputy State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told reporters Thursday. The planned cuts at the UN come as the Trump administration has eliminated tens of billions of dollars in foreign aid as part of its drive to focus on what it sees as US interests. Conflicts from the Mideast to Ukraine and Africa have added to the need for global assistance. After years of financial struggles, the UN under Guterres already was planning to make sweeping structural changes. He warned in January it was facing 'a full-blown liquidity crisis.' Overall, spending across the UN system is expected to fall to the lowest level in about a decade - down as much as $20 billion from its high in 2023. 'UN 80 is in large part a reaction from the Secretary General to the kind of challenges posed by the second Trump administration,' said Eugene Chen, senior fellow at New York University's Center on International Cooperation. Guterres is expected to release details of his overhaul plans in a budget in September. The plan calls for restructuring many of its programs. Guterres controls the UN's regular budget, which is only a fraction of the total expenditures of its affiliates. Facing funding shortages of their own, agencies like UNICEF and UNESCO are also planning major cutbacks. The Trump administration already has stopped funds from going into the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, withdrawn from the UN Human Rights Council and left UNESCO. Guterres' plan has also drawn criticism, both from Trump allies and inside the UN. 'There are some things that the UN does that arguably should be increased in terms of resources,' said Brett Schaefer, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. 'And then there are some things that the UN shouldn't be decreasing but eliminating altogether.' He cited the UN's nuclear watchdog and the World Food Program as contributing significantly to US interests and singled out the Food and Agriculture Organization and Human Rights Council as having mandates at odds with American policy. Meanwhile, UN staff in Geneva announced last week they passed a motion of no confidence in Guterres and the plan. 'Staff felt its slash and burn approach lacked focus, had no strategic purpose, and was making the UN more top-heavy and bloated,' Ian Richards, president of the UN Staff Union in Geneva, posted on LinkedIn about the UN 80 report. That vote has largely symbolic importance, according to NYU's Chen. Still, Guterres' efforts to get ahead of the inevitable cuts that reductions in US support will bring could help the UN adapt, he added. 'Maybe that's a silver lining,' Chen said. 'We'll all be primed for reform.' --With assistance from Eric Martin. How Podcast-Obsessed Tech Investors Made a New Media Industry Everyone Loves to Hate Wind Power. Scotland Found a Way to Make It Pay Off Russia Builds a New Web Around Kremlin's Handpicked Super App Cage-Free Eggs Are Booming in the US, Despite Cost and Trump's Efforts What's Really Behind Those Rosy GDP Numbers? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

I Plan Safaris For a Living—and These African Lodges Are My Personal Favorite Hidden Gems
I Plan Safaris For a Living—and These African Lodges Are My Personal Favorite Hidden Gems

Yahoo

time4 hours ago

  • Yahoo

I Plan Safaris For a Living—and These African Lodges Are My Personal Favorite Hidden Gems

