Royal Air Maroc is said to near major order, balancing Boeing loyalty with Airbus entry

Royal Air Maroc is on the verge of finalizing a significant aircraft order, largely favoring Boeing (NYSE:BA) for its upcoming fleet renewal while also preparing to place a smaller order with Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY), Reuters reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Choosing Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) would mark a rare shift in supplier alignment.

The Moroccan flag carrier, which operates a predominantly Boeing (NYSE:BA) fleet, has been negotiating for over a year to modernize and expand its aircraft lineup. Industry insiders expect the airline to announce a major commitment to Boeing (BA), including orders for 737 Max narrowbodies and 787 Dreamliners, during the upcoming Paris Air Show.

While Boeing (BA) remains the primary supplier, insiders say Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) is poised to secure an order for around 20 A220 aircraft, the European planemaker’s first such deal with Royal Air Maroc in nearly a quarter-century. The potential Airbus order comes at a time of improving diplomatic ties between France and Morocco, which may have helped pave the way.

Bloomberg has reported that the Boeing (BA) side of the deal could involve as many as 50 737s and roughly two dozen 787s. All parties involved — Boeing, Airbus, and Royal Air Maroc — declined to comment on the negotiations, which remain confidential, Reuters reported.

Royal Air Maroc Chief Executive Abdelhamid Addou previously confirmed the airline’s interest in expanding its fleet to meet rising passenger demand. The carrier, one of Africa’s largest, aims to grow its aircraft count fourfold over the next ten years as Morocco prepares for a surge in tourism and infrastructure ahead of its co-hosting duties for the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Morocco also intends to boost its airport capacity to handle 78 million passengers annually.

Boeing (BA) has long considered Morocco a key strategic partner, not just as a customer but also as part of the country’s growing aerospace manufacturing base. However, French firms are beginning to see new opportunities in the region, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a politically sensitive issue that has shaped regional alliances for decades.

Still, any final Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) deal may hinge on resolving bilateral concerns, including the number of flights permitted between France and Morocco, sources say. Royal Air Maroc last placed a direct Airbus (OTCPK:EADSF) (OTCPK:EADSY) order in 2001, for a small batch of A321 jets. Its current fleet primarily includes Boeing (BA) 737 Max and 787 models, alongside a few Embraer (ERJ) and ATR regional aircraft.