Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Royal Air Maroc Considers Embraer E2 Jets for Fleet Modernization
Moroccan flag carrier negotiates E2 aircraft acquisition to enhance African connectivity and efficiency ahead of major events.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s national flag carrier, is reportedly in discussions with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for a potential order of E-Jet E2 series aircraft. This development, first reported by Folha de S.Paulo and confirmed by Reuters, underscores RAM’s ambitions to modernize and expand its fleet in anticipation of major upcoming events and increasing regional competition.
The talks focus on the E195-E2 and E190-E2 models, part of Embraer’s next-generation regional jet family. These aircraft offer improved fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and are particularly suited for regional and medium-haul routes, a strategic fit for RAM’s African and European network. The potential deal emerges amid a broader fleet renewal initiative by RAM, which aims to quadruple its fleet by 2037 and strengthen its position as a leading African carrier.
This article explores the historical context of RAM’s fleet strategy, the technical and economic profile of the Embraer E2 aircraft, the dynamics of the regional jet market, and the broader implications of this potential acquisition for the airline and the aviation industry in Africa.
Founded in 1953 through the merger of two local carriers, Royal Air Maroc has consistently pursued fleet modernization as a strategic priority. The airline introduced its first jet aircraft in 1960 and became the first Arab carrier to operate transatlantic flights to New York by 1975. Over the decades, RAM has transitioned through various aircraft types, including Caravelles, Boeing 707s, 727s, and more recently, 737s and 787 Dreamliners.
RAM’s evolution reflects Morocco’s broader ambitions to position itself as a global aviation hub. The airline is majority-owned by the Moroccan government and plays a key role in connecting the country to Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its fleet decisions over the years have typically aligned with national development goals and regional connectivity strategies.
By maintaining a modern and diverse fleet, RAM has managed to adapt to changing market demands while retaining its identity as a full-service carrier. The potential acquisition of Embraer E2 jets continues this legacy, signaling a shift toward more fuel-efficient and right-sized aircraft for regional operations.
As of 2025, RAM operates a fleet dominated by Boeing aircraft, including 737s for short-haul and 787s for long-haul routes. The airline has phased out older models such as the Boeing 757, creating a gap in medium-haul capabilities that the Embraer E2 could fill. The current fleet composition supports RAM’s hub-and-spoke model centered in Casablanca, with a focus on African and European destinations.
The airline’s CEO, Abdelhamid Addou, has emphasized the importance of developing the African market, stating that RAM aims to offer more than point-to-point travel by enhancing regional connectivity. This strategy requires aircraft capable of serving secondary airports efficiently, a requirement that the E2 series appears well-suited to meet. RAM’s fleet renewal is also driven by Morocco’s role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The government plans to double airport capacity to 78 million passengers annually, necessitating a corresponding expansion in airline capacity and network coverage.
The E-Jet E2 series represents a significant upgrade over Embraer’s original E-Jet family. Key innovations include new Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines, advanced avionics, and redesigned wings with raked wingtips. These features contribute to a 20-25% improvement in fuel efficiency and lower noise emissions.
The E195-E2, the largest model in the E2 family, seats up to 146 passengers and has a range of 2,600 nautical miles, making it suitable for most African routes from Casablanca. The aircraft’s short takeoff and landing capabilities also allow operations from airports with limited infrastructure, a common scenario in Africa.
Certification for the E190-E2 and E195-E2 was completed in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Both aircraft meet current international standards for noise and emissions, making them viable options for airlines prioritizing sustainability and regulatory compliance.
“The E195-E2 achieves 22% lower trip costs than the Airbus A220-300 and 24% below the Boeing 737 MAX 8 when configured with equivalent seating.”
Embraer
Embraer positions the E2 series as a bridge between regional jets and narrowbody aircraft. The E195-E2’s per-seat economics and lower trip costs make it a competitive alternative to larger jets on lower-demand routes. This is especially relevant for African markets, where traffic volumes often do not justify larger aircraft.
The E2’s cabin design features a 2-2 seating layout, eliminating middle seats and enhancing passenger comfort. Additional benefits include reduced maintenance costs and improved dispatch reliability, both of which contribute to overall operational efficiency.
These attributes make the E2 series an attractive option for airlines like RAM, which operate in diverse environments and require flexible, cost-effective solutions for regional expansion. The global regional jet market is expected to grow steadily, driven by increasing demand for regional connectivity and the replacement of aging fleets. North America currently leads the market, but the fastest growth is projected in the LAMEA region, which includes Africa.
