Rabat – Royal Air Maroc has signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-powered Wi-Fi across its fleet, making the Moroccan national carrier the first African airline to adopt the low-Earth-orbit network.

According to Africa Intelligence, Royal Air Maroc CEO Abdelhamid Addou signed the agreement with Starlink on August 4 following months of negotiations over the cost and technical conditions of the service. 

The airline is now targeting full deployment in 2027, bringing forward earlier projections that pointed to 2028.

The rollout is expected to begin with testing on selected aircraft before expanding across the fleet. 

The accelerated timeline comes as Royal Air Maroc prepares to significantly expand its fleet, including plans involving the delivery of around 100 Boeing aircraft.

The agreement also reflects a broader shift in the airline industry, where onboard connectivity is increasingly becoming a competitive feature rather than an optional extra. 

Royal Air Maroc’s move places it among a growing group of carriers turning to low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide faster and more consistent internet access at cruising altitude.

The timing is particularly significant on routes where Royal Air Maroc operates alongside European competitors. Air France has already been a Starlink customer since late 2024, meaning RAM’s adoption brings the Moroccan carrier into the same satellite connectivity ecosystem.

The negotiations reportedly stretched over months, with pricing emerging as a key obstacle. Starlink’s costs can vary depending on the technical requirements of a carrier and the level of connectivity needed across routes already served by other airlines.

For Royal Air Maroc, the deal goes beyond passenger convenience. Reliable onboard internet could strengthen the carrier’s competitiveness as it expands its network and fleet, while giving passengers a service increasingly expected on long-haul and premium routes.

For Starlink Royal Air Maroc offers an important entry point into Africa’s aviation market. 

Securing a deal with one of the continent’s major national carriers gives the company a high-profile regional partner as airlines across Africa look to modernize their passenger experience.

Royal Air Maroc has not yet disclosed whether Starlink Wi-Fi will be offered free of charge or through a paid model.