Lift each other to new heights
Northwestern Africa in the broad sense is not new territory for the ECS Group, a global GSSA. It took a minority stake in national carrier Niger Air Cargo seven years ago (see page 17 of ITJ 49-52 / 2012). Group CEO Adrien Thominet and Royal Air Maroc’s vice-president for cargo, Salim Quouninich (in office since autumn), met up with ITJ editor Andreas Haug recently to talk about the airline from Casablanca’s prospects.
Mr Quouninich, why did Royal Air Maroc (RAM) choose ECS as its GSSA?
SQ: The ECS Group is considered one of the best GSSAs worldwide, offering a high level of professionalism. Thanks to this partnership we’ve been able to increase our turnover and gain access to markets in which we had no experience. We’re very pleased with ECS, as it’s helping Royal Air Maroc to significantly expand its freight business.
A lot happened last year. Please tell us more about it all.
SQ: You’re probably referring to the launch of our Boeing B767F widebody freighter in June 2018, a project aimed at maximising RAM’s freight capacity. This aircraft initially served two destinations in Europe – Brussels and Frankfurt – and four major destinations in Africa – Bamako, Libreville, Abidjan, Douala. Since the summer schedule took effect, it has also served Accra, Lagos, Madrid, London.
Mr Thominet, how important is RAM for the development of the ECS Group?
AT: RAM is our first customer from Africa, and we very much believe in its strategy of resolutely focusing on the continent. I remember the last ebola crisis, when RAM was the only airline that continued to fly to the affected areas. Since we don’t want to limit our activities to European airlines serving Africa, RAM is a logical alternative for us. About 30 destinations are accessible to us via RAM’s Casablanca hub. In my mind, RAM is the only airline that applies this strategy.
SQ: I fully agree that serving Africa is ingrained in RAM’s DNA. Since we see ourselves primarily as an African airline, we believe that our primary task is to connect Africa to the world – be it through our passenger or freight business. In fact, the successful expansion of passenger activities at Casablanca airport has also inspired our cargo activities.
We’re now strongly supporting these with new investments, including funds for a new terminal, and taking advantage of the opportunities offered by RAM’s new long-haul connections, especially to and from the USA, namely Miami FL (from April) and Boston (from June).
What does freight’s contribute to RAM’s business and financial success?
SQ: At the moment we contribute an average of 5% to the company’s result, depending on the season concerned; but our goal is to achieve much more.
How do you intend to achieve this?
SQ: By expanding our overall route network as well as our fleet. We’re acting in accordance with a strategic business plan that envisages the acquisition of further full-freighters.
ECS has operated in Africa for a very long time. What’s your current assessment of the conditions for airfreight there?
AT: We think that RAM’s offer, which is especially tailored to this market, will stimulate demand in both directions. There’s already a lot of northbound traffic to Europe, carrying perishable goods from West Africa. I also feel that RAM’s especially committed to the interests of African shippers.
What ground infrastructure is available to you for your services in Casablanca?
SQ: Our 22,000 sqm terminal there handles between 80,000 and 100,000 t of cargo a year. It includes cooling chambers and we’re also considering getting it certified in accordance with the Iata CEIV Pharma standard. We’re a member of the Cargo iQ initiative too, and various third parties have analysed and confirmed our high quality standards.
AT: For me there’s no other airline in the greater Maghreb region that makes as much effort as RAM. So I’m convinced that RAM Cargo will be perceived by our customers as a genuine alternative to European airlines.
And beyond that?
SQ: Our east – west traffic is also impro- ving. In Brazil, another growth market, we’re present in São Paulo as well as in Rio de Janeiro – in partnership with another GSA. But ECS will now support us in Miami too, where we operate a hub.
