Avolon has agreed to lease six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, marking its first lease with the Moroccan flag carrier.
The first two aircraft on lease from Avolon have already been delivered, while the remainder will be delivered through 2025 and 2026.
The aircraft will support Royal Air Maroc’s strategy to transition from operating as a regional carrier to a global connector, aiming to serve 32 million passengers annually by 2037.
According to Boeing’s latest Commercial Market Outlook, Africa is expected to see traffic growth of 6% per annum through 2044, measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK).
During this period, the continent is also expected to add more than 1,200 new aircraft to its commercial fleet.
Abdelhamid Addou, chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc said the lease agreement with Avolon represents a “significant milestone” in the execution of the airline’s 10-year growth programme.
“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.”
At present, Royal Air Maroc has a fleet of 59 aircraft and flies to 98 domestic and international destinations.