Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, plans to buy the remaining 40% stake in its in-flight catering subsidiary, Atlas Servair SA, and take complete ownership, the country’s Competition Council said on March 12.
Royal Air Maroc already holds 60% of Atlas Servair and is seeking exclusive control through the purchase of the outstanding shares and voting rights, according to the council’s public notice. The transaction was filed under Morocco’s competition law, and third parties have until March 23 to submit observations.
Atlas Servair, based in the industrial zone at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, provides airline catering and in-flight passenger services. It began as a joint venture with France’s Servair in 2013 before the minority stake passed to Switzerland-based Gategroup after it acquired Servair.
The deal would end roughly a decade of partnership with international catering groups and bring Atlas Servair fully under Royal Air Maroc’s control. Financial terms were not disclosed. A non-confidential summary filed with the council describes the affected sectors as in-flight catering and passenger air transport.
The council noted that the information came from the parties involved and does not prejudge its review of the transaction. Once completed, Atlas Servair would join Royal Air Maroc’s roster of wholly owned service companies, including RAM Handling for ground operations, Atlas Multiservices for recruitment and staffing, and RAM Academy for pilot and technical training.
The move fits Royal Air Maroc’s strategy of tightening operational control over support activities while maintaining joint ventures for technical work. Those partnerships include Aerotechnic Industries, a 50-50 heavy-maintenance venture with Air France-KLM, and Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco for engine repairs. The airline also works with Amadeus Maroc on reservations, Casa Aero on flight simulation, and STTS on aircraft painting.
Separately, Royal Air Maroc is pushing aggressive growth. It intends to launch about 20 new routes between March and July and is expanding its fleet. The airline currently operates nearly 63 aircraft and aims to reach 73 by year-end and 200 by 2037. Delivery of its 12th Boeing 787, registered CN-RHU, is imminent.
The carrier also announced in March a lease for 13 additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, with deliveries starting in 2027. That deal builds on earlier leases from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Air Lease Corp., and Avolon and supports growth while the airline awaits deliveries under a long-term tender for nearly 200 aircraft.
Royal Air Maroc expects to receive up to 15 new planes annually beginning in 2028. The Competition Council has not indicated a timeline for its final decision on the Atlas Servair transaction.
