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Royal Air Maroc calls EU open skies agreement unfair

Royal Air Maroc calls EU open skies agreement unfair
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Royal Air Maroc has raised concerns over the open skies agreement between Europe and Morocco, describing it as unfair. The airline faces increasing competition from European carriers, including Ryanair, which affects its operations and market share. Abdelhamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, voiced these concerns at a conference in Marrakesh.

Addou stated, "In terms of regulation, it is time to review the approach of the Open Sky to make it a tool that preserves competition." He highlighted difficulties in opening new routes in Europe and criticized the perceived bias against planes from the Global South.

The CEO also pointed out that while European airlines gain access to African markets, carriers from the Global South face restrictions. Addou emphasized the need for genuine competition and called for renegotiation of Morocco's aviation agreement with the EU.

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Royal Air Maroc faces competition from around forty airlines. Despite this, Addou acknowledged that the initial agreement aimed to boost tourism and aviation sectors in Morocco.

The Euro-Mediterranean aviation agreement has been provisionally applied since December 2006 and officially took effect in March 2018. It allows market access for EU and Moroccan airlines and includes economic rules, regulatory cooperation, and institutional arrangements.

At its signing in 2006, Jacques Barrot of the European Commission remarked on its innovation compared to conventional agreements.

Data shows an increase in flights between Europe and Morocco by 16% from November 2023 to November 2024. Ryanair leads with 3,600 two-way flights, followed by Royal Air Maroc with 2,300 flights. Other significant players include easyJet and Air Arabia.

Royal Air Maroc remains a premium carrier amidst low-cost competitors as it strives to maintain its market position.

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