Africa presents both challenges and opportunities. Infrastructure limitations, high operating costs, and regulatory barriers have historically constrained growth. However, improvements in safety performance and rising passenger demand indicate a positive trajectory for the region’s aviation sector.
RAM’s interest in the E2 series aligns with these trends. The aircraft’s capabilities address many of the operational constraints faced by African carriers, enabling more efficient service to underserved markets and enhancing regional integration.
RAM’s fleet renewal program includes multiple aircraft categories and manufacturers. Airbus is reportedly offering the A220-300, while Boeing is expected to provide larger aircraft such as the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner. The E2 series targets the regional segment, where RAM seeks to improve efficiency and expand its African footprint.
Each manufacturer brings unique advantages. The A220 offers commonality with Airbus’s A320 family, which could benefit airlines with existing Airbus fleets. However, RAM’s current fleet is predominantly Boeing, potentially giving Embraer an edge in terms of integration and training.
The final decision will likely depend on a combination of factors, including performance, cost, and strategic alignment with RAM’s long-term goals. The E2’s operational flexibility and economic advantages could make it a compelling choice for the airline’s regional ambitions.
Royal Air Maroc’s potential acquisition of Embraer E2 jets represents a strategic step toward modernizing its fleet and strengthening its regional presence. The E2 series offers a combination of efficiency, flexibility, and performance that aligns with RAM’s operational needs and growth plans.
Beyond the immediate benefits for RAM, the deal could have broader implications for Embraer’s position in the African market and for the regional jet segment as a whole. As African aviation continues to evolve, the adoption of right-sized, efficient aircraft will be critical to meeting the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. What aircraft is Royal Air Maroc considering from Embraer? Why is RAM interested in the E2 series? Are there other manufacturers competing for RAM’s fleet renewal? When will a decision be made? Sources:
Royal Air Maroc’s Potential Acquisition of Embraer E2 Jets: Strategic Fleet Modernization in African Aviation
Royal Air Maroc’s Fleet Strategy and Operational Focus
Historical Evolution of Royal Air Maroc
Current Fleet Composition and Gaps
The Embraer E2 Series: Technical and Economic Overview
Design and Performance Features
Market Position and Operational Advantages
Regional Jet Market Trends
Global and African Market Dynamics
Competition and Strategic Choices
Conclusion: Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
FAQ
RAM is in talks to acquire Embraer’s E195-E2 and E190-E2 aircraft, part of the E-Jet E2 family.
The E2 series offers higher fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and is suitable for regional routes within Africa.
Yes, Airbus is reportedly offering the A220-300, and Boeing is expected to bid for larger aircraft categories.
RAM is expected to finalize its fleet renewal strategy before the end of the year.
Reuters,
Folha de S.Paulo,
Embraer,
IATA,
Airbus
Photo Credit: AirPro News – Montage
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Qanot Sharq Receives First Airbus A321XLR in Central Asia
Qanot Sharq becomes Central Asia’s first operator of the Airbus A321XLR, expanding long-haul routes to North America and Asia from Tashkent.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and Qanot Sharq.
On December 19, 2025, Qanot Sharq, Uzbekistan’s first private airline, officially took delivery of its first Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The delivery, facilitated through a lease agreement with Air Lease Corporation (ALC), marks a historic milestone for aviation in the region, as Qanot Sharq becomes the launch operator of the A321XLR in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
This aircraft is the first of four confirmed A321XLR units destined for the carrier. According to the official announcement, the airline intends to utilize the aircraft’s extended range to open new long-haul markets that were previously inaccessible to single-aisle jets, including planned services to North America and East Asia.
The newly delivered A321XLR is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and features a two-class layout designed to balance capacity with passenger comfort on longer sectors. The aircraft accommodates a total of 190 passengers.
In addition to the seating configuration, the aircraft is fitted with Airbus’ “Airspace” cabin interior. Key features include customizable LED lighting, lower cabin altitude settings to reduce jet lag, and XL overhead bins that provide 60% more storage capacity compared to previous generation aircraft.
Nosir Abdugafarov, the owner of Qanot Sharq, emphasized the strategic importance of the delivery in a statement regarding the fleet expansion.
“The A321XLR’s exceptional range and efficiency will allow us to offer greater comfort and convenience while maintaining highly competitive operating economics.”
, Nosir Abdugafarov, Owner of Qanot Sharq
The introduction of the A321XLR allows Qanot Sharq to deploy a narrowbody aircraft on routes typically reserved for widebody jets. With a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km), the airline plans to connect Tashkent with destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
According to the airline’s strategic roadmap, the new fleet will support route expansion to Sanya (China) and Busan (South Korea). Furthermore, the airline has explicitly outlined plans to serve New York (JFK) via Budapest. While the A321XLR has impressive range, the distance between Tashkent and New York (approximately 5,500 nm) necessitates a technical stop. Budapest will serve as this intermediate point, potentially allowing the airline to tap into passenger demand between Central Europe and the United States, subject to regulatory approvals. AJ Abedin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Air Lease Corporation, noted the geographical advantages available to the airline.
