A significant milestone in global air connectivity between Africa and Asia was achieved on October 18, 2025, with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai. This strategic partnership is set to substantially enhance direct and connecting flights, addressing the growing demand for economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between China, Morocco, and the broader African continent.

The agreement was formally signed by Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, and Wang Zhiqing, President of China Eastern Airlines. This collaboration marks a major advancement in the cooperation between the two airlines. Key components of the partnership include the implementation of a codeshare agreement and a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA), enabling both carriers to expand their respective networks and provide passengers with seamless travel experiences across Africa and Asia.

Currently, China Eastern Airlines operates flights to Cairo, Egypt, while its subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines, offers services to Casablanca, Morocco. Royal Air Maroc, on the other hand, connects Beijing directly to Africa. The new partnership aims to consolidate these existing routes and lay the groundwork for additional services, thereby facilitating smoother travel and business interactions between major cities in China and Africa.

Beyond expanding flight options, this alliance also underscores the deepening diplomatic and economic ties between Morocco and China. The partnership aligns with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who has consistently advocated for stronger economic and human connections between the two nations since his state visit to Beijing in 2016. Both airlines have emphasized that this collaboration forms part of a broader commitment to fostering South-South cooperation, with the goal of creating a comprehensive, multidimensional partnership that benefits both regions.

For Africa’s burgeoning travel sector, the implications of this enhanced air connectivity are profound. It is expected to significantly boost growing trade, investment, and tourism flows between China and Africa, thereby unlocking new opportunities for travel professionals, hospitality providers, and destination managers across the continent. The codeshare and SPA agreements will facilitate more flexible itineraries, improved flight frequencies, and better access to secondary cities, making Africa more accessible to Chinese travelers and vice versa.

Industry observers note that this development is timely, coinciding with a noticeable rise in demand for Africa-Asia travel, driven by business expansion, academic exchanges, and a growing enthusiasm for cross-continental tourism. By strategically leveraging Shanghai’s position as a primary gateway to Asia and Casablanca’s role as a vital hub for Africa, both airlines are well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum and establish new benchmarks for intercontinental air services.

As this partnership unfolds, travel professionals throughout sub-Saharan Africa should anticipate a wave of new opportunities. The expanded network will not only ensure smoother journeys for both business and leisure travelers but will also strengthen Africa’s position within the global aviation landscape. With major events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the timing of this alliance is particularly advantageous for those seeking to engage with the expanding Africa-Asia corridor.

In conclusion, the partnership between Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines stands as a clear indicator of Africa’s increasing integration into global markets. By constructing a sustainable air bridge between the continents, both carriers are ushering in a new chapter in international travel, one that promises lasting benefits for airlines, travelers, and the broader African tourism industry for years to come.