Air India vs Royal Air Maroc

Overview

Air India is the flag carrier of India. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines by J. R. D. Tata, nationalised in 1953 and returned to the Tata Group in 2022. It is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. Air India Limited is owned by the Tata Group (74.9%) and Singapore Airlines (25.1%). The airline joined Star Alliance in 2014 and is the second-largest Indian airline by passenger volume, after IndiGo. Vistara merged into Air India in November 2024. Air India Express is a separate subsidiary.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, with secondary hubs at Bengaluru and Mumbai. Focus cities include Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram. As of November 2025 the airline served 87 domestic and international destinations. Codeshare and interline partnerships extend the network, for example with Virgin Australia and Alaska Airlines.

Fleet

As of November 2025, Air India operated 189 aircraft: Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo and A350, plus Boeing 777 and 787. The first factory-fit 787-9 was delivered in January 2026. Further orders were placed for Air India Express in January 2026.

On board

• Cabins: Legacy 777-300ERs have first, business and economy. 787-8s are two-class but are being retrofitted with premium economy. The A350-900 and 787-9 have business, premium economy and economy. A320/321ceo aircraft have business and economy; A320/321neo aircraft have three classes or all economy.
• Entertainment: Widebodies have seatback on-demand screens. Most narrowbodies have none, apart from the A321LR.
• Wi-Fi: Free on the A350, 787-9 and selected A321neo aircraft. In April 2026 the airline selected Hughes Network Systems for in-flight connectivity.

Good to know

• The loyalty programme is Maharaja Club, which combined Flying Returns and Club Vistara.
• Baggage allowances, change fees and lounge access vary by fare and route. Check the Air India website before travelling.
• Safety: Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025. All but one of the 242 people on board were killed, along with 19 people on the ground. Investigation findings should be checked for updates.

Global Network and Operations

Royal Air Maroc operates a comprehensive network connecting Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East with over 90 destinations worldwide. Its fleet consists of approximately 54 aircraft including Boeing 737s, 787 Dreamliners, and ATR turboprops. The airline serves as Morocco’s flagship carrier and operates primarily from Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
• Extensive network across Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East.
• Fleet includes modern long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliners and short- to medium-haul Boeing 737s.
• Key hub at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport connecting the African continent.
• Member of the oneworld alliance since 2020, enhancing global connectivity and code-sharing opportunities.

Innovation and Milestones

Royal Air Maroc has achieved important milestones reflecting its leadership and modernization in African aviation:
• First African carrier to operate the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, improving long-haul efficiency and passenger comfort.
• Modernized digital platforms offering user-friendly booking, check-in, and mobile services.
• Expanded cargo operations reinforcing its position in African trade and logistics.
• Active adoption of sustainable initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, including investments in newer, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Royal Air Maroc offers multiple cabin classes, including Economy, Business Class, and occasionally a Premium Economy on select aircraft. Passengers enjoy state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems and traditional Moroccan hospitality. The airline has been recognized for its service quality, on-time performance, and safety standards across its network.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Royal Air Maroc aims to expand its network within Africa and internationally, focusing on enhancing fleet modernization and digital transformation. The airline plans to strengthen partnerships within the oneworld alliance and invest in customer experience innovations to maintain competitive advantage and support Morocco’s tourism and trade ambitions.