Route Development
Royal Air Maroc Fleet Expansion Targets 200 Aircraft by 2037
Royal Air Maroc plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, boosting Morocco’s tourism and connectivity ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
In the competitive world of international Airlines, strategic foresight is the bedrock of longevity and success. Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s national carrier, has laid out a roadmap that is nothing short of transformational. The airline has embarked on an ambitious journey to quadruple its fleet, aiming to grow from its current size of approximately 50 aircraft to a formidable 200 by 2037. This isn’t merely a shopping spree for new planes; it’s a calculated, long-term vision deeply intertwined with Morocco’s broader economic aspirations, its burgeoning tourism industry, and its prominent role on the global stage as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The plan, which was set in motion with a government partnership in July 2023, is designed to reposition both the airline and the nation. By significantly expanding its operational capacity, Royal Air Maroc aims to evolve from a key regional airline into a dominant global connector. The strategy is comprehensive, targeting a massive increase in passenger traffic, revenue, and the number of destinations served. CEO Abdelhamid Addou recently confirmed a critical timeline for this expansion, stating that the first aircraft from a major new tender are expected to begin arriving in 2028, marking a concrete step towards this new era.
This fleet expansion serves as the backbone of a national strategy. As Morocco prepares to welcome millions of tourists and football fans, the need for robust, efficient, and far-reaching air travel has never been more critical. The government’s capital injection underscores the plan’s importance, signaling a unified effort to build an aviation infrastructure capable of supporting the country’s future. We are witnessing a pivotal moment where an airline’s growth is synonymous with its home country’s development, a synergy that promises to reshape Morocco’s connectivity with the world.
The path to 200 aircraft is meticulously planned, balancing long-term acquisitions with immediate needs to maintain momentum. The core of this strategy is a comprehensive 2023-2037 development plan, which is now moving from ambition to execution. This framework is not just about numbers but about building a sustainable and versatile fleet capable of meeting diverse market demands for decades to come.
The groundwork for this massive undertaking was formally laid in July 2023, when the Moroccan government and Royal Air Maroc signed a partnership agreement. This crucial step provided the necessary capital to fuel the airline’s development goals, turning a long-held vision into a tangible project. The objective is clear: to methodically scale operations over the next decade and a half, ensuring that growth is both aggressive and sustainable. The plan projects a staggering increase in annual passenger capacity, from six million to 31 million, reflecting the scale of its global ambitions.
This expansion is also projected to have a profound financial impact. Revenue is forecasted to climb from 15.5 billion dirhams ($1.6 billion) to 100 billion dirhams ($10.4 billion), transforming the airline’s economic footprint. The expansion is about more than just adding routes; it’s about building a powerful economic engine that contributes significantly to the national economy. The government’s backing highlights a shared belief that a strong national carrier is essential for achieving Morocco’s strategic goals in tourism, trade, and international relations.
The timeline is deliberate. While the goal is set for 2037, the first major deliveries are slated for 2028. This staggered approach allows the airline to integrate new aircraft smoothly, train staff, and develop new routes without disrupting current operations. It reflects a mature understanding of the complexities involved in such a large-scale fleet overhaul, prioritizing stability alongside rapid growth.
The plan is to increase the fleet from roughly 50 aircraft to 200, boosting annual passenger capacity from six million to 31 million by 2037.
On April 15, 2024, Royal Air Maroc officially launched the tender for its new aircraft, inviting proposals from the world’s leading Manufacturers, including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and ATR. This wide net ensures a competitive process and allows the airline to select the ideal aircraft for its multi-faceted strategy. The acquisition plan is flexible, incorporating a mix of firm orders with options, as well as both outright purchases and dry leases. This hybrid approach provides financial agility and allows RAM to adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements in the aviation industry. The future fleet will be diverse, tailored to serve different segments of the airline’s expanding network. While the order will primarily consist of medium-haul jets to connect Morocco with Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, it will also include short-haul aircraft for domestic and regional routes and long-haul planes to expand its intercontinental reach. This balanced composition is essential for realizing the airline’s three-pronged network strategy: enhancing domestic connectivity, opening new point-to-point tourist routes, and strengthening Casablanca’s role as a major international hub.
