Royal Air Maroc (AT) says it will tender for between 12 and 15 new 100-seater aircraft should trials with two Embraer E190s, currently on lease from Holland's Denim Air ACMI, prove to be successful. Among the contenders mentioned are Bombardier's C-Series, Embraer E190 and surprisingly, Sukhoi's Super Jet 100. |
| RAM's first E190 (D Miller) |
According to airline CEO, Mr Driss Benhima, once the 8-12 month trials are complete, should a decision be taken to order aircraft of that size, the acquisition would be tendered for as part of the airline's attempts at better matching supply with demand while optimizing its operating costs.
"If the trial proves successful, the company will acquire 12 to 15 units of this type of aircraft. An international tender will be launched to choose a leading aerospace manufacturer most suited to Royal Air Maroc's needs. The tender will be open to three suppliers selected for their expertise in this sector: Russia's Sukhoi Super Jet 100, Canada's Bombardier CSeries and Embraer's E190."
Studies undertaken by the company with the assistance of specialized international firms, have recommended the introduction of 15 units of the 100-seater type for use in the medium term and listed according to the following criteria:
- Expanding RAM's network through the opening up of new destinations suited to this type of aircraft;
- Replacement of conventional medium-haul fleet aircraft already operational at the airline;
- Be competitive on high-desnity & frequency routes;
- Allow for the restructuring of the fleet to better align supply with demand.
- Extend the network by opening new routes with lower costs compared to conventional aircraft in the airline's medium-haul fleet
- Strengthen the connectivity of RAM's central hub in Casablanca;
- Improve the profitability of routes with low traffic flow;
- Improve load factors
Source [aeronautique.ma]
Royal Air Maroc is also planning to immediately acquire between "20 and 30 NextGen aircraft, including 15 medium-haul and 5 long-haul jets", airline Chief Executive Officer, Mr Driss Benhima, announced in late June.
