Royal Air Maroc Leases Six 737 MAXs From Avolon

Royal Air Maroc is leasing six Boeing 737-8s from Avolon, the first time the two have worked together, as the Moroccan flag carrier aims to capitalize on the strong predicted growth of African air traffic.

The first two MAXs on lease from Avolon were delivered in recent weeks. The rest are set to arrive through 2025 and 2026, Avolon said, adding to Royal Air Maroc's fleet of 59 aircraft.

The aircraft will support Royal Air Maroc's strategy to transition from operating as a regional carrier to becoming a global connector, aiming to serve 32 million passengers annually by 2037. It already flies to 98 destinations.

“Africa is expected to be one of the fastest growing regions for aviation over the next 20 years, with the network expansion enhancing business growth and social development,” said Paul Geaney, president and chief commercial officer at Avolon. “As one of the leading carriers in North Africa, Royal Air Maroc will play an important role in driving this growth, and we look forward to working together on future opportunities.”

Citing Boeing's latest 2025-44 commercial market outlook, Avolon said traffic growth in terms of revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) of over 6% per annum is expected in Africa out to 2044, with over 1,200 new aircraft to be added to the continent's commercial fleet.

In its latest passenger demand update for August, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted overall international RPK growth of 6.6% in August, while African carriers saw a 7.1% increase in demand, with capacity up 5.3% year-on-year.

Abdelhamid Addou, chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, said the agreement was a significant milestone in the carrier's 10-year growth program.

“These aircraft, with their improved efficiency and passenger comfort, will enable us to strengthen our competitiveness, expand our network, and provide a travel experience that meets the highest international standards,” Addou said.

The Aviation Week Fleet Discovery database shows Royal Air Maroc operates 10 Boeing 737-8s and 24 737-800s with four -800s inactive. The carrier also operates four 787-8s, six 787-9s and a single 767 freighter. Additionally, there are three Embraer-190s in its fleet with one inactive aircraft. Royal Air Maroc Express operates six ATR 72-600s.