King Mohammed VI, Trump to Announce Major Boeing Aircraft Purchase Deal
Rabat — Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is expected to renew its fleet through a new deal with Boeing, as well as a new small order from Airbus.
Reuters quoted industry sources as saying that Royal Air Maroc is close to securing a deal with Boeing for dozens of jets. Europe's Airbus, however, is also seeking to supply the Moroccan carrier with a small order for 20 A220 jets.
'The sources asked not to be named because the negotiations are not public,' Reuters reported , noting that talks have been ongoing for over a year to enable Royal Air Maroc to renew its virtually all-Boeing fleet.
The company is expected to cling to its traditional supplier for its demands, including the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.
'While the fleet plan reinforces the carrier's historic ties with Boeing, the sources said, it opens the door to Airbus for the first time in almost 25 years with an order for the A220,' the news outlet said.
It also recalled that the potential order from Airbus comes as Morocco and France are boosting bilateral ties at all levels.
These ties have been building rapidly ever since France's historic decision to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara in July of last year.
Reuters' report came a few days after Bloomberg announced the same news, noting that Royal Air Maroc is in the final stages of a significant aircraft deal with Boeing, alongside a smaller agreement with Airbus.
Bloomberg cited sources familiar with the matter, noting that the Boeing order could be delayed, potentially pending a high-level meeting between King Mohammed VI and US President Donald Trump.
If confirmed, the high-level meeting could further upgrade the already strengthening ties between the US and Morocco, particularly as Washington has recently reaffirmed its steadfast support for Morocco's territorial integrity, especially over the southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Earlier this month, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh said in a parliamentary session on June 3 that Royal Air Maroc plans to acquire 10 more aircraft before the end of the year and another 10 in 2026.
He said that the company also welcomed three Boeing 787 Dreamliners during the first week of June, on top of two new planes delivered earlier this year.
In 2023, Royal Air Maroc announced that it is seeking to increase its fleet of commercial aircraft, boosting the number from 50 to 200 over the next 15 years.
The program is part of the government's pledges to support the tourism roadmap.
Morocco's ambition is to attract 65 million tourists by 2037. In 2024, the North African country celebrated a major milestone, welcoming over 17.4 million tourists. Tags: Royal Air Maroc (RAM)Royal Air Maroc Best Airline in Africa
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