Morocco's carrier foresees drop of activities

The Moroccan carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) predicts a fall of 15 to 20 percent of its activities by next September.

The activities of the company will fall by 15 to 20 percent by next September, RAM director general Mohamed Berrada told a local daily.

Berrada, who imputed the situation to consequences of the terror attacks perpetrated last September 11 against the USA, said RAM will lose up to 700 million Dirhams, nearly US$60.86 million.

The situation compelled the carrier to rationalize its expenditure and stop hiring new staff, he said.

Berrada, however, said he was upbeat as to the future of the carrier, which endeavors to expand its market through cooperation with other countries, especially those of sub-Saharan Africa.

The RAM chief also spoke of the company's strategy over the next five years and which targets, among others, the transformation of the Nouaceur airport (near Casablanca) into an industrial pole and a plat-form for international transport towards Europe, the USA, Canada and the Middle East. The strategy also seeks to create a charter company in Marrakesh to materialize accords concluded with tour operators in Morocco, he added.