Latest news with #RoyalAirMaroc


Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc, Al Barid Bank Launch Digital Payment Solution at Casablanca Airport
Marrakech – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Al Barid Bank have unveiled a pioneering digital service at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. This innovative solution aims to enhance the passenger experience by combining technological advancement with personalized customer service. According to the joint statement, the partnership between RAM and Al Barid Bank has resulted in the development of 'Barid Payment Mobile,' an integrated mobile application that operates on tablets equipped with NFC payment terminals. This technology enables passengers to make contactless payments by simply approaching the terminal with their bank card or smartphone. According to the same source, this solution eliminates traditional payment terminals, offering a faster, smoother, and fully mobile experience, allowing customers to complete transactions directly on the agent's mobile terminal in a simple and secure manner. More than 24 specially trained agents will assist travelers throughout the airport, offering a range of additional services including 'Select Seat' for preferred seating, access to Business Lounges, Business Class upgrades subject to availability, and the exclusive 'Loft' service that combines Premium Lounge access with Fast Track privileges. The initiative will initially be implemented at Casablanca Airport, then gradually expanded to Paris Orly and eventually to other airports. Three dedicated counters have been strategically positioned in key areas of the passenger journey: check-in, transit, and boarding zones. Read also: Royal Air Maroc Expands Fleet with New Boeing 737 MAX 8 Deliveries 'This system reinforces our commitment to offering a smooth, personalized, and digital customer experience from the moment of arrival at the airport,' stated Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc. 'It is part of a global program to transform the customer experience, from the purchase of tickets through our new mobile application and website to the baggage delivery process,' he continued, adding that this program will span 12 months, with the ambition of elevating Casablanca to the status of a regional aviation hub of reference. Al Amine Nejjar, Chairman of Al Barid Bank's Management Board, voiced their pride in putting their digital payment expertise at the service of this pioneering initiative with Royal Air Maroc. 'This partnership illustrates our common desire to innovate to simplify the daily lives of citizens and travelers, by offering Barid Payment Mobile, a secure and cutting-edge soft POS solution,' he noted. This initiative marks a major step in the digitalization of air transport services, concludes the statement. It forms part of a broader transformation program conducted by Royal Air Maroc aimed at enhancing the customer experience at every stage of the journey, from booking to baggage delivery. Tags: Al barid bankMohammed V airportRoyal Air Maroc (RAM)


Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Royal Air Maroc Expands Fleet with New Boeing 737 MAX 8 Deliveries
Marrakech – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) received a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 on Wednesday, strengthening its fleet as part of an ambitious expansion plan. The delivery flight from Seattle to Casablanca was piloted by Commander Naoual Ait Hammou Ennaji, who had the honor of flying the aircraft on her birthday, July 15. 'My most beautiful birthday gift? Being at the controls and bringing home a brand new B737 MAX, just delivered by Boeing for Royal Air Maroc. Proud to see our fleet grow and our flag fly ever higher in the sky,' she wrote on her Facebook account. A second aircraft of the same type is expected to join the national carrier's fleet before the end of July. With these additions, RAM's fleet will reach 57 aircraft. In late May, the national airline received three new B-737 Max 8 aircraft, including two leased from Dubai-based company EDA. This information was confirmed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, during a recent presentation to the infrastructure, energy, mining, and environment committee of the House of Representatives. During his parliamentary address, the minister also announced that in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), RAM plans to acquire ten new aircraft in 2025 (including the three units delivered at the end of May) and ten more in 2026. According to sources close to the matter, all deliveries scheduled for 2025 involve B-737 Max 8 aircraft. The order planned for 2026 includes eight Boeing 737 Max 8 and two B-787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The same sources indicate that RAM's top management has successfully convinced Boeing to deliver two units from the 2026 order ahead of schedule, this year. Despite delays, RAM continues its fleet expansion This fleet modernization strategy is driven by an important increase in demand, particularly in anticipation of major events such as the 2025 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, for which Morocco is positioning itself as a key destination. RAM is counting on these new aircraft to improve its energy performance, reduce its environmental footprint, and optimize passenger comfort. The Boeing 737 Max 8, known for its low fuel consumption and increased range, allows the company to develop new routes, particularly to Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The fleet expansion plan aims to position Casablanca as a major aviation hub connecting Africa to the world. In summer 2025, more than 6.6 million seats will be offered, a record for RAM, across 95 destinations, with new flights to São Paulo, Beijing, Toronto, and Catania. Despite these positive developments, RAM CEO Hamid Addou expressed frustration last month over Boeing delivery delays in an interview with CNN. 'Of course, one feels frustrated when you have 15 to 18 months late deliveries,' Addou said, while acknowledging that all airlines face the same issue. He noted that the situation is improving: 'Things are evolving in the right direction. We just received three MAX's this week.' Addou added that RAM is set to receive seven more aircraft by the end of December and that 'the rhythm of production is increasing, which is a good sign.' 200 aircraft by 2037 According to converging reports, RAM is in the final stages of a major aircraft deal with Boeing, alongside a smaller agreement with Airbus. The Boeing order could be delayed, potentially pending a high-level meeting between King Mohammed VI and US President Donald Trump. In July 2023, the national carrier committed in its program contract signed with the state to quadruple its fleet to reach 200 aircraft by 2037. About two-thirds of this order will be for small-capacity aircraft, intended to strengthen regional and continental service. The remaining third will be for wide-body aircraft with more than 350 seats, intended for long-haul flights. This far-reaching plan continues despite efforts by European manufacturer Airbus to gain ground in this market historically dominated by the American manufacturer. During his CNN interview, Addou announced that the company was evaluating offers from Boeing, Airbus, and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer to meet this goal. Addou also stressed RAM's strengths, noting that while Gulf airlines focus more on Asia, RAM has a stronger presence on the south-north route between Africa and Europe. 'Where it's complicated for us to compete is against low-cost carriers,' he said, adding that Morocco has over 40 competitors that will require a new model and a new market. Read also: Boeing Partners with Casablanca Aéronautique to Produce Parts for 737 MAX


