Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc, is planning to take full ownership of its in-flight catering subsidiary, Atlas Servair SA, by acquiring the remaining 40% stake.

According to a public notice issued by Morocco’s Competition Council on March 12, the airline—already holding a 60% share—intends to gain exclusive control through the purchase of all outstanding shares and voting rights. The proposed transaction is being reviewed under national competition law, with third parties given until March 23 to submit their observations.

Based at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, Atlas Servair provides in-flight catering and passenger service solutions. The company was originally established in 2013 as a joint venture with France’s Servair. Its minority stake later came under the ownership of Switzerland-based Gategroup following its acquisition of Servair.

If approved, the deal would mark the end of nearly a decade-long partnership with international catering firms, bringing Atlas Servair entirely under Royal Air Maroc’s control. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. A non-confidential filing identifies the affected sectors as in-flight catering and passenger air transport.

The Competition Council emphasized that the submitted information comes from the involved parties and does not influence its final assessment of the deal.

Once completed, Atlas Servair would join Royal Air Maroc’s portfolio of fully owned subsidiaries, including RAM Handling, Atlas Multiservices, and RAM Academy.

This move aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen operational control over its support services, while continuing strategic partnerships in technical areas. These include Aerotechnic Industries (with Air France-KLM), Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco, Amadeus Maroc, Casa Aero, and STTS.

At the same time, Royal Air Maroc is pursuing an ambitious expansion plan.

The airline aims to launch around 20 new routes between March and July and is steadily increasing its fleet size. It currently operates nearly 63 aircraft, with plans to grow to 73 by the end of the year and to 200 aircraft by 2037.

The airline is also expecting delivery of its 12th Boeing 787, registered CN-RHU, in the near future.

Additionally, Royal Air Maroc has announced a lease agreement for 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. This agreement builds on earlier leasing arrangements with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Air Lease Corporation, and Avolon, supporting the airline’s expansion while awaiting deliveries from a long-term order of nearly 200 aircraft.

Looking ahead, Royal Air Maroc expects to receive up to 15 new aircraft annually starting in 2028. The Competition Council has not yet announced a timeline for its final decision regarding the Atlas Servair acquisition.