Royal Air Maroc Adds 13th New Boeing 787 Dreamliner as Fleet Expansion Accelerates Towards 200 Aircraft by 2038: Is Morocco Building Africa’s Next Global Aviation Hub?

Written By: Anamoy Gan

Anamoy Gan

I'm Anamoy Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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July 24, 2026 12:34 PM |

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Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), is taking another significant step towards becoming one of Africa’s leading global airlines with the addition of a new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to its long-haul fleet. Scheduled to join the airline by the end of July 2026, the aircraft will become RAM’s 13th Boeing 787-8, increasing its total fleet to 68 aircraft. The latest acquisition forms part of an ambitious long-term expansion strategy that aims to grow the airline to 130 aircraft by 2030 and 200 aircraft by 2038, positioning Casablanca as a major intercontinental aviation hub linking Africa with Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia.

Royal Air Maroc Welcomes Another Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The incoming aircraft, registered CN-RHV, was previously operated by Xiamen Airlines before being acquired by Royal Air Maroc.

Before its delivery, the aircraft underwent extensive maintenance and repainting at Haikou Airport in China, where it received Royal Air Maroc’s distinctive livery.

Once delivered to Casablanca, the Dreamliner will immediately strengthen the airline’s long-haul operations, supporting growing passenger demand across international markets.

The aircraft follows another Boeing 787-8 that joined the airline in April 2026, demonstrating Royal Air Maroc’s continued focus on rapidly expanding its wide-body fleet.

Smart Fleet Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions

Rather than relying exclusively on factory-new aircraft, Royal Air Maroc has adopted a flexible fleet strategy by acquiring high-quality pre-owned Dreamliners.

This approach offers several advantages:

• Faster fleet expansion.
• Lower acquisition costs.
• Immediate aircraft availability.
• Reduced waiting times amid global production backlogs.

With Boeing and Airbus production slots heavily booked well into the next decade, acquiring existing aircraft allows airlines to respond quickly to rising travel demand without waiting years for new deliveries.

The strategy is helping Royal Air Maroc strengthen its network at a time when passenger traffic across Morocco continues to grow rapidly.

Ambitious Vision for 2030 and Beyond

Royal Air Maroc’s long-term expansion plans rank among the most ambitious on the African continent.

The airline has outlined plans to increase its fleet from the current 68 aircraft to:

• 130 aircraft by 2030
• 200 aircraft by 2038

Achieving these targets would nearly quadruple the airline’s present fleet size and fundamentally reshape Morocco’s role within global aviation.

The expansion aligns closely with Morocco’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a gateway between Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Opportunity Created by Global Aviation Market Conditions

The airline’s latest acquisition strategy has also been influenced by changing global market conditions.

Ongoing geopolitical developments in parts of the Middle East have reportedly created opportunities for airlines to acquire additional long-haul aircraft becoming available from international operators.

Royal Air Maroc is understood to be evaluating further Dreamliner opportunities that could accelerate its fleet expansion while avoiding extended delivery delays associated with new aircraft orders.

Maintaining flexibility in fleet planning allows the airline to adapt quickly to market opportunities while supporting future route growth.

Narrow-Body Fleet Also Set for Major Expansion

Royal Air Maroc is simultaneously investing in its short and medium-haul operations.

Earlier this year, the airline signed a significant leasing agreement with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) covering 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, building upon an earlier agreement that introduced two Boeing 737-8 aircraft into the fleet during 2025.

These modern aircraft will improve fuel efficiency, passenger comfort and operational flexibility across regional and medium-haul routes.

Together with the expanding Dreamliner fleet, they form the backbone of Royal Air Maroc’s fleet modernisation strategy.

Casablanca Strengthens Its Position as an African Aviation Hub

As Royal Air Maroc expands, Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca continues strengthening its role as one of Africa’s key international gateways.