A-List travel advisor Chris Liebenberg shares four under-the-radar stays for your next safari. Luxury in Africa isn't just about thread counts or plunge pools—it's about storytelling, connection, and exclusive access to one-of-a-kind experiences. As a travel advisor, I'm always on the lookout for luxury safari lodges that blend adventure, indulgence, and authenticity. These properties aren't on every 'top 10' list—they're whispered about amongst seasoned safari-goers and industry insiders. Here are four of Africa's best hidden gems and why they belong on your radar. Ol Jogi: Laikipia, Kenya Ol Jogi isn't exactly a lodge—it's a 58,000-acre, 11-bedroom private sanctuary that guests have entirely to themselves. With an in-house team, private chefs, and access to rare wildlife encounters, this stay is the epitome of African exclusivity. It's also one of the few places in Kenya where you can see the endangered Grévy's zebra, black rhinos, white rhinos, and leopards all on the same game drive. Plus, with a salt lick and waterhole directly in front of the villa's pool, wildlife will come right to you. While on property, go on game drives, horseback safaris, helicopter rides over Mount Kenya, and conservation-focused experiences with on-site rangers and researchers. Evenings are for sunsets at private viewpoints and family-style feasts under the stars. Insider Tip: Book at least four nights at Ol Jogi. The pace here is unhurried, and the activities are completely tailored to you, whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling with family, or just craving immersion in nature. Noka Camp: Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa Suspended dramatically above the Lephalala River, Noka Camp offers a front-row seat to the untouched beauty of the Lapalala Wilderness. This not-for-profit camp is entirely solar-powered and puts all proceeds toward the reserve's conservation efforts. Wake up to panoramic views of the biodiverse Waterberg biosphere, where leopards roam and black rhinos track ancient paths. The reserve's raw, remote terrain is home to a surprising diversity of wildlife, and you'll likely have it all to yourself—the accommodation is private, and can host up to 12 guests. Activities include twice-daily game drives, guided walking safaris, and stargazing from your own heated plunge pool. Between adventures, savor fine dining and wine pairings under the stars. Don't miss the chance to learn about one of Africa's most elusive mammals at the Pangolin Conservation and Research Centre, which Noka proudly supports. Insider Tip: Each villa features a retractable glass floor for a one-of-a-kind view straight down to the river below—perfect for spotting wildlife while sipping your morning coffee. Miavana: Nosy Ankao, Madagascar Miavana, a private island accessible only by helicopter, is wildly remote, ecologically vital, and utterly transformative. Aside from relaxing on the serene beaches, there are some deep-diving, expedition-style adventures that can be launched from the property's base on the mainland. Guests can mix land-based safari with marine adventure, where they will see lemurs, chameleons, and baobabs on land, and sea turtles, rays, and technicolor reefs underwater. For activities, guests can go on forest treks with expert guides, go deep-sea fishing, or indulge in a spa treatment to the rhythm of the ocean. Evenings begin with champagne at the beach bar and end with gourmet dinners under the stars. Insider Tip: Miavana is even better as a post-safari island getaway. Combine it with a mainland lodge for a dramatic contrast between bush and beach. Kalepo Camp: Samburu, Kenya Remote and culturally immersive, Kalepo is a rare jewel nestled at the base of the Mathews Range in northern Kenya. This family-owned, exclusive-use camp offers an intimate introduction to indigenous Samburu culture in its most authentic form. This area is also home to the rare 'Samburu Special Five': Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Birdlife is diverse and prolific here, and the landscapes—dry riverbeds, doum palms, and towering peaks—are pure cinematic beauty. At Kalepo, each day is shaped by the goings-on in the local community, and many activities involve genuine cultural exchange with the Samburu people. Your stay could include participating in traditional Samburu warrior games or immersion into a manyatta, or settlement, where you might observe local blacksmiths at work or even witness festive ceremonies. Insider Tip: Spend more time here than you think you need, and let the experience unfold around you. This is also the perfect home base from which to explore even more remote areas like Lake Turkana in Kenya's wild north. Chris Liebenberg is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Botswana and Namibia trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Liebenberg by contacting him at chris@ Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword

Behind The Scenes At Delta's LaGuardia, Rebuilt 2 Years Before Planned
Behind The Scenes At Delta's LaGuardia, Rebuilt 2 Years Before Planned

