Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and China Eastern Airlines have strengthened their cooperation to boost air connectivity between Africa and China through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Shanghai.
The agreement, signed on Monday by Royal Air Maroc CEO Hamid Addou and China Eastern Airlines Chairman Wang Zhiqing, aims to expand economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the two nations, according to a joint statement.
Under the MoU, both carriers will implement a code-share arrangement on major routes linking Morocco and China, as well as a special prorate agreement (SPA) for revenue sharing. The partnership will offer passengers an extended network, smoother connections, and an enhanced travel experience between Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Beyond shared routes, the two airlines plan to deepen their cooperation in other key areas of the aviation industry — including maintenance, training, and digital innovation. The stated goal is to build a “comprehensive and sustainable alliance” that reinforces Morocco’s position as a leading African air hub and consolidates Shanghai’s role as a major Asian gateway.
During the signing ceremony, Wang Zhiqing highlighted that “the strong friendship and close cooperation between China and Morocco have laid solid foundations for this new milestone,” adding that Shanghai’s strategic location and Royal Air Maroc’s pan-African presence would “effectively strengthen the network linking Asia and Africa.”
For his part, Hamid Addou said the partnership aligns with the vision of King Mohammed VI, first outlined during his 2016 visit to China. “This collaboration reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing South–South dialogue and deepening human, economic, and cultural exchanges,” he noted.
Royal Air Maroc resumed its direct Casablanca–Beijing service in January 2025, with three weekly flights. Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern, launched its own Shanghai–Casablanca route via Marseille, also operating three times per week.
For both carriers, the partnership paves the way for broader cooperation covering crew training, service digitalisation, and the promotion of bilateral tourism. It also fits within China’s “Belt and Road” strategy and Morocco’s drive to diversify its economic partnerships across Asia.
The move comes amid a broader strengthening of Morocco–China relations, particularly in infrastructure, technology, and tourism. In 2024, China became Morocco’s third-largest Asian trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding €7 billion, according to the Moroccan Foreign Exchange Office.
Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is one of China’s “big three” carriers, alongside Air China and China Southern Airlines. It currently operates the country’s largest international network, with around 9,100 international flights per month.
MK/ak/ac/lb/as/APA