Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines have taken a major step toward strengthening their presence on the Africa-Asia air corridor. On Saturday, October 18, the two carriers signed a strategic partnership agreement during a formal ceremony in Shanghai. The deal, sealed by Royal Air Maroc CEO Hamid Addou and China Eastern Chairman Wang Zhiqing, marks a turning point in the deepening relationship between the two nations. Senior executives from both companies were present to witness the signing.
This partnership is designed to expand air connectivity between Morocco and China, responding to growing economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges. One of the first goals is to implement a codeshare agreement on key routes, allowing passengers to book connecting flights across both networks with greater ease. The two airlines also plan to enhance connectivity beyond their respective hubs—Casablanca and Shanghai—and work toward a Special Prorate Agreement, which will allow for more flexible and competitive fares by integrating their pricing structures.
The overall objective is to offer travelers a wider range of destinations, more seamless connections, and improved services across the entire China-Africa axis. In a broader sense, the move reflects the airlines’ shared ambition to streamline international travel and solidify their global footprint.
Beyond codesharing, Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern are looking at additional areas for cooperation. These could include operational synergies, commercial strategies, and joint efforts to raise service standards across the board. The agreement represents more than just a business arrangement—it’s a strategic alignment aimed at long-term growth.
For China Eastern, this partnership builds on existing momentum. Chairman Wang Zhiqing emphasized the long-standing ties between China and Morocco and highlighted the natural synergy between Shanghai’s role as a major Asian hub and Royal Air Maroc’s extensive African network. He described the alliance as a forward-looking collaboration rooted in shared goals and mutual strengths.
Hamid Addou echoed that sentiment, pointing to the broader diplomatic context behind the deal. He noted that the partnership follows the strategic vision of King Mohammed VI, whose visit to China in 2016 laid the groundwork for stronger bilateral ties. That diplomatic push led to the launch of the first direct route between Casablanca and Beijing, which began operating in January 2025.
China Eastern has also been actively expanding its presence in Morocco. Earlier this year, through its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines, it inaugurated service between Shanghai and Casablanca, with a stop in Marseille. In September, the airline added a fourth weekly flight—this time nonstop—signaling its intent to eventually shift all Morocco-bound routes to direct service.
As both carriers ramp up their operations, the enhanced network promises to boost the flow of people and trade not just between Morocco and China, but across the entire African continent. The partnership sets the stage for a new era of connectivity, linking two dynamic regions through stronger aviation ties.