Forbes

time4 hours ago

  • Forbes

Behind The Scenes At Delta's LaGuardia, Rebuilt 2 Years Before Planned

One of the concourses at Delta's New York LaGuardia Terminal C Delta Turning around one of America's most unimpressive airports was not an enviable task, but the regeneration of New York LaGuardia (LGA) has been nothing short of a miracle. Almost all of its terminals, including public spaces and airside areas, now showcase a fresh, new look that is nothing like its past. The last parts of Delta Air Lines' Terminal C are now open, signaling an end to this mammoth project. Its four concourses have a number of surprising amenities and hidden features that other airports could only dream of adding. Ryan Marzullo stands in front of a bespoke mosaic in LGA's Terminal C, which features real-life Delta and airport employees. Delta Ryan Marzullo, Delta's managing director of design and construction for all of its New York airport projects, was the brain behind the $4 billion rebuild of Terminal C at LGA. He shares some behind-the-scenes details on what brought this major aviation project to life. And he highlights the ability to speed up construction during the Covid pandemic, which helped the entire project to open two years ahead of plan. Since Delta managed the construction process, they were able to control the timetable, and the end result, says Marzullo, 'reflects years of thoughtful planning and collaboration.' While the terminal opened to travelers in 2022, it is only this year that all of the work was finally completed for LaGuardia's largest carrier. Its last gate opened on New Year's Eve 2024. Spearheading a mammoth task The exterior of Delta's Terminal C, which features overpass walkways for pedestrians that help reduce traffic congestion. Delta Marzullo joined Delta in 2011 and has been responsible for major infrastructure changes at both LGA and JFK airports. His expertise comes from his background as a civil engineer giving him tremendous insight into the design, construction and guest experience on the ground. And it's that last element that Delta leans heavily into its interior design and construction projects. Delta's terminal is airy and bright with plenty of space for each gate area. Delta 'Coming from my home airport of LAX, where Delta's design efforts have already set the bar high, LaGuardia's new terminal felt next level in my opinion,' says Aaron Kokoruz, senior vice president of Allison Worldwide and a Delta Platinum Medallion member. 'It's a total oasis compared to the old, cramped maze that once was, with all its natural light, soaring ceilings, and wood-and-marble elegance that feels more museum than airport.' With over 20 years in aviation design and construction experience (Marzullo joined Delta after spending several years with Continental Airlines, now part of United), Marzullo was the perfect person to oversee this project that involved a major partnership with the Port Authority and other contractors. The check-in area with more space for kiosks that are separated to reduce crowding. Delta This is all part of Delta's overall investment of $12 billion in its airport hubs across the country, according to a news release from the airline. And this is important for brand building says editor-in-chief of Airways magazine Roberto Leiro. This modern, stress-free environment doesn't just benefit travelers. When passengers associate their time at the terminal with comfort, efficiency, and ease—even before boarding—it builds brand loyalty and gives Delta a competitive edge in the crowded New York market. -Roberto Leiro, editor-in-chief of Airways magazine What exactly changed The moving walkways in corridors are wide and have views of the airport. Delta Previously, Terminals C and D were separate buildings and had different concourses used by other airlines before Delta consolidated its operations there. Today, both are connected via interior walkways to create one large, 37-gate facility that spans 1.3 million feet (85% larger than the terminals it replaced). The project unified the check-in and baggage facilities that had been spread out before, requiring travelers to know in which terminal their flight was departing. Now, there is one centralized check-in lobby, security checkpoint (including TSA PreCheck Touchless ID) and baggage claim. The digital panels that change with every Delta takeoff from LaGuardia. Delta That central checkpoint features 34 digital panels that showcase imagery from the various destinations that Delta serves from LaGuardia. Marzullo says that each time a Delta plane takes off, the image changes to reflect that destination, be it Boston or Miami. And when there are no flights taking off with a Delta widget on the tail, the artwork reverts to artistic photographs of the five Delta boroughs. It's not just signage at security, but also landside and inside the terminal. Instead of static signs, the new terminal uses digital signage that can be changed at a moment's notice, whether there is a traffic disruption on the roadway or if directional signages needs an update. The CLEAR security checkpoint at Terminal C Delta 'Terminal C exemplifies how next-generation airport infrastructure can marry functionality with form,' says Enrique Perrella, aviation director for Business Traveler magazine. 'Delta has created a passenger experience that's not only frictionless—with biometric screening and intuitive wayfinding—but architecturally ambitious.' A shift that some travelers may notice from other airports is that there is less retail space in the airport making way for more food and beverage outlets. According to Marzullo, of the 20-25,000 departing passengers using Delta at LaGuardia are originating their trip or arriving back from one (only about 20% of travelers are making connections between two Delta flights). As a result, people arrive closer to their flights rather than spending a large amount of time between flights. Locally-inspired dining options are throughout the terminal. Delta Locally inspired culinary outlets include Eggy Weggy, Chuko Ramen, Essex Burger and Bubby's Diner (the latter is perhaps the most frequented venue in the terminal, says Marzullo). When he walks through the terminal, which he does on an almost daily basis, the staff waves and knows him by name. It's not uncommon for him to stop and pick up trash or chat with someone from the custodial staff. Surprising features The bright Sky Club at Terminal C Delta The latest expansion to the Sky Club in Terminal C was unveiled last year and features an all-weather SkyDeck (an outdoor patio with retractable roof for guests to get some fresh air and plane spot). The lounge also added capacity for another 100 people as well as another cocktail bar on one side to accommodate the growing demand for premium lounge membership. This