However, RAM is not standing still while waiting for 2028. The airline has initiated an interim growth phase to meet immediate demand and prepare for the larger expansion. In 2025 alone, the carrier is set to acquire five new aircraft, including three Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Plans are already in place to add another ten aircraft by the end of 2025 and ten more in 2026. To bridge any remaining gaps, the airline has been utilizing wet-leased aircraft and has also secured smaller, separate Orders for Boeing 787-9s and 737 MAXs, demonstrating a proactive and dynamic approach to its short-term capacity needs.
Royal Air Maroc’s fleet expansion is a catalyst for national development, with its impact extending far beyond the aviation sector. It is a cornerstone of Morocco’s strategy to become a premier global destination for tourism and events, with the 2030 FIFA World Cup serving as a key milestone. This alignment of corporate and national interests creates a powerful synergy that will drive progress on multiple fronts.
The primary driver behind the fleet expansion is the goal to bolster Morocco’s tourism industry. The country has set ambitious targets of attracting 17.5 million tourists by 2026 and 26 million by 2030. Achieving these numbers is impossible without a significant increase in air capacity. The new fleet will enable RAM to increase its destinations from 99 in 2023 to a projected 130 cities, opening up new source markets and making Morocco more accessible to travelers from around the world.
The network development plan directly supports this goal by creating more point-to-point routes for tourists and the significant Moroccan diaspora living abroad. This strategy aims to improve the travel experience by offering more direct flights, reducing reliance on transfers through the main hub in Casablanca for certain routes. At the same time, the plan includes strengthening Casablanca’s position as a key international hub, particularly for connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This dual approach allows RAM to cater to different traveler needs simultaneously.
Furthermore, the plan emphasizes improving domestic connectivity. By establishing better links between Moroccan cities without forcing travelers to transit through Casablanca, the airline will help distribute the benefits of tourism more evenly across the country. This will encourage visitors to explore more of what Morocco has to offer, from its imperial cities to its coastal resorts and mountain landscapes, thereby enriching the tourist experience and supporting local economies nationwide.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, serves as both a powerful motivator and a firm deadline for the expansion efforts. Hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events will bring an unprecedented influx of visitors, and having the aviation infrastructure to manage this surge is non-negotiable. The fleet expansion is a critical component of the national preparations, ensuring that the country can provide a seamless and welcoming experience for hundreds of thousands of fans, teams, and officials.
Royal Air Maroc’s role in this monumental event is already formalized. Through a Partnerships with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, RAM is the official airline for the tournament. This designation places the carrier at the heart of the logistical operations, responsible for transporting a significant portion of the international traffic. The pressure is on to have a substantial part of the new and expanded fleet operational by 2030 to meet this peak demand. The World Cup is more than just a month-long tournament; it’s a unique opportunity for Morocco to showcase itself on the world stage. A successful and well-managed travel experience will leave a lasting positive impression, potentially boosting tourism for years to come. In this context, Royal Air Maroc’s performance will be a direct reflection of the nation’s capability and hospitality. The timely execution of its fleet expansion is therefore not just a corporate goal but a matter of national pride and long-term strategic interest.
Royal Air Maroc’s plan to expand its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037 is one of the most ambitious strategic initiatives in the aviation industry today. It is a comprehensive, multi-decade vision that transforms the airline from a national carrier into a global aviation powerhouse. This growth is fundamentally linked to Morocco’s national ambitions, serving as the logistical backbone for its goals in tourism, economic development, and international prestige, with the 2030 FIFA World Cup as a critical near-term focus.
The success of this grand plan will depend on a confluence of factors: the timely Delivery of aircraft from manufacturers, the strategic development of a profitable and efficient route network, and the continued growth of Morocco as a top-tier global destination. As the first new aircraft from the tender begin to arrive in 2028, we will be watching the dawn of a new chapter for both Royal Air Maroc and the Kingdom of Morocco, one defined by greater connection, ambition, and a truly global reach.
