Royal Air Maroc is to equip 41 aircraft with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, becoming the first commercial airline in Africa to offer the service, the Moroccan carrier said on Wednesday. Installation will start in early 2027 and will be carried out in stages. Members of Royal Air Maroc’s Safar Flyer loyalty programme will get free access to the service.
Starlink uses a network of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet. The airline said passengers will be able to stream video, work online, communicate and stay connected throughout their flights.
The move is part of a wider plan to modernise Royal Air Maroc’s fleet, cabins and passenger services.
“This agreement reflects a clear and firm ambition to offer our passengers a travel experience aligned with the most demanding international standards,” said Hamid Addou, Royal Air Maroc’s chairman and chief executive.
“By choosing the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, we are taking a decisive step in transforming our customer experience and reaffirming Royal Air Maroc’s mission to connect Africa, Europe, and the rest of the world. This forms part of a multi-year plan including fleet renewal, cabin redesigns, and a complete modernisation of customer touchpoints on the ground and in the air.”
SpaceX said the agreement marked an important development for African aviation.
“Royal Air Maroc’s decision to introduce Starlink to its fleet marks an important milestone for aviation in Africa,” said Lauren Dreyer, vice-president of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX.
“As the continent’s first airline to offer this technology, Royal Air Maroc will provide its passengers with the same high-speed, low-latency experience that is transforming travel on other continents. From Casablanca across Africa and beyond, travellers will be able to rely on seamless connectivity throughout their flight.”
Starlink’s system is designed to offer speeds of more than 200 Mbps per aircraft, with latency of less than 30 milliseconds under typical conditions. The system uses electronically steered antennas installed on the aircraft and requires certification for each aircraft type.
Royal Air Maroc’s 41-aircraft programme covers most of its core passenger fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 737 aircraft and Embraer 190s.
The airline is also pursuing a major expansion programme. Under a 2023-2037 agreement with the Moroccan government, it plans to increase its fleet from about 50 aircraft to 200 by 2037.
The expansion is intended to strengthen Casablanca’s role as a hub linking Africa with Europe, North America and other international markets. It also comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Royal Air Maroc said the new connectivity would meet growing demand from business travellers, members of the Moroccan diaspora, students and tourists.
The airline will join a growing number of international carriers using Starlink, including Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines.
For Royal Air Maroc, the service is also expected to support its loyalty programme. Safar Flyer members range from basic members to Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, with benefits including mileage rewards, priority services and lounge access at higher levels.
Safar Flyer members can earn and redeem miles on Royal Air Maroc and other oneworld airlines. The programme also offers family and corporate schemes, while miles can be used for flights, upgrades, additional baggage and other services.