“Qanot Sharq is uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of the A321XLR due to its strategic location in Uzbekistan, bridging Europe and Asia.”
, AJ Abedin, SVP Marketing, Air Lease Corporation
The delivery of the A321XLR signals a distinct shift in the competitive landscape of Uzbek aviation. Until now, long-haul flights from Tashkent,specifically to the United States,have been the exclusive domain of the state-owned flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, which utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners for non-stop service.
By adopting the A321XLR, Qanot Sharq appears to be pursuing a “long-haul low-cost” hybrid model. The A321XLR burns approximately 30% less fuel per seat than previous-generation aircraft, allowing the private carrier to operate long routes with significantly lower trip costs than its state-owned competitor. While the one-stop service via Budapest will result in a longer total travel time compared to Uzbekistan Airways’ direct flights, the lower operating costs could allow Qanot Sharq to offer more competitive fares, appealing to price-sensitive travelers and labor migrants.
Furthermore, the choice of Budapest as a stopover is strategic. If Qanot Sharq secures “Fifth Freedom” rights,which are currently a subject of regulatory negotiation,it could monetize the empty seats on the Budapest-New York sector, effectively competing in the transatlantic market while serving its primary base in Central Asia.
Sources: Airbus Press Release, Air Lease Corporation
Qanot Sharq Becomes First Central Asian Operator of Airbus A321XLR
Aircraft Configuration and Capabilities
Strategic Network Expansion
AirPro News Analysis: The Long-Haul Low-Cost Shift
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
China Airlines Orders Five Additional Airbus A350-1000 Aircraft
China Airlines adds five Airbus A350-1000s to its fleet, enhancing capacity on transpacific and European routes with deliveries from 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional industry data regarding fleet modernization.
China Airlines (CAL) has officially signed a firm orders for five additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, signaling a continued commitment to modernizing its long-haul operations. Announced on December 18, 2025, this agreement increases the Taiwan-based carrier’s total backlog for the A350-1000 variant to 15 aircraft. The move is part of a broader strategy to replace aging widebody jets and enhance capacity on high-density routes connecting Asia with North America and Europe.
According to the official statement released by Airbus, these new aircraft will join the airline’s existing fleet of 15 A350-900s. The decision to expand the A350-1000 order book underscores the operator’s reliance on the A350 family’s commonality, which allows for streamlined pilot training and maintenance procedures. Deliveries for the newly ordered jets are scheduled to commence in 2026 and continue through 2029.
The deal also highlights the competitive landscape of widebody aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. By securing these additional units, China Airlines aims to deploy its flagship product on slot-constrained routes where maximizing passenger count per movement is critical. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, known for their efficiency in long-range operations.
China Airlines plans to utilize the A350-1000 primarily for its most prestigious long-haul markets. Industry reports indicate that the aircraft will be deployed on key transpacific routes to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and Ontario, California (ONT), as well as European hubs like London Heathrow (LHR). The A350-1000 offers significantly higher capacity than the -900 variant, making it a strategic asset for airports with limited landing slots.
Coinciding with these deliveries, the airline is preparing to unveil a major upgrade to its onboard product. Sources familiar with the carrier’s fleet planning suggest a new cabin design will debut in 2027. This retrofit is expected to feature business class suites with closing doors, 4K entertainment screens, and wireless charging capabilities, aiming to rival premium competitors such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
The interior aesthetic will likely continue the carrier’s “Oriental aesthetics” theme, utilizing persimmon wood-grain finishes and mood lighting to evoke a boutique hotel atmosphere. While the current A350-900 seats 306 passengers, the larger -1000 variant is projected to accommodate between 350 and 400 passengers, providing a substantial boost in premium economy and economy seat inventory.
Both China Airlines and Airbus executives emphasized the efficiency and passenger comfort benefits of the A350-1000. In the official press release, Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines, noted the alignment of this order with the carrier’s sustainability and service goals. “Expanding our A350-1000 fleet marks another important step in our long-term growth strategy. The A350’s exceptional efficiency and passenger comfort align with our goals to modernize our fleet, enhance long-haul competitiveness, and deliver an elevated travel experience to our customers.”
Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, added that the repeat order validates the aircraft’s performance in the heavy widebody segment.