is now the largest Sky Club in the Delta system and features New York-centric design with inspiration from the turn of the 20th century (think: harlequin-patterned screens and metallic hues). This outdoor patio is available to all travels. A separate outdoor Sky Deck is part of the latest Delta Sky Club expansion. Delta If you don't have access to a Sky Club, all travelers can visit an al fresco terrace with views of the flight apron. This is a highly popular feature with families. There are a whopping six Starbucks inside the terminal, including one that is landside by the baggage claim area (which is apparently the least visited of them all, says Marzullo). The stained glass was recovered from the former Catholic chapel at New York JFK's now torn-down Terminal 2. Delta Also in the terminal is an interfaith chapel with stained glass window that was salvaged from a basement at JFK where it was once in the Catholic chapel before the terminal was torn down there. There are dozens of reclining chairs with individual power ports (Marzullo says these were added with irregular operations in mind) and a sensory room that can be unlocked by a Delta employee for special-needs travelers that need a calming environment. Inside are dimmer lights as well as an airplane cabin mockup to give them a chance to experience what their flight will be like before boarding the plane. This mock aircraft cabin is in the sensory room open to travelers in Terminal C. Delta One of the four concourses can handle every aircraft in Delta's narrowbody fleet making it the most functional. These are the 80s-numbered gates, which see the most passenger traffic. This is where Delta sends its top-priority business traveler or hub flights so that many of its most frequent travelers need not walk too far. For example, most Atlanta flights will depart from this section, which is also the closest to the security checkpoint. Delta planes parked at Terminal C. This section of the terminal includes the groundbreaking, ice-producing facility that helps the terminal reduce energy use. getty The busiest times for Delta at the terminals are during the Friday and Sunday evening rush as well as Monday mornings. All four have dual taxiways so that arriving aircraft do not need to wait for outbound aircraft to clear the apron before pulling into the gate. Along with the removal of remote stands (where travelers used to deplane by stairs and get bussed to the terminal), this helps to boost punctuality. This is the first commercial airline terminal to use virtual controllers who monitor and direct the entire ramp using a network of cameras. By giving them even better views than a tower might provide, they can be more efficient in their duties. Some sets of escalators bypass the check-in floor to get passengers from plane to ground transportation (or vice versa) quickly. Most passengers use mobile check-in technology, says Marzullo. Delta That's on the airside part of the terminal, but another key addition for the landside part of the airport are express escalators that go directly from the ground level to departures (bypassing the check-in desks) for those with just a carry-on bag. The same works in reverse, taking travelers from arrival gates directly to ground transportation (two levels below the gates). Speed through the terminal was a focus with separate check-in kiosk areas and assistance desks near the parking deck passageway and also on the ground level for those without a bag to check. Marzullo says that less than half of travelers departing LaGuardia check a bag, which is why the check-in level is not as large as one might expect. Most of the emphasis on design (soaring ceilings, natural light and artwork) appears where travelers spend the most time (the departure and arrivals floor (not the intermediate check-in level). Airport or art museum? Artwork is also on display in the newly expanded Sky Club. Delta Art and design include both notable and subtle pieces throughout the terminal. For example, the pendant lighting in parts of the terminal were repurposed from discarded city sky lights. Others are more obvious like large-scale sculptures and artwork, some on loan from the nearby Queens Museum and all created by artists who are from or live in New York. Marzullo shares the stories about different airport and airline employees featured in the permanent mural. Delta One particular art piece in the terminal features real airport and Delta employees, and has become a favorite of passengers and staff. Each person was selected for their unique stories and personalities and later interviewed by the artist to get to know their personality. It is made from colorful murals hand-crafted in Germany. One thing travelers may not notice while they appreciate these design features is why it feels so much like a gallery. It's not just the wide spaces, but also the uncluttered nature of them all. Beneath the terminals is a network of tunnels where airport staff and contractors deliver merchandise for stores, provisions for restaurants, empty the trash and clock in or out of work. Marzullo says the entire terminal is unique at LaGuardia because you will never see trash carts or deliveries wheeled in and out of the space. Travelers may not even notice, but he feels like this makes it a more calming space for everyone. Even the bathrooms, he points out, have trash receptacles that empty from the back so that the customer doesn't see messy bins being wheeled around. Art is on display in all sections of the terminal. Delta And with the entire terminal being LEED Silver-certified, travelers can feel a bit better about their environmental impact, too. Large amounts of glass surround the terminal, but they automatically tint throughout the day to preserve the interior temperature from getting too hot. There's even an ice-making plant (not for inflight beverages), but to produce ice when the airport is not fully operating to use for cooling functions during the day to offset high power demand when the airport operations are using more power. One concourse in Delta's new Terminal C at New York's LaGuardia airport Delta Kokoruz says that the first time he set foot in the airport, he 'let out a bit of an audible gasp.' That seems to be just the effect Marzullo wanted. The entire project was designed for future growth in mind, and you can be sure that when that time comes, he will surely be the man tapped for the plan. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes 7 Exciting Airline Upgrades Just In Time For Summer Travel By Ramsey Qubein Forbes Air France-KLM Boosts Summer Capacity With New Planes And U.S. Routes By Ramsey Qubein Forbes Air New Zealand Launches New Business Class In April And Economy Bunk Beds In 2026 By Ramsey Qubein

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store