Moroccan Open Sky Policy Paid Off

(3 Minutes Read)

Passenger volumes between Morocco and Europe grew approximately 18% annually in the four years following the deal, generating an additional €1 billion for Morocco’s GDP by 2009 and creating an estimated 24,000 jobs.

Morocco’s experiment with aviation liberalisation paid off, demonstrating how strategic reforms can transform air travel across Africa. Protectionist policies and high costs have long hindered connectivity in the Northern African country.

Marie-Noelle Nwokolo, an associate researcher at The Brenthurst Foundation, noted in a new analysis that Morocco was the first African country to sign an Open Skies agreement with the European Union in 2006, effectively opening its aviation market to competition from Europe.

Some feared the onslaught of European low-cost carriers would kill the national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM). However, the results proved transformative for Morocco’s economy and travel sector.

Passenger volumes between Morocco and Europe grew approximately 18% annually in the four years following the deal, generating an additional €1 billion for Morocco’s GDP by 2009 and creating an estimated 24,000 jobs.

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Tourist arrivals climbed steadily at around 6% per year while average fares dropped by roughly 7%, providing direct consumer benefits. Most significantly, despite predictions of its demise, Royal Air Maroc adapted to the new competitive landscape.