Emma Kelly/LONDON
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has started contract negotiations with Boeing and Airbus Industrie for a further 20 Boeing 737s, two 767s and four Airbus A321s following a lengthy fleet renewal study.
The Casablanca, Morocco-based carrier is seeking deliveries of the types from 2003, in order to cope with growing traffic across its network, says Fouad Attar, deputy vice-president head of engineering.
RAM has been evaluating its long-term fleet requirements for a number of years. The carrier's selection follows a tender process and an intense battle for the order between Boeing and Airbus.
The selection of additional 737s was not surprising as the carrier is already an established 737 operator with a fleet of 26 of the type: four 737-200s, seven -400s, six -500s, four -700s and five -800s. A further two Next Generation 737s - one -700 and one -800 - are set for delivery in 2002 from the carrier's original order for the new versions.
The additional 20 737s will be split between the -700 and -800, with the exact numbers of each type yet to be decided, says Attar. The new 737s will be delivered between 2003 and 2012 when they will replace the carrier's four remaining 737-200s, he says. The additional 737s will be used to increase frequencies on existing services and "perhaps for new destinations", says Attar.
RAM has yet to decide on a 767 version, evaluating -300 and -400 types, with deliveries required from 2004 or "perhaps earlier", says Attar. "The first thing to do with the 767 is to phase out the 747-200," he says.
RAM operates a single -200 and a 747-400 on services to North America - New York and Montreal connections - and Asia. The new 767s will be used to add more frequencies on these routes, in addition to replacing the 747-200. The carrier also operates two 757s.
RAM is also about to embark on contract negotiations with Airbus for four A321-200s, although the carrier has yet to decide when delivery is required, says Attar. The A321s will be used on some of the carrier's European routes at times when the capacity of the 737-800 is not enough, he adds. The Moroccan flag carrier operates an extensive European network.
• Total net orders for Boeing commercial jet airliners have passed the 15,000 mark following what the manufacturer describes as "a surge in orders", to 15,071 as of 1 November. The tally includes Boeing and McDonnell Douglas products. With almost 500 orders placed so far this year, Boeing says demand has increased 25% over 1999's total.
Source: Flight International