The airline’s growing long-haul network increasingly connects:

• West Africa with North America.
• Central Africa with Europe.
• Southern Africa with international destinations.
• Morocco with Asia and the Middle East.

This enhanced connectivity creates more travel options while supporting Morocco’s ambition to become a major transfer hub competing with established global aviation centres.

Tourism and Business Travel Stand to Benefit

Fleet growth on this scale extends well beyond aviation.

Increased airline capacity often stimulates:

• International tourism.
• Business travel.
• Cargo development.
• Hotel investment.
• Airport infrastructure expansion.
• Destination marketing partnerships.

For travel professionals, Royal Air Maroc’s expanding network offers greater flexibility when designing multi-country itineraries that combine Morocco with destinations across Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Improved connectivity also supports conferences, trade events and investment flows into Morocco.

Expansion Will Require Continued Investment

While the airline’s growth ambitions are impressive, delivering them successfully will require sustained investment.

Key priorities include:

• Pilot recruitment and training.
• Aircraft maintenance capacity.
• Technical operations.
• Customer service.
• Airport infrastructure.
• Digital transformation.
• Operational efficiency.

Successfully managing a fleet of 200 aircraft will require strong organisational capabilities alongside continued collaboration with international aviation partners.

Morocco Continues to Shape Africa’s Aviation Future

Royal Air Maroc’s expansion reflects the wider transformation taking place across Morocco’s aviation sector.

With airports welcoming 18.83 million passengers during the first half of 2026, the country continues strengthening its position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Combined with airport modernisation, expanding airline networks and increased tourism investment, Royal Air Maroc’s fleet growth reinforces Morocco’s ambition to become one of the continent’s leading aviation and tourism hubs over the coming decade.

Key Stats

• Royal Air Maroc will add its 13th Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner by the end of July 2026.
• Total airline fleet will increase to 68 aircraft.
• Fleet target: 130 aircraft by 2030.
• Long-term goal: 200 aircraft by 2038.
• 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft scheduled for delivery beginning in 2027.
• Morocco’s airports handled 18.83 million passengers during the first half of 2026.

Timeline and Events

• 10 April 2026: Royal Air Maroc receives another Boeing 787-8.
• End of July 2026: CN-RHV scheduled to join the fleet.
• 2027: Deliveries of leased Boeing 737-8 aircraft begin.
• 2030: Fleet expansion target reaches 130 aircraft.
• 2038: Long-term fleet objective of 200 aircraft.

FAQ

1. How many Boeing 787 Dreamliners will Royal Air Maroc operate after the latest delivery?
The airline will operate 13 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, bringing its total fleet to 68 aircraft.

2. Why is Royal Air Maroc acquiring pre-owned Dreamliners?
Purchasing high-quality pre-owned aircraft enables faster expansion, reduces costs and avoids lengthy delivery delays caused by global aircraft production backlogs.

3. What are Royal Air Maroc’s long-term fleet goals?
The airline plans to operate 130 aircraft by 2030 and expand further to 200 aircraft by 2038, making it one of Africa’s largest carriers.

Important Dates

• 10 April 2026: Previous Boeing 787-8 joins the fleet.
• End of July 2026: CN-RHV expected to enter service.
• 2027: Boeing 737-8 deliveries begin.
• 2030: Fleet target of 130 aircraft.
• 2038: Long-term fleet target of 200 aircraft.

Conclusion

Royal Air Maroc’s latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner acquisition represents another milestone in one of Africa’s most ambitious aviation expansion strategies. By combining strategic fleet acquisitions with substantial long-term investment in both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, the airline is strengthening its ability to connect Africa with Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. As Casablanca evolves into an increasingly important intercontinental hub, the expansion promises wider benefits for tourism, trade and business travel. While significant operational challenges remain, Royal Air Maroc’s vision positions both the airline and Morocco at the heart of Africa’s aviation transformation, creating new opportunities for travellers, airlines and the wider tourism industry over the coming decade.