Regional know-how
Partners for crisis support in West and Central Africa. Royal Air Maroc and the Washington-based humanitarian organisation Airlink, which specialises in air cargo logistics, have signed a partnership agreement to support communities affected by long-term crises.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s largest airline with a route network covering more than 90 destinations worldwide, including 28 in Africa, has formalised its first memorandum of understanding (mou) with the not-for-profit humanitarian aid organisation Airlink.
The collaboration commits Morocco’s flag carrier to transporting 50 t of humanitarian cargo next year, providing passenger tickets for relief personnel and making a charitable cash donation to support Airlink’s operations.
The NGO, which serves other nonprofit organisations, recognises the partnership as a crucial step towards improving the reach and impact of its humanitarian aid efforts in some of the world’s most underprivileged regions.
The Oneworld member’s African route network will significantly increase Airlink’s operational capacities, particularly in West and Central Africa and the Sahel region, where more than 30 million people are suffering from the severe effects of long-term and complex humanitarian crises.
Demand growing, resources stagnating
These crises create increasing and urgent needs for humanitarian aid and protection, while resources dedicated to the region remain stagnant. NGOs in Airlink’s network of more than 200 aid partners that respond actively to crises have previously faced significant operational hurdles, due to geographical challenges and the high cost of accessing flights. The new collaboration between RAM and Airlink is expected to help address pressing needs in crisis areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Morocco works tirelessly to develop South-South cooperation and is particularly committed to developing Africa. This partnership therefore fits perfectly with our vision and mission in a common goal of continental solidarity,” said Abdelhamid Addou, chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc.
The North African airline’s support will particularly benefit crisis-stricken communities located in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic (including refugees who have fled from Sudan), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and Niger.
Sierra Leone and the Middle East too
On top of this RAM’s commitment to the region will also help organisations meet humanitarian needs and strengthen health systems in Sierra Leone and in the Middle East.