Royal Air Maroc (AT, Casablanca Mohamed V) is studying the SSJ 100/95 and the MS-21 as part of its 100-seater narrowbody/regional jet fleet expansion plans. According to TASS, Russia's Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Viktor Evtukhov, told local TV that talks with the Moroccans were currently underway.
"As for the Sukhoi company they are ready to buy from 12 to 20 aircraft. As for helicopters and MS-21 the negotiations are still underway," he said in an interview with the Rossiya 24 TV channel.
Royal Air Maroc wet-leased an SSJ 100-95, RA-89021 (msn 95021), from Moskovia Airlines (Zhukovsky) during the winter of 2013/14 as part of its type assessment which included the E190 and the Bombardier Aerospace A220-100. Ultimately, the Moroccans decided to lease four EMB-190s from Ireland's Aldus Aviation all of which have since been delivered.
Last year, airline deputy CEO Habiba Lakalech told African Aerospace magazine that once chosen, the aircraft would be used to penetrate new markets.
"We will initially use these jets on new routes, as they are less expensive to operate," she said. "Then, as load factors rise, we can switch to larger aircraft."
Currently, the EMB-190s are used to serve domestic Moroccan routes as well as destinations in Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark.
