Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8, bringing its total fleet to a record 69 aircraft as Morocco’s national carrier accelerates its expansion and fleet modernisation programme. The aircraft, registered CN-RHR, arrived in Casablanca on August 27 and represents the 18th Boeing 737 MAX 8 introduced by the airline. According to Morocco World News, the latest addition also takes RAM’s Boeing single-aisle fleet to 45 aircraft, including those operated by its regional subsidiary, RAM Express.
The 737 MAX 8 has become a key component of RAM’s medium-haul operations, supporting high-demand routes connecting Morocco with Europe, West Africa and the Middle East while offering improved passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The latest delivery forms part of a much larger expansion strategy. Under a development programme agreed between the Moroccan government and Royal Air Maroc in 2023, the airline plans to quadruple its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037 and strengthen Casablanca’s position as an international aviation hub.
RAM’s fleet growth is being matched by an expanding international network, with the airline recently adding or launching direct connections to destinations including Beijing, São Paulo, Los Angeles, Saint Petersburg, Manchester and N’Djamena. The airline is also targeting an average integration of 10 to 15 aircraft annually, according to Oussama El Farisi, RAM’s Head of Engineering. The carrier is using leased aircraft to bridge capacity requirements while awaiting deliveries from its larger future fleet programme.
The expansion comes as Morocco prepares for increased international travel demand ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with the country targeting 26 million annual tourists and seeking to strengthen Casablanca as a major gateway between Africa and global markets. Royal Air Maroc has also signed an agreement with Starlink to equip its fleet with onboard Wi-Fi, with the rollout expected to reach full capacity in 2027.