Question: What is Royal Air Maroc’s main goal with its fleet expansion? Question: When will the new planes start arriving? Question: How is the 2030 FIFA World Cup related to this plan? Sources: Reuters
Royal Air Maroc’s Grand Ambition: A 200-Aircraft Fleet by 2037
The Blueprint for a New Era in Aviation
The 2037 Vision and Its Foundation
Tender, Fleet Mix, and Interim Growth
A Strategy Beyond the Skies: Fueling a Nation’s Ambitions
Powering Morocco’s Tourism Engine
The 2030 World Cup Catalyst
Conclusion: A Flight Path to the Future
FAQ
Answer: The primary goal is to quadruple its fleet from approximately 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037. This expansion is designed to significantly boost Morocco’s tourism industry, enhance international connectivity, and support the country’s role as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Answer: The first aircraft from the major tender are expected to be delivered starting in 2028. However, the airline is already in an interim growth phase, adding new and leased aircraft in 2025 and 2026 to meet immediate demand.
Answer: The World Cup acts as a major catalyst and a deadline for the expansion. The significantly larger fleet will be essential for managing the massive influx of tourists and fans for the event. Royal Air Maroc is the official airline for the tournament, making its readiness a key part of Morocco’s national preparations.
Photo Credit: Royal Air Maroc
Route Development
SAS and TAROM Codeshare Connects Scandinavia and Romania in 2026
SAS and TAROM announce a codeshare agreement effective February 2026, enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania with SkyTeam benefits.
This article is based on an official press release from SAS Group.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and TAROM, the flag carrier of Romania, have announced a comprehensive codeshare agreement set to commence on February 9, 2026. The partnership aims to restore and enhance connectivity between Northern Europe and Romania following SAS’s strategic shift to the SkyTeam alliance.
According to the official announcement from SAS Group, the agreement will allow passengers to book single-ticket journeys between the two regions by utilizing major European transit hubs. This move integrates TAROM, a long-standing SkyTeam member, more deeply with SAS, which officially joined the alliance on September 1, 2024.
The collaboration addresses a significant gap in network connectivity, offering business and leisure travelers seamless baggage check-through and reciprocal loyalty benefits. Paul Verhagen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, emphasized the strategic value of the deal in a statement:
“This new partnership with TAROM marks an important step in enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania. By combining our networks and offering smooth transfers via key European hubs, we are giving our customers more choice, flexibility, and convenience.”
Rather than launching direct flights immediately, the airlines are leveraging a “virtual hub” strategy. According to the press release, the codeshare will route traffic through four key intermediate airports: Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), and Prague (PRG).
Under the terms of the agreement:
This structure allows the airlines to offer competitive travel times and frequency without dedicating aircraft to direct point-to-point routes, which are currently dominated by low-cost carriers.
This agreement is a direct consequence of the major airline alliance realignment that occurred in late 2024. When SAS departed Star Alliance to join SkyTeam, it lost its traditional connectivity to Eastern Europe provided by partners like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Partnering with TAROM allows SAS to rebuild its footprint in the region using SkyTeam infrastructure.
For TAROM, the deal unlocks access to the high-yield Scandinavian market. The Romanian carrier is currently in the midst of a fleet modernization program, transitioning from aging aircraft to new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets expected to arrive in late 2025 and 2026. By utilizing SAS for the northern leg of the journey, TAROM can expand its network reach while conserving its own metal for other high-demand routes. Narcis Obeadă, Commercial Director at TAROM, hinted at further expansion in the company’s statement:
“In the coming period, TAROM will announce new commercial agreements, in line with the company’s mission to safely and efficiently connect Romania and Romanian culture to the international air transport network.”
Travelers utilizing the codeshare will benefit from the full suite of SkyTeam alliance perks. Members of SAS EuroBonus and TAROM’s loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem points on these codeshare flights. Additionally, premium passengers will gain access to SkyTeam lounges at transit hubs.
The passenger experience on the SAS leg of these journeys is also set for an upgrade. SAS is currently rolling out free high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, a project the airline states will be widely available by late 2025.
The “Prague” Anomaly and Market Positioning
The inclusion of Prague (PRG) as a connection hub is a notable operational detail. Following the cessation of operations by Czech Airlines (CSA) as a standalone SkyTeam member in October 2024, Prague is no longer a primary alliance hub. The decision to route traffic through PRG suggests a strong bilateral interline capability between SAS and TAROM that functions independently of major alliance hub infrastructure.
