WTM Latin America: Othman Baba, general manager of Royal Air Maroc in Brazil, projects flight expansion and bets on the Northeast as a new connection hub

Royal Air Maroc's general manager in Brazil, Othman Baba, stated that the airline intends to expand its operations in the country by increasing frequencies between São Paulo and Casablanca and potentially opening new routes starting in 2027. The strategy includes strengthening local partnerships and diversifying origin and destination points within the Brazilian market.

According to the executive, the operation, which began about a year ago with three weekly flights, has already been expanded to four frequencies and should reach five by the end of 2026, based on the route's performance. The average occupancy rate is around 80%, considered consistent for a recent operation. Flights depart from Guarulhos to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, currently on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Baba highlighted that the expansion in Brazil is supported by a codeshare agreement with Gol, which allows passengers from different Brazilian cities to connect to the international route operated by the Moroccan company. This model broadens the reach of the operation without the need for a direct presence at multiple airports in the country.

Integration with the Brazilian domestic network also contributes to positioning Brazil as Royal Air Maroc's regional hub in Latin America. According to the executive, passengers from other countries in the region use São Paulo as a connection point for flights to Africa, Europe, and other destinations served by the company.

In terms of demand profile, Brazilian passengers primarily use Casablanca as a gateway to Europe. Lisbon leads the list of most sought-after destinations, followed by cities such as Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Milan, and Rome. There is also demand for long-haul destinations like Cairo and Moscow. The company continues to expand its international network, with plans for new flights to cities like Los Angeles, as well as additional destinations in Europe. 

Among the destinations mentioned by Baba are, in Europe, Lisbon in Portugal, Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Bilbao and Alicante in Spain, Milan, Rome and Verona in Italy and Lille in France; in Africa, Cairo in Egypt; and in Asia, Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia.

The executive also pointed to the Brazilian Northeast as a strategic opportunity that is still largely unexplored. According to him, cities like Fortaleza have a geographical advantage over the Southeast, with shorter flights to Casablanca, estimated at around six hours, compared to approximately nine hours from São Paulo. This proximity could influence the company's future expansion decisions in the country.

Royal Air Maroc believes that increasing flight frequency is a key factor for competitiveness in the international market. In this context, the company assesses that a more robust operation, with more frequent flights, can sustain demand growth and enable the opening of new destinations in Brazil, including initial studies for Rio de Janeiro.

This movement occurs within a context of reconfiguration of international air routes, with companies seeking to expand connections between Latin America, Europe, and Africa. WTM Latin America 2026 takes place from April 14th to 17th at Expo Center Norte in São Paulo, the capital of São Paulo state. The event brings together representatives from the sector and serves as a platform for strategic discussions and business expansion in global tourism.

Reporting and photo: Mary de Aquino.