RAM airlines Sues Algerian FM over Unfounded Allegations

Morocco’s flag carrier RAM said it will sue the Algerian foreign minister in a court in Paris over his defamatory statements accusing the airline of carrying other things than passengers, in an allusion to cannabis.

French TV channel M6 and Moroccan news website le360 confirmed that the company has brought the case against Algeria’s FM before the French justice after he uttered statements on October 20 in a meeting with Algerian businessmen accusing Morocco’s flag carrier of carrying drugs and Moroccan banks of engaging in money laundering across Africa.

RAM had then issued a statement saying that Abdelkader Messahel’s statement “reveals a complete ignorance of the air sector, which is regulated by highly qualified international bodies.”

RAM rejects such false statements towards an airline, which has been working for years for fostering social and economic ties in Africa, said the statement, adding that RAM is an internationally-recognized company operating according to the best standards related to regulating global air transportation.

RAM is the second airline in Africa and ranks among the world’s leading airlines benefiting from a 4-star airline certification by Skytrax, an international airline rating and review system.

“Royal Air Maroc” was also awarded by Skytrax, for three years in a row, the title of the best regional airline in Africa in recognition of its major role at the continental level.

With a 60-plane fleet, the carrier serves 97 destinations in four continents. The company employs over 4,000 employees of different nationalities.

RAM has partnered with leading groups as aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Safran in aircraft engine maintenance, Air France industries in aircraft maintenance, and Servair in the catering sector.

It has developed robust partnerships with major international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, and Saudi Airlines. RAM has also trained hundreds of African pilots and technicians.