Morocco seeks to accelerate African air integration
via Le Matin2 min read
Morocco is actively working to enhance African air integration, as highlighted at the first African Air Transport Convention and Exhibition AFCAC Expo 2026 held in Lomé from June 15 to 19. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to fostering a more open, connected, and integrated African airspace. Abdessamad Kayouh, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, stated that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco is dedicated to promoting the continent's air integration. He emphasized Morocco's pivotal role in implementing the Single African Air Transport Market SAATM, an initiative launched by the African Union in 2018 to liberalize the aviation sector in Africa. The Minister noted Morocco's progress in connectivity, with Casablanca now having daily connections to 32 African capitals. This dynamic is expected to strengthen through SAATM, leading to greater openness in African airspace and increased exchanges, particularly in cargo. Kayouh also mentioned that Morocco's aviation sector is preparing for significant expansion by 2037, with Royal Air Maroc's fleet projected to grow from 70 to 200 aircraft of various sizes. This expansion aims to solidify Morocco's strategic position as a regional air transport hub. Abdelhamid Addou, the CEO of Royal Air Maroc, speaking at an AFCAC Expo 2026 panel, affirmed the airline's ambition to lead in creating an open and interconnected African sky. He highlighted RAM's extensive network around the Casablanca hub, which facilitates inter-A
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