Morocco’s RAM widens gap with Algeria’s airlines

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has firmly established itself as the dominant airline in North Africa, significantly outpacing the Algerian airlines, Air Algérie.

With a clear growth strategy, robust international partnerships, and a strong financial foundation, RAM is not only expanding its footprint but also reinforcing Morocco’s influence across the African continent.

In 2024, RAM operated flights to 89 international destinations, including 28 in sub-Saharan Africa. This extensive network positions RAM as a key player in African aviation, second only to Ethiopian Airlines.

The airline’s strategic vision includes transforming Morocco into a major air hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas. To that end, Morocco is expanding Casablanca airport to serve as a regional hub for $1.5 billion.

RAM’s ambitious expansion plan includes tripling its fleet from 50 to 130 aircraft by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 200 aircraft by 2037. The company is also finalizing deals with Boeing and Airbus.

Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport is central to this strategy, with a target of handling 20 million passengers annually by 2030. Regional airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tanger, Rabat, and Dakhla are also being upgraded to support this vision.

Since joining the Oneworld alliance in 2020, RAM has leveraged code-sharing agreements with major global carriers like Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Iberia. This alliance has expanded RAM’s reach to over 900 destinations worldwide, boosting its competitiveness without increasing structural costs.

In contrast, Air Algérie remains in a developmental phase, with limited regional influence and a less defined growth trajectory. While Algeria has announced plans to modernize its fleet and expand its network, RAM’s head start and strategic execution have already positioned it as a continental leader.

Air Algerie has also suffered flight bans by Mali, which came in response to a similar measure taken earlier by Algeria, amid a worsening diplomatic crisis.

With major events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, RAM is accelerating its development to meet rising demand and further entrench its leadership in African aviation.