Why it Matters
- Avolon–Royal Air Maroc Agreement: Six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to be leased, marking Avolon’s first deal with Morocco’s national carrier.
- Delivery Schedule: Two aircraft already delivered; remaining four to arrive through 2025–2026.
- Strategic Growth: Supports Royal Air Maroc’s plan to transition from regional carrier to global connector by 2037.
- Fleet Expansion: The new aircraft will enhance efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational capacity.
- Market Context: Africa’s air traffic (RPK) forecast to grow over 6% annually to 2044, driving demand for over 1,200 new aircraft.
Avolon, a global aviation finance company, has agreed to lease six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Royal Air Maroc. The agreement marks Avolon’s first lease to the Moroccan flag carrier.
Royal Air Maroc has a fleet of 59 aircraft, and flies to 98 domestic and international destinations.
The first two aircraft on lease from Avolon were delivered in recent weeks with the remainder to deliver 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.
Traffic growth (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*.
Paul Geaney, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Avolon commented: “We are excited to welcome Royal Air Maroc as a new customer to support their ambitious growth plans. Africa is expected to be one of the fastest growing regions for aviation over the next twenty years, with the network expansion enhancing business growth and social development. As one of the leading carriers in the North Africa, Royal Air Maroc will play an important role in driving this growth, and we look forward to working together on future opportunities.”
Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Air Maroc commented: “This agreement with Avolon represents a significant milestone in the execution of our 10-year “Growth Program”. The arrival of these 6 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft not only increases our operational capacity but also accelerates our transformation from a regional carrier into a global connector linking Africa with the rest of the world. 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. They are an essential component in our ambition to serve 32 million passengers annually by 2037 and to position Royal Air Maroc among the leading global airlines.”
