The formalities are not complete, but a Swiss news agency is reporting that Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier of Morocco, will join Star Alliance.
Royal Air Maroc would bolster’s Star’s dominance in the region, joining Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, and South African Airways as the fourth carrier based in the African Continent.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has voiced interest in joining an alliance in recent months. RAM’s vice president Saida Najioullah told reporters in Dubai in October that the carrier would make a decision in early 2015. Here we are.
Just two weeks ago, Royal Air Maroc took delivery of its first 787 aircraft and has a fleet including 767-300s, a 747-400, and several next generation 737s.
I flew Royal Air Maroc in 2012 from Marrakesh to Madrid and am excited about this new addition to Star Alliance. More consumer choice, more ways to earn miles, and more lounges enhance and never diminish an airline alliance.
The business case for this inclusion in Star is unclear to me — three carriers does seem sufficient for one Alliance in Africa (even conceding the unique routes in East and West Africa Royal Air Maroc will add), but with more 787s on the way and reasonably easy airports in Casablanca and Marrakesh to connect in, hopefully Star can strengthen ties between the African and European operators in the region to make connectivity even easier for customers.
Royal Air Maroc serves New York City and Montreal in North America as well as Sao Paulo in South America. Their route map–
I’ve pressed my contacts at Star for official confirmation and their lips are sealed — let’s hope this is more than just a rumor.
(tip of the hat to Rizwan)
I honestly would think that RAM would better serve OneWorld or ST then they would *A. As *A already has a bustling European network and strong African connections thanks to Brussels Airways which serves central and western Africa with a number of tag routes/5th freedom routes & of course with two African partners already located in South Africa and East Africa (SA & ET) One would think that *A has Africa pretty well covered already. Whereas Africa is literally a big hole for OW with coverage in East Africa and North Africa due to QR & RJ and slightly less with ST thanks to Kenya Airways in East Africa and both AF & KLM having a robust network to West Africa.
Interesting development for sure