Furthermore, this deal clearly targets the premium business segment. While low-cost carrier Wizz Air operates direct flights between Bucharest and Copenhagen, legacy carriers cannot compete purely on price. Instead, SAS and TAROM are competing on schedule flexibility (multiple daily frequencies via hubs) and corporate perks (lounge access, baggage interlining). With tourism to Romania rising, foreign arrivals were up 13.4% year-on-year as of August 2024, the demand for reliable, full-service connectivity is likely to grow.
When can I book these codeshare flights? Will my bags be checked through to the final destination? Do these flights count toward SkyTeam Elite status?
SAS and TAROM Launch Strategic Codeshare to Connect Scandinavia and Romania
Operational Details: The Virtual Hub Strategy
RO marketing code on SAS flights connecting Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to these intermediate hubs.SK marketing code on TAROM flights connecting Bucharest to the same hubs.Strategic Context: The SkyTeam Realignment
Passenger Experience and Loyalty
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The codeshare agreement is effective starting February 9, 2026. Tickets should be available through both airlines’ booking channels prior to this date.
Yes. Because this is a full codeshare agreement, passengers traveling on a single ticket (e.g., Bucharest to Stockholm via Amsterdam) will have their baggage checked through to the final destination.
Yes. Flights marketed and operated by SkyTeam members (SAS and TAROM) count toward tier status and accrue redeemable miles/points according to the rules of your specific loyalty program.
Sources
Photo Credit: SAS Group
Route Development
Starlux Airlines Launches Taipei to Prague Flights in 2026
Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop service between Taipei and Prague in August 2026, featuring its exclusive First Class on the Airbus A350-900.
This article summarizes reporting by One Mile at a Time and Ben Schlappig.
Starlux Airlines, the Taiwan-based luxury carrier, has officially announced its expansion into the European market. According to reporting by One Mile at a Time, the airline will launch nonstop service between Taipei (TPE) and Prague (PRG) beginning August 1, 2026. This development marks a major milestone for the “boutique” airline, representing its first long-haul destination outside of North America.
The new route signals a strategic shift for Starlux, which has previously focused its long-haul efforts exclusively on transpacific flights to the United States. By deploying its flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this sector, the airline intends to compete directly with legacy carriers by offering a premium-heavy configuration, including its exclusive First Class cabin.
Based on schedule data cited by One Mile at a Time and confirmed by Prague Airport, the service will initially operate three times weekly. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to increase frequency to four times weekly by adding Mondays starting in October 2026.
The operational schedule is as follows:
Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport, welcomed the new connection in a statement regarding the launch.
“We estimate that the route will be used by approximately 95,000 passengers in the first year of operation.”
, Jiří Pos, Chairman of Prague Airport
Travelers on this route will experience Starlux’s most premium hardware. One Mile at a Time notes that the Airbus A350-900 is the only aircraft type in the Starlux fleet equipped with a First Class cabin. The aircraft features a total of 306 seats across four distinct classes:
This deployment is significant because it brings a true First Class product to the Taipei-Prague market, distinguishing Starlux from competitors that may only offer Business Class on similar routes.
While major European hubs like London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle are often the first ports of call for Asian carriers expanding westward, Starlux’s choice of Prague is driven by specific economic factors rather than traditional tourism volume alone. The Semiconductor Connection “Prague is a long-favored destination for Taiwanese travelers, and growing semiconductor industry ties are expected to further drive demand…”
, Glenn Chai, CEO of Starlux Airlines
Competitive Landscape According to the reporting by Ben Schlappig, this route is likely just the beginning of Starlux’s European ambitions. The airline has indicated plans to launch a second European destination later in 2026. While not officially confirmed, industry reports suggest Milan (MXP) is a strong contender, which would align with the carrier’s Strategy of connecting high-value fashion and business hubs.
Starlux Airlines Selects Prague for First European Route
Flight Schedule and Operational Details
Onboard Experience: The Airbus A350-900
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Market Positioning
We observe that the economic ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic have deepened significantly due to the semiconductor industry. With major investments from Taiwanese tech giants in Central Europe, business travel demand is high. Starlux CEO Glenn Chai highlighted this synergy in his remarks regarding the Launch.
