In a move to address the increasing demand for travel between Africa and China, Royal Air Maroc and China Southern Airlines Company Limited (China Southern) have recently formalized a cooperation agreement. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two carriers marks a significant step in strengthening air, commercial, and cultural ties between the two regions. This initiative aligns with China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative.
This MoU outlines increased collaboration between China Southern and Royal Air Maroc through the expansion of their interline cooperation and the establishment of a codeshare partnership. This endeavor aims to improve the connectivity of their respective networks, thereby offering passengers a wider range of destinations. Travelers will benefit from China Southern’s extensive network in China and Asia, as well as Royal Air Maroc’s strong presence on the African continent.
Furthermore, the two airlines intend to explore cooperation in the areas of passenger and cargo transportation, as well as related activities. The goal is to provide higher quality, more seamless, and streamlined services for both travelers and businesses.
For China Southern Airlines, this agreement represents a strategic advancement in its support of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, solidifying the links between Asia and Africa. Qu Guangji, Executive Vice President of China Southern Airlines, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, emphasizing both companies’ commitment to optimizing their respective strengths and exploring new opportunities to offer exceptional travel experiences.
Hamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc, described this partnership with China Southern Airlines as “an important step in strengthening air connectivity between Africa and China.” He added that this collaboration will broaden travel options for their passengers and stimulate tourism, as well as economic and commercial relations between the two nations. Mr. Addou also highlighted the commitment of both airlines to provide travel experiences that foster closer ties between Africa and China, particularly facilitating access for Chinese tourists to Morocco.
This agreement builds upon Royal Air Maroc’s recent efforts to improve connectivity with China, notably the resumption of the direct Casablanca-Beijing route on January 20, 2025, which currently operates three times a week. This direct air link helps to reduce distances and strengthen cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges, positioning Morocco as a key gateway to Africa for Chinese travelers.