Morocco World
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Algerian Referee Removes RAM Logo During WAFCON Game
Rabat – The Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, currently hosted in Morocco, has been overshadowed by a growing number of controversies involving the Algerian delegation. The latest incident occurred during a group stage match between Mali and Ghana, where Algerian referee Ghada Mehat reportedly removed the logo of Royal Air Maroc (RAM) from her official uniform while officiating the game. RAM is one of the official sponsors of the tournament and the national airline of the host country According to converging reports, Mehat was following strict instructions from Algerian authorities to avoid any association with Moroccan symbols or sponsorships. This incident is not isolated. Several actions by Algerian representatives have raised concern in recent days. During official press conferences, the Royal Air Maroc logo was digitally removed from sponsor backdrops when Algerian players or staff appeared in front of the media. In one press event, Algerian state TV edited footage to erase the Moroccan airline's logo and replaced it with the logo of a different sponsor, in blatant violation of both media integrity and CAF's commercial regulations. Algerian players and staff were also accused of defacing official accreditation badges by removing the word 'Morocco' and covering Moroccan football emblems on team benches with black tape. These repeated actions have been widely condemned in Moroccan media and by several African football commentators as unnecessary politicization of a sporting event meant to celebrate unity and talent across the continent. In response to the growing outrage, CAF has opened an investigation into the Algerian women's team and its conduct during the tournament. However, critics argue that CAF has so far shown a lack of firmness. The situation escalated further after a separate incident involving CAF itself. During the tournament's opening ceremony, international broadcasters aired promotional footage that depicted Morocco without its southern provinces, a move that sparked immediate backlash in the country. Although the footage was produced by CAF and not by Moroccan broadcasters, the error was seen as highly sensitive. The Moroccan national channel Arryadia, which retransmitted the feed, distanced itself from the incident. CAF eventually issued a formal apology and pledged to revise the video content. The controversy has sparked widespread anger among Moroccan fans and officials. Several commentators have called on the Moroccan Football Federation to take a stronger stance and demand concrete action from CAF. Many believe that without clear sanctions or consequences, such political posturing will continue to disrupt African sporting events.


Morocco World
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
CAF Opens Probe into Algeria Over Suspected WAFCON Breach
Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced Thursday evening that it has opened an investigation into Algeria's women's national team over suspected violations of CAF statutes and regulations during the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), currently held in Morocco. CAF did not specify the nature of the alleged breach but confirmed that they 'will not make any further comment on the matter until the procedure has been completed,' the statement read. The announcement follows a series of incidents that raised questions about Algeria's conduct during the tournament. While the team remains active in the competition, its presence has stood out for reasons beyond football. Since the start of WAFCON on July 5, Algerian coverage of the tournament has taken a noticeable turn. Despite Morocco hosting the competition, Algerian state television and official channels have consistently avoided any mention of the host country. Broadcasters cropped footage and removed visual references to Morocco during press conferences and public appearances. One incident in particular drew attention: during a press conference, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), an official tournament sponsor, disappeared from the sponsor wall behind Algeria's coach. In its place, the image of a different sponsor, TotalEnergies, appeared to have been photoshopped in. Observers have described this switch as deliberate and politically motivated. The situation has sparked criticism online, with viewers accusing Algerian authorities of letting political disputes interfere with a continental sporting event meant to unite rather than divide. As the tournament progresses, Algeria's matches continue, but under growing scrutiny. For now, the matter remains under review, with no timeline given for the conclusion of the case. Tags: AlgeriaCAFCAF investigationFootballMoroccoWAFCON
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Air Maroc in talks to buy Embraer aircraft, Folha reports
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Royal Air Maroc is in talks with Embraer for a potential order for the Brazilian planemaker' s E2 aircraft, newspaper Folha de reported on Wednesday citing the airline's CEO, Abdelhamid Adnoun. Sao Paulo-traded shares of Embraer were up around 2% following the report, among the top gainers on Brazil's benchmark stock index Bovespa, which fell 0.9%. 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