“This follow-on order is a strong vote of confidence in the A350-1000 as the right aircraft for China Airlines’ future network ambitions. Its next-generation efficiency, range, and cabin comfort brings even greater value to the airline and its passengers.”
Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus Sales
This order reinforces a “split fleet” procurement strategy that has become increasingly common among major global carriers. While China Airlines has committed to the Boeing 777X for specific high-volume trunk routes and the 787 Dreamliner for regional replacement, the expansion of the A350-1000 fleet secures Airbus’s position as the backbone of the airline’s medium-to-large widebody operations.
From a financial perspective, based on 2025 list prices of approximately $366.5 million per unit, the deal holds a theoretical face value of roughly $1.83 billion, though actual acquisition costs are typically 40-50% lower after standard industry discounts. Environmentally, the shift is significant; the A350-1000 offers a 25% reduction in fuel burn compared to the previous generation aircraft it replaces, such as the Boeing 747-400 freighters and older passenger jets. This efficiency gain is a critical component of the airline’s roadmap to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
China Airlines Bolsters Long-Haul Capacity with Additional A350-1000 Order
Strategic Deployment and Cabin Innovation
Next-Generation Passenger Experience
Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Natilus Launches India Subsidiary and Secures SpiceJet Aircraft Order
Natilus expands into India with a Mumbai subsidiary and a 100-aircraft order from SpiceJet for its Horizon blended-wing body plane.
This article is based on an official press release from Natilus.
Natilus, a U.S.-based aerospace manufacturers specializing in Blended-Wing Body (BWB) Commercial-Aircraft, has officially announced its expansion into the Indian aviation market. According to the company’s press release, the move includes the debut of a new subsidiary, Natilus India, headquartered in Mumbai. This strategic expansion is designed to address the growing demand in one of the world’s fastest-developing aviation sectors.
Coinciding with the launch of the new subsidiary, Natilus announced a significant commercial agreement with Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet. The Airlines has committed to purchasing 100 units of Natilus’s “Horizon” passenger aircraft. The company noted that this transaction is subject to the successful Certification of the aircraft, which is currently in the development phase.
The establishment of Natilus India represents a direct effort to localize operations within a key global market. In its announcement, Natilus confirmed the appointment of Ravi Bhatia as the Regional Director for the new subsidiary. Bhatia’s role will focus on overseeing in-country operations, managing regulatory engagement with Indian aviation authorities, and fostering industrial Partnerships.
The company stated that this move aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative. By establishing a physical presence in Mumbai, Natilus aims to source components and engineering services locally, integrating Indian manufacturing capabilities into its global Supply-Chain.
The purchase order from SpiceJet marks a pivotal moment for the “Horizon” program. If completed, this deal would position SpiceJet as an early adopter of BWB technology in the region. The “Horizon” is Natilus’s flagship passenger model, designed to seat between 200 and 240 passengers.
According to performance data released by Natilus, the aircraft is engineered to replace traditional narrowbody fleets, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, with a range of approximately 3,500 nautical miles.
Natilus is distinguishing itself from traditional aerospace manufacturers through its focus on the Blended-Wing Body design. Unlike the conventional “tube-and-wing” architecture, the BWB design integrates the fuselage and wings into a single lifting body. In its official communications, Natilus claims this aerodynamic shift offers significant efficiency gains:
While the announcement signals strong momentum for Natilus, the timeline and regulatory hurdles remain significant factors. The “Horizon” aircraft is expected to enter service in the early 2030s, meaning the realization of the SpiceJet order is likely a decade away. Furthermore, the deal is explicitly “subject to certification.” Natilus is currently pursuing FAA Part 25 certification in the United States, which must be achieved before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India can validate the aircraft for local operations.
For SpiceJet, this commitment appears to be a long-term strategic bet on efficiency. The airline, which has faced recent financial volatility, is looking to future-proof its fleet against rising fuel costs. By locking in orders for an aircraft that promises 50% lower operating costs, the carrier is signaling a focus on long-term profitability despite current market challenges.
The move also places Natilus in direct competition with other BWB developers, such as JetZero, which has secured backing from major U.S. carriers. However, by establishing a dedicated subsidiary in India, Natilus is attempting to secure a “first-mover” advantage in the Asian market, which industry forecasts suggest will require over 2,200 new aircraft by 2040.
Natilus Launches India Subsidiary; Secures Commitment for 100 Aircraft from SpiceJet
Strategic Expansion and Leadership
The SpiceJet Commitment
Technological Innovation: The Blended-Wing Body
AirPro News Analysis: Market Context and Risks
Sources
Photo Credit: Natilus
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