Starlux will face direct competition from China Airlines, which launched the same route in July 2023. However, Starlux appears to be betting on its “luxury boutique” brand identity to capture high-yield business travelers and premium leisure tourists who prioritize cabin comfort and newer aircraft hardware.
Future European Expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Starlux Airlines
Route Development
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Completes $241M West Infill Expansion
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport finishes $241M West Infill Expansion with new TSA lanes and upgraded baggage system, opening Feb 2026.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has officially marked the completion of its West Infill Expansion, a $241 million infrastructure project designed to alleviate congestion and modernize passenger processing. Airport officials celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 6, 2026, signaling the imminent public opening of the facility’s new security checkpoint later this month.
The project, a central component of the “Journey With AUS” improvement program, adds approximately 75,000 square feet to the Barbara Jordan Terminal. According to the airport’s announcement, the expansion addresses critical operational bottlenecks by delivering a high-speed baggage handling system and significantly increasing security screening capacity. The new facilities are scheduled to open to the traveling public on February 23, 2026.
The West Infill Expansion focuses heavily on processing speed and efficiency. Located on the west side of the terminal between the existing structure and the curbside roadway, the project spans four levels, including baggage claim, apron, concourse, and mezzanine areas.
A primary feature of the expansion is the new TSA Checkpoint 3. Designed to reduce wait times during peak travel windows, the checkpoint accommodates up to eight security lanes. This addition is expected to streamline the flow of passengers significantly compared to the previous terminal layout.
Operational reliability has also been addressed through a massive upgrade to the outbound baggage handling system. According to project details released by AUS, the new system has been operational since December 2025. It features 1.5 miles of conveyor belts and is capable of processing 4,000 bags per hour, a substantial increase over the previous infrastructure. This upgrade aims to reduce incidents of lost luggage and prevent flight delays attributed to baggage loading issues.
Beyond operational metrics, the expansion includes enhancements to the passenger experience and environmental standards. The project was designed by Gensler, with Whiting-Turner serving as the general contractor.
The facility includes three new ticket counters with six agent positions, expanded restroom facilities, and dedicated office space for airport and TSA staff. A “wellness room” has also been integrated to provide a quiet space for nursing mothers and travelers requiring privacy. In line with the city’s environmental goals, the project was designed to achieve an Austin Energy Green Building 3-Star rating, utilizing energy-efficient HVAC systems and responsibly sourced materials.
Cultural elements remain a priority for the airport. The expansion features an art installation series titled Voyages and sees the return of the “Austin Downtown Cruiser,” a local art piece reinstalled on the concourse level. Regarding the financial structure of the project, the airport confirmed that the $241 million cost was funded entirely through airport cash reserves, revenue bonds, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants, including approximately $16 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. No local Austin taxpayer dollars were utilized for the construction.
The completion of the West Infill Expansion comes as AUS faces passenger volumes that have outpaced long-term projections. In 2025, the airport served over 21 million passengers, a volume the AUS 2040 Master Plan did not anticipate reaching for another five years.
In a statement regarding the opening, Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, emphasized the urgency of the project:
“The completion of the West Infill project is a pivotal step forward for AUS and for our community. Our airport is serving 21+ million annual passengers, five years ahead of what our AUS 2040 Master Plan projected. This project is about more than adding space, it’s about delivering a better experience for every traveler as quickly as possible.”
The accelerated completion of the West Infill Expansion highlights a critical trend affecting mid-sized hub airports across the United States: post-pandemic travel demand is defying conservative planning models. The fact that AUS hit its 2030-era passenger targets in 2025 suggests that infrastructure development cycles, which typically span 5 to 10 years, are struggling to keep pace with real-time growth.
While the addition of 75,000 square feet and eight security lanes provides immediate relief, the “Journey With AUS” program will likely need to accelerate subsequent phases to prevent the return of the severe congestion seen in recent years. The reliance on federal grants and enterprise revenue rather than local taxes positions the airport well politically, but the operational pressure remains high as the region continues to attract both business and leisure traffic at record rates.
Enhancing Terminal Throughput and Security
New TSA Checkpoint 3
Modernized Baggage Handling
Design, Sustainability, and Funding
Strategic Context and Growth
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
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