By the editorial team of Logis-T Africa
At a time when supply chains in Africa are undergoing profound transformation, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is steadily expanding its all-cargo network across the continent. The freight division of Morocco’s national carrier has launched a dedicated cargo service between Casablanca and Dakar, operated every Friday by a Boeing 767 freighter with a capacity of 45 tonnes. This move is fully aligned with the current dynamics shaping logistics in Africa, transport in Africa, and supply chain in Africa, as intra-African trade continues to gain momentum.
A strategic new air corridor between North and West Africa
By linking Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca (CMN) with Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar (DSS), Royal Air Maroc Cargo is consolidating a key axis of trade in Africa. Senegal, one of the most dynamic economies in West Africa, is emerging as a natural hub for regional and international flows, particularly in the agri-food, pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.
According to the airline, the new route responds to growing demand for logistics solutions in Africa that combine reliability, capacity and speed. It also aims to streamline exchanges within the framework of international trade in Africa, offering an efficient air alternative to supply chains often constrained by land and maritime infrastructure.
Building a pan-African cargo network
The addition of Dakar expands an all-cargo network already structured around strategic destinations: Brussels (three weekly frequencies), Istanbul, Bamako and Ouagadougou (two weekly frequencies each). Together, these routes form the backbone of the African logistics market, complementing Royal Air Maroc’s extensive passenger network and belly-hold cargo capacity.
The airline relies on a fleet of dedicated Boeing 767 freighters, supplemented by daily cargo capacity aboard Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737 aircraft. This combination ensures a high degree of flexibility for logistics and transport in Africa, both on intra-African routes and on corridors linking the continent with Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Casablanca, a central hub for African supply chains
At the heart of this network lies the Casablanca platform, which plays a pivotal role. With an annual handling capacity of 200,000 tonnes, the hub features specialized facilities for perishables, pharmaceuticals and high-value goods, meeting the stringent requirements of African supply chains.
Thanks to fast and seamless connections to more than 30 African destinations, Casablanca has established itself as a key node in transport in Africa and a critical lever for continental logistics integration.
A long-term vision for Africa’s logistics ecosystem
For Rita Chraibi, Vice President Cargo at Royal Air Maroc, the Casablanca–Dakar service represents “a major milestone in our long-term vision to strengthen the African logistics ecosystem and bring markets closer together through sustainable and efficient air bridges.” This ambition echoes the objectives of the AfCFTA and the urgent need to develop logistics infrastructure capable of supporting the growth of trade in Africa.
By expanding its air cargo capacity, Royal Air Maroc Cargo is reaffirming its position as a central player in the African logistics market, contributing to the modernization of transport and supply chains in Africa in support of a continent seeking greater connectivity, competitiveness and logistics resilience.
