Oneworld has announced Royal Air Maroc as its newest member — the alliance’s first full member from Africa and its first global addition in six years. Royal Air Maroc is set to begin operating within oneworld in mid-2020.
As the largest independent carrier in Africa, Royal Air Maroc carried 7.3 million passengers last year with a fleet of 55 aircraft. Headquartered in Casablanca, the airline serves 94 destinations across 49 countries. Joining oneworld expands the alliance’s reach by adding 34 destinations and 21 countries.
“We’re pleased to welcome Royal Air Maroc to oneworld. Africa is the last major region where oneworld does not have a full member airline, and it is expected to see one of the fastest rates of air travel growth over the coming decades. Royal Air Maroc will deliver greater value for customers worldwide as we extend the alliance into a new region,” said Alan Joyce, governing board chairman of oneworld and group CEO of Qantas.
Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, described the invitation as a landmark for the carrier: “Royal Air Maroc is excited and honored to have been invited to become oneworld’s wings of Africa. We look forward to completing our integration quickly and smoothly so we can offer the benefits and services of the world’s leading airline alliance to our customers and across our network as soon as possible. We will be flying alongside the finest collection of carriers, while making it easier for people around the world to reach our historic and beautiful region. This represents one of the most significant milestones in our 60-year history and supports our journey to establish Royal Air Maroc as a leading African airline.”