New Air Travel Partnership Between Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines Boosts Connectivity Between Casablanca, Shanghai, and Africa
Published on
October 21, 2025
In a significant development for the aviation industry, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and China Eastern Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at improving air connectivity between China and Africa. This partnership, which was officially announced in October 2025, is set to enhance economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Morocco and China.
This move follows the increasing demand for more direct and efficient travel routes between these two regions. With the signing of this MoU, the two airlines will cooperate more closely on several key initiatives, including a codeshare agreement on major flight routes and the introduction of a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA). These agreements will benefit passengers by offering them smoother connections and access to a broader network of destinations. This collaboration promises to improve the overall travel experience between Africa and China, while also facilitating the growth of trade, tourism, and business connections.
Key Elements of the Partnership
The codeshare agreement between Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines is one of the central elements of their collaboration. This will allow passengers to book flights on both airlines, offering a seamless travel experience between their extensive networks. By integrating their routes, the airlines can offer travelers from both regions more options and convenience when planning their trips.
Additionally, the introduction of the Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) will further streamline the booking process and ensure that fares are more competitive. This will likely make travel between China and Africa more accessible and affordable for passengers, with benefits extending to both leisure and business travelers.
The partnership also sets the stage for further expansion in the aviation sector, as the two companies aim to enhance operational and commercial integration. This could lead to additional flights, new destinations, and further improvements to their services in the coming years.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The growing relationship between China and Morocco has been a major factor behind the creation of this partnership. As the economic and cultural ties between the two countries continue to flourish, both Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines are working together to capitalize on this momentum. The MoU follows the royal visit to China in 2016, which served as a catalyst for deeper collaboration across various sectors.
Both airlines recognize the strategic importance of their respective hubs: Shanghai as a vital gateway for China and Royal Air Maroc’s strong presence across Africa. By leveraging these key positions, the two airlines aim to provide more efficient and frequent services for passengers traveling between the two regions.
Growing Air Traffic Between Africa and China
With the aviation industry continuing to grow, the partnership between Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines comes at a time when air traffic between Africa and China is steadily increasing. The resumption of Royal Air Maroc’s direct flights between Casablanca and Beijing in early 2025 highlights this trend. These flights, which operate three times a week, cater to both tourists and business travelers looking to connect with China’s booming economy.
At the same time, Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern, launched a new route linking Shanghai with Casablanca via Marseille in early 2025, with a similar frequency of three weekly flights. These new routes and the expanded partnerships are a clear reflection of the growing demand for travel between these two dynamic regions.
Travel Tips for Passengers
For travelers looking to take advantage of these new air links between China and Africa, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
- Plan Ahead: With the new codeshare agreements in place, passengers can now book flights on both Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines. Make sure to plan your connections carefully to take full advantage of the extended network of destinations.
- Check for Special Offers: As part of the growing cooperation between the two airlines, look out for promotional offers and discounts that may become available, especially for business travelers or group bookings.
- Stay Informed About Flight Schedules: Given the fluctuating nature of international flights, especially as airlines adjust to new routes, always double-check the latest schedules before booking your flight.
- Use the Hub System: If you’re traveling from Africa to China, or vice versa, consider connecting through Shanghai or Casablanca. These hubs offer various options for seamless connections to other destinations across both regions.
Impact on Tourism
This partnership will likely have a significant impact on tourism between Africa and China. As more affordable and accessible flights become available, tourism to Morocco from China could see a boost. Likewise, Chinese tourists will have easier access to explore the diverse countries across Africa, from the bustling markets of Marrakech to the vast deserts of the Sahara. Both regions stand to gain from this expanded travel network, creating more opportunities for cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines work to expand their partnership, the air link between China and Africa will only grow stronger. With more flights, better connectivity, and improved services, travelers can look forward to a more integrated and efficient travel experience. This partnership not only benefits the airlines involved but also opens new doors for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between China and Africa.
