Royal Air Maroc's Ambitious Expansion Strategy in Brazil
Othman Baba, the general manager of Royal Air Maroc in Brazil, has announced the airline's plans to significantly enhance its operations within the country. This ambitious strategy includes increasing flight frequencies between São Paulo and Casablanca while exploring the possibility of launching new routes by the year 2027. Key components of this expansion involve strengthening partnerships with local airlines and diversifying the points of origin and destination across the Brazilian market, thereby creating a more integrated travel experience for passengers.
Since initiating operations approximately a year ago with three weekly flights, Royal Air Maroc has already increased its services to four frequencies, aiming to reach five by the end of 2026. The current average occupancy rate stands at an impressive 80%, which is considered a strong indication of the route's performance, especially for a new operation. Flights currently operate from Guarulhos International Airport to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reflecting a solid foundation for future growth.
Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion
Baba emphasized that the airline's expansion strategy is bolstered by a codeshare agreement with Gol, a major Brazilian airline, which facilitates connections for passengers traveling from various Brazilian cities to the international routes operated by Royal Air Maroc. This partnership allows the airline to extend its reach without necessitating a direct presence at multiple airports throughout Brazil, thus optimizing operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the integration with Brazil's domestic network positions the country as a regional hub for Royal Air Maroc within Latin America. The executive noted that travelers from other countries in the region increasingly utilize São Paulo as a key connection point for flights to Africa, Europe, and other destinations serviced by the airline. In terms of demand, Brazilian travelers predominantly use Casablanca as a gateway to European cities, with Lisbon ranking as the most sought-after destination, followed closely by Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, and Rome. Additionally, there is interest in long-haul destinations, including Cairo and Moscow, prompting the airline to continually expand its international network with new routes planned for cities such as Los Angeles and other European locations.
Baba also identified the Brazilian Northeast as a strategic opportunity that remains largely untapped, with cities like Fortaleza offering a geographical advantage over the Southeast. The estimated flight time from Fortaleza to Casablanca is approximately six hours, significantly shorter than the nine hours required from São Paulo. This proximity could greatly influence the airline's future expansion strategies within Brazil, allowing for more efficient and competitive service offerings.
Royal Air Maroc is committed to increasing flight frequencies as a crucial element for enhancing its competitiveness in the international market. The company believes that a more robust operation with more frequent flights will not only sustain the growth of demand but also facilitate the introduction of new destinations in Brazil, including preliminary studies for potential services to Rio de Janeiro. This initiative occurs amidst the ongoing reconfiguration of international air routes, with airlines actively seeking to expand connections between Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Notably, WTM Latin America 2026 is set to take place from April 14th to 17th at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo, providing a platform for industry representatives to engage in strategic discussions and explore opportunities for business expansion in the global tourism sector.
As reported by en.travel2latam.com.
