Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines Forge Strategic Alliance to Boost Africa-Asia Air Links
A new era of air connectivity between Africa and Asia is taking shape as Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and China Eastern Airlines signed a landmark memorandum of understanding in Shanghai on 18 October 2025. This strategic partnership is set to significantly enhance direct and connecting flights between China, Morocco, and the wider African continent, responding to the growing demand for economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the two regions.
The agreement, signed by Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, and Wang Zhiqing, President of China Eastern Airlines, marks a major step forward in the airlines’ cooperation. The partnership will see the implementation of a codeshare agreement and a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), enabling both carriers to expand their networks and offer seamless travel options for passengers traveling between Africa and Asia.
Currently, China Eastern Airlines serves Cairo, Egypt, while its subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines, operates flights to Casablanca, Morocco. Royal Air Maroc, for its part, connects Beijing with Africa, laying the groundwork for a more robust and integrated air bridge between the continents. The new partnership aims to consolidate these existing routes and pave the way for additional services, making it easier for travelers and businesses to move between major cities in China and Africa.
This alliance is not just about expanding flight options; it is also a reflection of the deepening ties between Morocco and China. The partnership aligns with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who has championed stronger economic and human connections between the two countries since his state visit to Beijing in 2016. Both airlines have emphasized that this collaboration is part of a broader effort to foster South-South cooperation and create a model of multidimensional partnership that benefits both regions .
For Africa’s travel sector, the implications are significant. Enhanced air connectivity will support the surge in trade, investment, and tourism flows between China and Africa, opening new opportunities for travel professionals, hospitality providers, and destination managers across the continent. The codeshare and SPA agreements will allow for more flexible itineraries, improved flight frequencies, and better access to secondary cities, making Africa more accessible to Chinese travelers and vice versa.
Industry observers note that this move comes at a time when demand for Africa-Asia travel is on the rise, driven by business expansion, academic exchanges, and a growing appetite for cross-continental tourism. By leveraging Shanghai’s strategic position as a gateway to Asia and Casablanca’s role as a hub for Africa, the two airlines are well-positioned to capture this momentum and set new standards for intercontinental air service .
As the partnership unfolds, travel professionals in sub-Saharan Africa should prepare for a wave of new opportunities. The enhanced network will not only facilitate smoother journeys for business and leisure travelers but also strengthen Africa’s position in the global aviation landscape. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup and other major events on the horizon, the timing of this alliance could not be better for those looking to tap into the expanding Africa-Asia corridor.
Ultimately, the Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines partnership is a clear signal of Africa’s growing integration with global markets. By building a sustainable air bridge between the continents, both carriers are setting the stage for a new chapter in international travel—one that promises to benefit airlines, travelers, and the broader African tourism industry for years to come.
