Like other airlines across the globe, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the plans of Moroccan airline plans for regional expansion pushing it to cut staff, axe routes and adopt painful austerity measures. The company plans to lay off 750 employees including 150 pilots, in a move that is met with fierce resistance from unions. Earlier reports raised the possibility of RAM selling 20 airplanes, further weakening the company’s regional expansion plans. RAM’s revenues drop to zero during the pandemic leaving the company struggling to pay salaries and expenses. A drop in RAM air links bodes ill for Morocco’s tourism sector, which braces for tough times with no end in sight yet in the coronavirus tunnel.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 22, 2020 13:52 UTC