Oneworld announced Royal Air Maroc as its latest member, the first full member from Africa and the alliance’s first global recruit in six years. Royal Air Maroc officially begins operations within oneworld in mid-2020.

Royal Air Maroc is the largest unaligned carrier in Africa, serving 7.3 million passengers last year on 55 aircraft. Based in Casablanca, it travels to 94 destinations in 49 countries. Its routes add 34 new destinations and 21 countries to oneworld’s reach.

“We’re pleased to welcome Royal Air Maroc to oneworld. Africa is the last major region where oneworld does not have a full member airline — and has one of the fastest predicted air travel growth rates over the next few decades. Royal Air Maroc will deliver greater value for more customers worldwide as we expand our alliance network to a new region,” said Alan Joyce, governing board chairman, oneworld, and group CEO, Qantas.

“Royal Air Maroc is excited and honored to have been invited to become oneworld’s wings of Africa. We look forward to completing our flight on board speedily and smoothly so that we can offer the services and benefits of the world’s best airline alliance to our customers and across our own network as soon as possible. We will be flying alongside the finest collection of air carriers in the skies, while at the same time making it easier for people all over the world to reach our historic and beautiful part of the world. This undoubtedly represents one of the most significant landmarks in our airline’s 60-year history and on our journey to establish Royal Air Maroc as the leading airline of Africa,” added Abdelhamid Addou, CEO, Royal Air Maroc.